With Adderall being prescribed to treat ADHD and narcolepsy, it is understandable to ask one’s self, how addictive is Adderall? When this medication is taken as prescribed, it will not cause individuals with ADHD or narcolepsy to develop an addiction. However, if they start self-medicating or for those that abuse Adderall, it can become very addictive.
What Makes Adderall So Addictive?
How addictive Adderall is due to its effects on the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine. Both of these neurotransmitters help regulate mood, energy levels, and focus. When taken illicitly, the drug forces the release of these neurotransmitters. These can create a euphoric-like state and increase energy levels, focus, and mood. Additionally, the productivity and self-confidence someone can feel after getting tasks done can create a dependence on the drug.
What Are the Early Signs of Adderall Addiction?
Some of the early signs of Adderall addiction include:
- Cravings for Adderall
- Increased risk-taking
- Decreased sleep
- Decreased appetite
- Weight loss
- Looking forward to using Adderall
- The inability to cut down or stop Adderall use
- The desire to experience the effects of Adderall
- Increased tolerance to Adderall requiring larger doses to achieve the desired effects
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms, such as panic attacks, mood swings, difficulty concentrating, and lethargy
How Addictive Is Adderall When Taken Over a Short Time?
How addictive Adderall is when taken over a short time depends on the duration and frequency of use and dosage. However, when it is misused or abused, even for a short while, it can cause withdrawal symptoms when the drug is discontinued.
Additionally, tolerance to the drug increases, and requires large doses to experience the desired effects. As such, self-medicating and abusing Adderall can quickly lead to addiction, even when used for a short time.
Who Is Most At Risk for Adderall Abuse?
Most people might mistakenly assume those most at risk for Adderall abuse are tweens and teens under 18 years old. However, according to the NCDAS, this age group only represents 8% of Adderall abusers. Instead, 40.8% of Adderall abusers are between 18 and 25 years old, and 51% of Adderall abusers are 26 or older.
Risk Factors for Adderall Addiction
The risk factors for Adderall addiction can include the following:
- People with social anxiety disorders
- A family history of substance abuse
- People who are overweight
- People with underlying mental health issues that are not being treated professionally
- Individuals who easily give in to peer pressure
- Those who want to push their limits or excel at work or in academics
- Individuals with easy access to Adderall
- People who are in high-stress environments and are looking for substances to cope
- Individuals who self-medicate because they believe their dosage is not working
Is Adderall Addictive for Those with ADHD?
Generally, those with ADHD who are prescribed Adderall will not develop an addiction to it when taken as prescribed. Yet, they can still develop a dependence on the drug over time. When they want to cut down or quit Adderall, they will need to be medically supervised and weaned off the medication to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
However, when someone with ADHD starts to self-medicate, they can become addicted to Adderall. This is due to increased tolerance to Adderall and needing to take larger doses to experience the desired effects.
Can Someone Detox from Adderall at Home?
Detoxing from Adderall at home can be very challenging. Quitting “cold turkey” will cause a wide range of withdrawal symptoms. Many of these withdrawal symptoms can be unpleasant, painful, and uncomfortable. Most people who attempt at-home detox end up relapsing just to make the withdrawal symptoms stop.
Instead, when someone wants to quit Adderall, inpatient medically supervised detox successfully is best. With constant supervision and monitoring, along with a weaning schedule, individuals can safely quit Adderall while minimizing the severity of their withdrawal symptoms.
Adderall Rehab: IOP vs. OP
A few Adderall rehab treatment options after completing medically supervised detox are IOP and OP. An IOP (intensive outpatient program) provides intensive treatment in a structured setting where individuals meet several times weekly. Sessions generally last between 3 and 4 hours each day.
IOPs are well-suited for individuals who have completed a PHP (partial hospitalization program) or who do not need full-day treatment. They allow patients to attend school, go to work, and manage other personal responsibilities while still receiving treatment.
An OP (outpatient program) provides individuals with scheduled therapy and support sessions at times that best fit with their schedule. There is less structure with OPs, so they are used as a step down from IOPs. They are also used for those with mild Adderall addictions with a strong support system outside of treatment.
Preventing Adderall Addiction
Preventing Adderall addiction can be difficult for those who do not require the medication. Learning more about Adderall withdrawal symptoms and signs someone needs rehab for it can help reduce abuse.
For those who are prescribed Adderall, it is vital only to take it as prescribed to prevent addiction. Additionally, getting professional Adderall treatment with an experienced treatment center can decrease overdose and severe addiction.
Adderall Addiction Treatment and Detox in Murfreesboro, TN
Do you need help stopping Adderall abuse? Get the support you need at Tulip Hill in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. We provide comprehensive Adderall addiction treatment and detox programs personalized to your unique needs. Our compassionate and caring team encourages and helps you successfully overcome Adderall addiction.
Contact us now to start your journey to an Adderall-free future.
