What is Adderall
Adderall (primary reason for Adderall Addiction) is a drug that is often prescribed by health professionals to individuals who suffer from ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) and narcolepsy . It contains a combination of two stimulants, i.e., dextroamphetamine and amphetamine. The two components stated above are stimulants of the CNS (central nervous system) which impact different chemicals present in the human brain along with the nerves that lead to control of impulses as well as hyperactivity.
Individuals with ADHD and Narcolepsy often feel the lack of focus and concentration for which Adderall is prescribed. It improves the working of neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and dopamine. In simpler words, taking Adderall increases energy levels by reducing restlessness and fidgeting habits. However, if taken more than prescribed, it can show significant side effects and can also lead to Adderall Addiction.
Causes of Adderall Addiction
Adderall addiction is noted highly currently, given the extensive competition in all sectors. Students, young professionals who have demanding jobs, athletes and people suffering from eating disorders, along with patients with ADHD and Narcolepsy, are mainly the ones who fall prey to Adderall addiction. There are several factors that lead to the abuse of the Adderall, which are stated below:
- Academic Pressure: Stimulants such as Adderall are highly used by students in college. It has been found from different studies that 20% to 30% of college students are involved in Adderall abuse in the US without any prescription. It is used by them to study harder and avoid sleep in order to perform better academically. The constant use of the stimulant for cognitive improvement leads them to Adderall addiction eventually. A research study showed that students from medical colleges are also involved in stimulant abuse.
- Performance enhancement: It has been observed by the findings of Adelante Recovery Centre that several professional and non-professional athletes fall prey to Adderall addiction. Often, they start using it as a one-time stimulant for a quick fix to the competitive edge, which later leads to addiction. As sports-based scholarships are aimed at my students from marginalized or minority backgrounds, they often feel the pressure to excel and, hence, lead to stimulant abuse. Male athletes who are engaged in contact sports such as wrestling, football and lacrosse have been found to be addicted to Adderall in several cases. Hence, it has been prohibited to used by professional athletes. Â
- Improving focus on the job: Individuals working in high-pressure work environments with tough commitments often avoid the side effects that come with the misuse of Adderall. For the first few times, it boosts the dopamine level, helping them to focus on their work, resulting in desired results, but after a while, they start getting headaches, nausea, reduced appetite, anxiety, abdominal pain and constipation.
- Reducing restlessness: Individuals with ADHD  since childhood or adolescence often keep using Adderall even after their prescribed tenure and outside of the prescribed dosage. As they are constantly in chaos and fighting restlessness, they get highly dependent on the drug mentioned above, leading to Adderall’s addiction.
Signs and Symptoms of Adderall Addiction
- Being talkative
- Hypertension
- Frequent anxiety attacks
- Feeling dizzy or having blurred vision
- Impatience
Now, it is understandable that all people feel these emotions due to several reasons, including Adderall addiction, but the ones who are regularly dealing with these people might notice a bit of change in their behaviour, for example, erratic and haughty attitude. Counsellors at schools or colleges may often notice these changes given their knowledge of the general abuse of the drug, which can be bought over the counter due to the commonality of the cases of ADHD.
Ways to deal with Adderall Addiction
- Support Groups: Support groups are highly effective for adults or young adults who are dealing with Adderall addiction as they help them realize the root cause of stimulant misuse in a safe and non-judgmental environment. The realization of their issues and understanding that they are not alone in fighting similar issues helps them to gain strength for dealing with the issue.
- Inpatient Treatment: Through inpatient treatment at rehab or a hospital setting, individuals are to be under constant monitoring in case of withdrawal. Moreover, being surrounded by fellow abusers who are also trying to get better can also motivate them to adopt healthy habits effectively.
- Medical detoxification: Individuals who have suffered an overdose of Adderall are typically suggested medical detoxification.
- Cognitive-Behaviour Therapy: For adolescents, CBT Â is the best option as it helps them build healthy coping mechanisms to deal with Adderall addiction.
