Adderall is a commonly prescribed stimulant for ADHD and narcolepsy. Unfortunately, there is a widespread misconception that Adderall can help you focus and study better, making it a popular choice among college students and young professionals. While there are no scientific studies supporting the idea that Adderall can help achieve better performance, it is still commonly misused. As it has the potential to develop a dependence and conviction that good results cannot be achieved without it, it is important to recognize early on the signs and symptoms of Adderall abuse and react by seeking professional help. Mental Health Providers can connect you with the best recovery facility to deal with Adderall-related problems.
Understanding Adderall and Its Potential for Abuse
Helping those who struggle with Adderall misuse starts with your ability to recognize the signs and symptoms of Adderall abuse.
What is Adderall?
Adderall is a combination of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine that stimulates the central nervous system. Adderall improves focus and reduces impulsivity by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain. It is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), as well as narcolepsy.
The combination of dextroamphetamine and amphetamine can be habit-forming. Despite this warning, Adderall is still commonly misused.
Why is Adderall Commonly Abused?
An often ignored piece of information is that Adderall improves focus and productivity only for people with ADHD, while there is no scientific proof it does the same for the rest of the population. College students and professionals frequently abuse Adderall for this reason. Those who seek to increase positivity are among the top users of Adderall. Additionally, Adderall is sometimes used recreationally for weight loss or to achieve euphoria.
Over time, one develops a tolerance to Adderall, which can result in increased abuse and medication dependence. Moreover, it leads to the false belief that results can only be achieved when using Adderall.
Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms of Adderall Abuse
Anyone struggling with Adderall misuse should seek professional Adderall addiction treatment. Learning about and recognizing the first signs and symptoms of Adderall abuse can ensure a timely reaction. Here is a short overview of Adderall abuse symptoms.
Physical Symptoms
Typical physical signs of Adderall abuse include
- Increased heart rate and high blood pressure.
- Insomnia or disrupted sleep patterns.
- Loss of appetite and significant weight loss.
- Dry mouth, nausea, or headaches.
Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms
As for the Adderall abuse signs that manifest behaviorally or emotionally, these are the ones to look out for:
- Uncharacteristic aggression, anxiety, or paranoia.
- Mood swings.
- Obsessive need to complete tasks or overwork.
- Social withdrawal.
- Doctor shopping or increasing dosage without medical approval.
The Dangers of Adderall Overuse and Dependence
Not only will it not bring desirable results (an increased focus on productivity), but Adderall misuse can also result in numerous, both short-term and long-term, consequences. While some of them impact your medical state, others can have a detrimental effect on your mental health. As quitting Adderall alone can cause various withdrawal symptoms, our recommendation is to always start professional treatment with medical detox that ensures safety and stability while reducing the discomfort of this stage of the addiction treatment process.
Short-Term Risks of Abuse
Beware of these short-term risks of Adderall abuse:
- Heart palpitations.
- High blood pressure.
- Panic attacks or extreme anxiety.
- Hallucinations or psychotic episodes.
Long-Term Consequences
Long-term dangers of Adderall misuse include:
- Dependency requiring medical detox for safe withdrawal.
- Increased risk of stroke or cardiovascular problems.
- Depression and severe withdrawal symptoms after stopping.
Adderall Abuse in New Jersey: A Growing Concern
Misuse of Adderall, in particular among students, is a growing concern in the US. New Jersey also struggles with growing numbers of young adults misusing this prescription medicine, and the sheer number of those seeking professional help from addiction treatment centers in NJ stands as proof of the growing need for this issue to be addressed.
Why New Jersey is Seeing a Rise in Stimulant Abuse
So, what brought about these rising rates of Adderall misuse? Many see the high-pressure academic culture in universities (such as Princeton and Rutgers) as the main factor contributing to Adderall misuse. Such an atmosphere is an ever-present factor, resulting in continuous and chronic Adderall misuse. This type of use undoubtedly leads to dependence.
Adderall misuse is very common among students, but there are also reports of abuse in corporate and high-performance careers. Many believe that Adderall provides sharpness, focus, and increased productivity. Those who find themselves under pressure to perform at a high level may turn to Adderall as a resource to achieve that.
There are, however, attempts to discourage or stop Adderall’s misuse. For instance, there are programs for monitoring prescription drugs that aim to reduce misuse. Adderall users typically come to possession of Adderall by buying out other people’s prescriptions or with so-called doctor shopping (going to multiple doctors to get multiple prescriptions for Adderall), and it is believed that monitoring systems will reduce such behaviors.
Seeking Professional Help for Adderall Addiction
If you are noticing symptoms of Adderall abuse, you should seek professional support for overcoming dependence on Adderall. Professionals will help you overcome current struggles but also empower you to develop healthy coping mechanisms and make better choices in the future. If you are unsure where to start, check out our Rehab Guide and explore recovery facilities in New Jersey.
When to Seek Treatment
Are you noticing signs and symptoms of Adderall abuse, but you are still not sure if you should seek professional assistance (for yourself or your loved one)? If your answer is yes, you can use the following to draw the final conclusion. You should turn to a professional if:
- An individual cannot function without Adderall.
- Multiple failed attempts to quit have occurred.
- Withdrawal symptoms like fatigue and depression are present.
Additionally, you can do a quick substance abuse assessment. You can also reach out to facilities that offer free initial assessments and ensure professional evaluation.
Treatment Options for Adderall Addiction
There are several levels of care for those struggling with Adderall dependence. If you need more structure, continuous monitoring, and quick access to the facility’s resources, inpatient or residential rehab should be your choice. If, however, you need to keep your daily routine but still require much support, outpatient and partial hospitalization programs can be a better fit.
Regardless of the level of care you opt for, you can count on several approaches and treatments when it comes to addressing Adderall dependence. You might be suggested cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps reframe thinking patterns that have led you to addiction. Motivational interviewing can ignite the desire for change in those who feel ambivalent about their current situation.
In addition to evidence-based approaches, facilities may offer holistic treatments, aiming to care for your body, mind, and spirit equally. Typically, they all offer to include you in support groups and create aftercare programs to ensure lifelong sobriety and that you feel supported throughout your recovery journey.
Find Treatment Today
What started as an intent to help yourself be more productive can end in dependence and addiction. While these scenarios might seem scary, many have been where you are now. It’s important that you recognize the signs and symptoms of Adderall abuse early on to react in a timely manner and seek professional support. There are many reliable facilities in New Jersey. Use Mental Health Providers´ resources to find one that can address your needs and circumstances.
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