Adderall Addiction Signs & Symptoms

Learn about Adderall addiction & abuse

Adderall is a central nervous stimulant that is often prescribed to treat symptoms associated with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. The medication, which is composed of a combination of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine, has the effect of improving focus, alertness, and working memory.

As a catecholamine agonist, Adderall binds to receptors in the brain that interact with dopamine and norepinephrine (two hormones that are associated with pleasure and energy). By triggering the brain’s “pleasure centers,” and by blocking the activity that regulates the duration of these feelings, Adderall provides users with an extended sensation of alertness, energy, and euphoria.

Adderall is one of the most commonly prescribed medications in the United States, where about 6.4 million young people have been diagnosed with ADHD.

When used at an appropriate dosage as directed by the prescribing physician, Adderall has proved to be safe and effective. Unfortunately, a variety of factors – including ease of access and relatively low price – have led to an increasing prevalence of Adderall for recreational and unsupervised “off-label” purposes.

Adderall’s impact on concentration and cognition has led to an increasing prevalence of abuse among students who refer to it as a “study drug” or “smart drug.” Abuse of Adderall and similar prescription medications isn’t limited to students, though. Professionals who need to retain focus and energy for extended periods of time have also abused these drugs, as have athletes who are looking for an illicit edge.

Adderall abuse statistics

Among college-age individuals, the rate of Adderall abuse is between 2% and 4%, with that rate increasing to as much as 30% in some parts of the United States. Additionally, and according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), the number of emergency room patients seen for stimulant-related health concerns involving drugs like Adderall was highest among adults between the ages of 21 and 24. Lastly, it has been reported that the number of emergency room visits by people who have consumed alcohol and other drugs at the same time are those that have consumed alcohol and stimulants, such as Adderall.

Causes and risk factors for Adderall abuse

Several factors can increase the likelihood that a person will abuse and become addicted to Adderall or other ADHD medications. The following are among the more common genetic and environmental influences on Adderall abuse, along with a list of general risk factors:

Genetic: Multiple studies, including some involving identical twins, have strongly suggested a genetic influence on substance abuse and addiction. People who have first-degree relatives (parents or siblings) who are struggling with addiction are at increased risk for developing the same problem themselves. Any family history of addictive behaviors also raises the likelihood that a person will abuse or become addicted to Adderall or another drug.

Environmental: Substance abuse and addiction within the family can be an environmental cause as well as a genetic one. People who grow up in houses where substance abuse is common, and where drugs are easily accessible, are more likely to abuse drugs than are those whose formative years were spent in drug-free environments. Because Adderall is so widely prescribed, it is easily accessible to millions of children, adolescents, and teenagers – and because so many young people are related to or know someone who has prescription Adderall, the risk of the drug being abused is significant.

Risk Factors:

• Family history of substance abuse and addiction
• Family history of mental illness
• Personal experience of mental illness
• Environmental presence of substance abuse
• Having attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Having a close family member who has attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Difficulties dealing with stress or pressure
• Personal history of abuse, neglect, or other forms of trauma

Signs and symptoms of Adderall abuse

Adderall abuse and addiction can manifest in a variety of ways, some more obvious than others. While no one sign or symptom is absolute proof that a person has been abusing Adderall, exhibiting several of the following signs could indicate that a person has been engaging in Adderall abuse, or has become addicted to the drug. Professional treatment for Adderall addiction is strongly advised.

Behavioral symptoms:

• Increased nervousness or restlessness
• Twitching or shaking
• Complaints of headache pain
• Visible weight loss
• Pattern of secrecy and deception
• Visiting websites that sell illicit pharmaceuticals
• Visible weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss

Physical symptoms:

• Problems getting to sleep or staying asleep
• Disrupted sex drive
• Stomach pain, cramps, and/or nausea
• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Hives or rash
• Weight loss

Cognitive symptoms:

• Mood swings
• Problems with focus and concentration
• Hyper-alertness
• Feelings of euphoria, followed by emotional down periods
• Anxiety and/or paranoia

Psychosocial symptoms:

• Expressions of unprovoked anger or aggression
• Disrupted speech patterns
• Extreme agitation and impatience
• Hostility

Effects of Adderall abuse

Adderall abuse has been associated with several short- and long-term health effects, including the following:

• Hypertension
• Heart failure
• Seizures or convulsions
• Confusion/delusion
• Headaches
• Coma
• Psychosis
• Death

Adderall abuse & co-occurring disorders

Many people who abuse Adderall area also dealing with another mental or behavioral disorder. The following are among the more common co-occurring disorders among individuals who have abused or become addicted to Adderall:

• Depression (including major depressive disorder and persistent depressive disorder)
• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Learning disabilities
• Panic/anxiety disorder
• Bipolar disorder
• Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD)
• Other forms of substance abuse/addiction