Adderall Addiction | Adderall In Ohio

Kimberly Langdon, M.D.

Medically Reviewed By: Kimberly Langdon, M.D.

on December 2, 2022

Adderall (brand name for amphetamine and dextroamphetamine) is a prescription stimulant medication used to treat those suffering from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and certain sleeping disorders such as narcolepsy. 

This prescription drug is considered a Schedule II controlled substance according to the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

Adderall increases the norepinephrine and dopamine levels in the central nervous system (CNS). When Adderall binds to these receptors over time, a person may grow more interested in feeling the effects of the drug. This can lead to a potential Adderall addiction.

Side Effects Of Adderall Use

Taking Adderall can lead to a number of side effects, whether you take the medication for short-term or long-term use.

Short-Term Side Effects

Although helpful in treating ADHD and narcolepsy, the use of Adderall can cause a variety of side effects. Some of the short-term side effects may consist of:

  • dry mouth
  • nausea
  • weight loss
  • headache
  • nervousness
  • constipation
  • changes in sex drive
  • diarrhea

Long-Term Side Effects

In addition to the short-term side effects that Adderall can cause, long-term use may lead to:

  • Adderall cravings
  • mental health problems such as depression or anxiety
  • potential physical dependence
  • hallucinations
  • blurred vision
  • mania or psychosis
  • seizures
  • dizziness
  • slurred speech
  • mental disorders such as bipolar disorder

Adderall Withdrawal Symptoms

Those who abuse this prescription stimulant medication may develop Adderall withdrawal symptoms if the drug is stopped abruptly. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), some of the symptoms of Adderall withdrawal may consist of:

  • fatigue
  • depression
  • sleeping problems
  • agitation
  • teeth grinding

Warning Signs Of Adderall Abuse

The use of Adderall may be prevalent among young adults, especially high school or college students, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). 

Adderall can be used as a study drug to “cram” for an exam the night before the test.

Adderall may also be abused by those wishing to obtain weight loss. Although this may be a side effect of taking the drug, it can become more severe in those who participate in snorting Adderall.

Snorting Adderall

Snorting Adderall can increase the effects one experiences when taking the drug. Those who snort the drug will do so by crushing the pill into a powder. Continuous use of Adderall in this manner may result in:

  • chronic nose bleeds
  • a constant runny nose
  • damage to the nasal tissue
  • bacterial infections
  • deviated septum

Polydrug Use

If one has developed an addiction to Adderall, they may seek out the drug in other ways. To achieve the desired effects, a person may turn to other prescription or illicit drugs. However, those who take Adderall should avoid:

  • other stimulants such as methylphenidate (Ritalin)
  • illegal or prescription opioids
  • certain antidepressants such as selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
  • benzodiazepines
  • antacids

Adderall Overdose

Those who abuse Adderall by snorting or by taking higher doses of the drug may experience a life-threatening overdose. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) states some of the symptoms of an Adderall overdose may include:

  • cardiovascular events such as a heart attack
  • hallucinations or confusion
  • panic states
  • tremors
  • abdominal cramps
  • convulsions
  • serotonin syndrome
  • fluctuations in blood pressure and heart rate

If you suspect an Adderall overdose has occurred, contact 911 immediately.

Adderall Addiction Treatment In Ohio

Adderall addiction treatment involves a number of treatment options. Finding a treatment center for your drug addiction can be your first step toward lasting recovery.

Detox

One of the first steps taken in a treatment facility may consist of detoxification. Detox allows your body to rid itself of unwanted chemicals and toxins. This process may only last short-term. However, a medical professional will supervise you during withdrawal.

Behavioral Therapy

Certain outpatient or inpatient treatment programs at various rehab centers may provide support groups, cognitive behavioral therapy, and group therapy. Therapy proves to be beneficial for those suffering with drug addiction.

If you or a loved one are struggling with drug use, consider Ohio Recovery Center. To learn about our inpatient treatment program, please contact one of our healthcare professionals today.

FAQs

How Long Can Adderall Be Detected On A Drug Test?

Adderall can be detected on a drug test for an average of 1 to 3 days after the last use. Factors such as body composition, frequency of use, and the formulation taken can affect the elimination and detection times of Adderall.

Learn more about How Long Adderall Stays In Your System

What’s A Typical Dose Of Adderall?

A typical dose of Adderall is between 5-40 mg for adults and 2.5-40 mg for children between the ages of 3-5.

Learn more about Adderall Dosage

How Much Does Adderall Cost In Ohio?

Adderall prescriptions in Ohio can cost up to $250 without health insurance or discounts. Street Adderall in Ohio can cost an average of $12 per dose.

Learn more about Adderall Prices In Ohio

What Does Adderall Feel Like?

Euphoric sensations, increased confidence and attention, and extra energy are all feelings a person can experience when taking Adderall. However, abusing this prescription stimulant may result in serious health issues.

Learn more about What Adderall Feels Like

How Do You Identify Fake Adderall?

To identify fake Adderall, you need to know what authentic Adderall looks like. Real Adderall pills are blue, white, or orange, are mostly round or oval shaped, and have various imprints like “AD,” “dp,” or “Adderall XR.”

Fake Adderall may have a different:

  • Texture: more crumbly, firmer, smoother, rougher
  • Stamp: the drug name and number are not the same or are imprinted more deeply, more shallow, off-centered, or crooked
  • Taste: it’s more bitter, less bitter, or tastes off in some way

Learn more about Fake Adderall Pills

Are Adderall & Methamphetamine The Same?

Adderall and methamphetamine are not the same, though these substances do share chemical similarities. They are also both prescribed medically but are often abused despite possessing a high risk for dependence and addiction.

Learn more about Adderall Vs. Meth

What Does Adderall Look Like?

What Adderall looks like depends on the formulation, dosage, and manufacturer. It can be a tablet or a capsule and comes in a variety of colors, shapes, and doses.

Learn more about What Adderall Looks Like

Can You Smoke Adderall?

While the drug can be smoked, it first needs to be freebased, and as a result Adderall is rarely abused in this way. Adderall drug abuse usually happens orally, or sometimes through boofing, snorting, or injection. 

Learn more about Smoking Adderall

Is Adderall Approved For Rectal Use?

Adderall is not approved for rectal use and should only be taken as directed. Plugging Adderall is a form of drug abuse and may increase the risk of rectal infection, heart issues, and drug overdose.

Learn more about Plugging Adderall

  1. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) — Controlled Substance List https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/schedules/
  2. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) — Adderall https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2017/011522s043lbl.pdf
  3. National Alliance on Mental Illness — Amphetamine (Adderall) https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Treatments/Mental-Health-Medications/Types-of-Medication/Amphetamine-(Adderall)
  4. National Institute on Drug Abuse — What Are Prescription Stimulants? https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/prescription-stimulants
  5. National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus — Dextroamphetamine and Amphetamine https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a601234.html
  6. Pharmacy — Neurocognitive, Autonomic, and Mood Effects of Adderall: A Pilot Study of Healthy College Students https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6165228/

Written by Ohio Recovery Center Editorial Team

© 2024 Ohio Recovery Center | All Rights Reserved

* This page does not provide medical advice.

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