Adderall Addiction

Like so many other medications that provide great benefits to many people who need it, Adderall can also have a dark side. If you have been wondering, “Is Adderall addictive?” The answer is yes. This leads to other questions. Why do people become dependent on this particular drug? What signs can you watch out for in a loved one? What are the effects of long term Adderall addiction? Read on to learn more.

What is it about Adderall that causes people to become addicted to it? The whole point of the drug is to help people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder to be able to focus. For people without ADHD, it may help them to have even greater focus, concentration, and productivity. Often times, a student under pressure may begin taking this drug to be able to keep up with their studies. They may begin to feel unproductive an unfocused when not experiencing the effects of the drug. Also, as the body adjusts, more and more of the medication is needed to produce the same effect. The body eventually becomes dependent on it. Even decreasing dosage may cause withdrawal symptoms, causing the user to continue their regimen.

Adderall Addiction Symptoms

If you suspect that someone you know is addicted to Adderall, what are some Adderall addiction symptoms that you can look out for? Many of the symptoms will appear to be the effects of high anxiety such as nervousness, uncontrollable shaking, difficulty falling or staying asleep, dry mouth, and restlessness. These will be accompanied by other symptoms such as headaches, nausea, stomach aches, diarrhea or constipation, and a loss of appetite that will result in weight loss. A sudden change in the addict's sex drive may also be noticed. While users will seem hyper focused at times, they may seem groggy and unmotivated when coming down from a high.

What are some of the long term effects of being addicted to this drug? The addict may eventually become violent or aggressive. An irregular or fast heartbeat may develop. Other heart problems including high blood pressure may develop. Neurological symptoms may include paranoia, hallucinations, and seizures. As you can see, this is a potentially dangerous addiction and, in the worst case, can result in death.

If you or someone you know has become addicted to Adderall, be sure to get help. Dealing with withdrawal won't be easy, but it can save your life and help you get back to being the person you once were.