If you’re unsure whether you’re addicted to Adderall, then knowing what Adderall addiction symptoms to look out for will help you get the help that you need. Adderall can be a highly effective prescription drug when taken for its intended use and its prescribed dosage. Unfortunately, many people take the drug without a prescription and also take dangerous amounts of the drug that would never be prescribed by a doctor. This misuse of the drug quickly turns to a dependence on the drug to the point that the user cannot function without more and more of the drug in their system.
Many people turn to Adderall thinking that since it’s a stimulant drug, it will give them a temporary boost of energy and focus. But when they keep coming back to the drug for the same purpose, this is a dependence that leads to addiction. At The Arbor, we offer substance abuse treatment programs to help you get the help you need to get back to a healthier version of yourself.
Signs of Adderall Addiction
As a stimulant that directly affects the central nervous system, Adderall is a popular drug that falls under the category referred to as “speed” or “uppers” among users who use it for non-prescribed use. When it’s prescribed by a doctor, it’s meant to manage conditions like attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) by helping with focus and concentration as well as lessening impulsivity. Adderall addiction symptoms to look out for include:
The inability to stop using
Even when someone wants to stop using, once they become addicted, it becomes almost impossible to stop the drug use. Cravings become high and the ability to control the drug use becomes less and less.
Risky behaviors
Addiction will cause users to do anything to get more of the drug, even if it’s unsafe or illegal. They will do one or more of the following:
- Obtain multiple prescriptions from multiple doctors
- Get the drug illegally
- Start using the drug in combination with other substances
Tolerance increases
The more the drug is used, the more of it is needed to get the desired effect. So if you notice you—or a loved one—are noticeably procuring and taking more of the drug over the course of time, that should be a big red flag.
Noticeable withdrawal symptoms
If someone who is addicted tries to stop using the drug (or cannot get more of the drug), withdrawal symptoms can set in within just a few hours. If you notice physical effects like shakes, tremors, nauseous, and severe depression, then that is a sure sign of addiction.
Reclusiveness and neglect
When addiction takes over someone’s life, everything else in their life can go by the wayside. With a singular focus on drug use, work, school, and family responsibilities are not addressed. Addicted individuals will avoid friends and family to hide or disguise their drug misuse.
Adderall Addiction Symptoms
In addition to the behavioral symptoms that indicate drug use has turned to misuse, there can also be physical and mental symptoms. These symptoms may serve as red flags. In fact, they can signal that your drug use has gotten out of control. Symptoms can include:
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Increased heart rate
- Mood swings
- Loss of appetite
- Severe weight loss
- Overconfidence
- Uncharacteristic state of euphoria
When addiction sets in, it means that the user feels they cannot function in their day-to-day life without the drug.
Enroll in a Substance Abuse Treatment Program at The Arbor Today
Many people take Adderall thinking they are helping themselves, but when misused, it can quickly become the opposite. Recognizing the signs of an addiction is the most important step in getting help. This realization will help you to take the next steps and seek out a substance abuse treatment program, like the one at The Arbor. Treatment can look different for each person. Depending on the severity of the addiction and the demands of work and family responsibilities, both inpatient and outpatient treatment options are available.
When you enroll at The Arbor, the therapeutic team will work with you to craft a customized treatment plan that utilizes a variety of therapies so that you receive a very personalized experience, unique to you and your needs. Call us at 844.413.2690 or use our online contact form to enroll in our Adderall addiction treatment program.