Hailed by many as a “miracle drug”, Adderall has become something of a phenomenon since its release in the mid-‘90s. Used by millions of people worldwide for its apparent cognitive-enhancing properties and to treat various medical conditions, Adderall’s popularity has soared, particularly among students and professionals seeking to boost focus and productivity.

Despite these benefits, however, there is also a dark side to Adderall due to its high potential for abuse and dependency. Adderall addiction is a major concern both in the UK and across the world, but a full understanding of its causes, symptoms, and potential treatment options can help give those affected the best chance of recovery.

What is Adderall?

Adderall is a combination medication – a medicine containing two or more active ingredients in fixed proportion to each other – made up of four salts of amphetamine, a powerful stimulant of the central nervous system (CNS). It is used medically to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), narcolepsy, obesity and various other conditions.

Adderall is typically provided in tablet or capsule form for oral consumption. It is in both immediate-release and slow-release formats and is also available in patches for absorption under the tongue.

In the UK, Adderall is a class-B controlled substance under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. Penalties for unlawful possession and supply potentially reach up to 5 years in prison and an unlimited fine and up to 14 years in prison and an unlimited fine, respectively. “Unlawful” means without a valid prescription; with a valid prescription, Adderall is legal to possess, though passing even one tablet to someone who does not possess a prescription constitutes an illegal supply.

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How does Adderall work?

The amphetamine in Adderall works by increasing and enhancing the activity of neurotransmitters in the brain, including dopamine and norepinephrine, and by triggering the release of various other hormones and neurotransmitters, including serotonin and histamine.

The enhanced dopamine activity is particularly crucial in the treatment of ADHD. Individuals with ADHD often have lower levels of dopamine in key regions of the brain, which affects their ability to maintain focus and control impulsive behaviours. By boosting dopamine levels, Adderall helps to normalise these functions, making it easier for individuals to concentrate and stay on task.

The effects of norepinephrine contribute to increased alertness and energy, which also aids in improving attention and reducing the fatigue that can be associated with ADHD. This effect is similar to stimulants like caffeine but more potent and focused.

The impact on other neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and histamine, can also contribute to the overall mood and wakefulness effects of Adderall. Serotonin is involved in mood regulation, and its modulation can help in managing any coexisting conditions like anxiety or depression, which are common in individuals with ADHD.

How is Adderall abused?

Adderall is commonly used and abused recreationally for the euphoric and stimulating “high” it can produce and to provide focus and energy boosts for students and high-performing professionals. Recreational Adderall use and abuse can include swallowing the tables, insufflation (snorting) of the powdered form and “plugging” – inserting Adderall in the rectum or vagina for absorption through the skin.

At very high doses, an Adderall high can be intense, but at lower doses, it typically does not provide the same degree of euphoria and other effects sought by recreational users. This prompts many to take it in combination with other drugs, especially including other stimulants such as other types of amphetamine or cocaine. Adderall is also frequently taken along with alcohol, especially by students who may take Adderall for days on end while studying intensively but may also take time out from studies for socialising involving drinking.

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Why is Adderall addictive?

On a purely chemical level, it is the active ingredients in Adderall that make it such a potentially addictive drug. Amphetamine has long been known to be psychologically addictive, and while the high is comparatively weak at the dosage recommended with an Adderall prescription, at higher doses, or when the drug is snorted or plugged, Adderall can produce a powerfully euphoric experience. This can be very pleasurable and can cause the user to repeat the experience shortly afterwards, a classic first step on many people’s paths towards addiction.

People taking Adderall legitimately – that is, for the treatment of one of the conditions for which Adderall is prescribed – may labour under the misapprehension that because they are taking medicine, they are not at risk of engaging in substance abuse or developing an addiction. As a result, they may take Adderall for longer than recommended or begin to increase their dosages contrary to the recommendations of their doctor – both of which put them in danger of becoming addicted.

Factors that can contribute to Adderall addiction

Theoretically, anyone who takes Adderall at all exposes themselves to the risk of engaging in Adderall abuse. However, various factors have been identified which are associated with a greater likelihood of Adderall abuse and addiction, including:

Brain genetics and personality factors

Genetics are known to play a significant role in the development of addiction. This means that a family history of substance abuse and addiction makes it more likely that an individual will have similar troubles. Personality factors that can contribute to a greater risk of engaging in Adderall abuse include:

  • Low self-esteem
  • A pattern of risk-taking or thrill-seeking behaviour
  • A strong desire to fit in
  • Tendencies towards low mood or negative emotions

Environmental and social influences

Prominent environmental and social factors are also known to increase the likelihood that someone will abuse Adderall and become addicted. These include:

  • Associating with peers who abuse Adderall
  • Having easy access to Adderall
  • Attending school or university, especially near or during exam time
  • Working in high-pressure professions
  • Experiencing childhood abuse, trauma or stress where Adderall is used to cope or self-medicate

 

Dual diagnosis and co-occurring disorders

When an addiction co-occurs alongside another mental health issue, the phenomenon is known as dual diagnosis. In the case of Adderall addiction specifically, the most prominent co-occurring disorders are, as might be expected, those which are frequently treated with Adderall: ADHD and narcolepsy. However, many other mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety, can also drive substance abuse, potentially resulting in addiction, as individuals resort to substance abuse as a means of escapism or self-medication.

Dual diagnosis typically makes treating addiction significantly more complex, as both conditions need to be treated simultaneously, and the treatment of one may interfere with the treatment of the other. In such cases, specialist care is usually required to help the individual manage their mental health symptoms while undergoing rehab treatment.

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What are the signs and symptoms of Adderall addiction?

It is often difficult to identify the presence of an addiction, even in someone you know very well. Individuals typically go to great lengths to keep their addiction secret because of the perceived stigma and feelings of guilt and shame.

In the case of Adderall specifically, because the drug is typically provided under prescription, it may be possible to take the drug openly in front of family and friends without prompting suspicion or concern. Nevertheless, some signs of Adderall addiction and abuse may be identifiable, including:

  • Frequent displays of the effects of Adderall consumption
  • A preoccupation with obtaining and consuming Adderall
  • Impaired performance in academia or work (though, at least initially, Adderall may result in improved performance)
  • Growing distant from loved ones and friends
  • Frequent fatigue
  • Changes in sleeping and eating patterns
  • Changes in sex drive
  • A loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
  • A lack of care regarding appearance and hygiene
  • Financial difficulties
  • Engagement in criminal activity to fund drug use
  • Socialising with a new peer group
  • Frequent mood swings
  • Depression
  • Apathy
  • Aggression and irritability

If you spot these signs of Adderall addiction in a loved one, approach the subject with care and sensitivity. The important thing is to offer your help without making them feel threatened or under accusation.

The long-term health effects of Adderall addiction

The long-term impact on physical and mental health of Adderall abuse and addiction can be extremely pronounced. As well as addiction and dependence, and their associated dangers and challenges associated with them, numerous undesired side-effects may result from Adderall consumption, potentially including:

  • Dangerous blood pressure changes
  • Tachycardia (dangerously high heart rate)
  • Sexual dysfunction
  • Raynaud’s phenomenon (decreased blood flow to the fingers)
  • Abdominal pain, constipation, nausea and diarrhoea
  • Excessive sweating
  • Seizures
  • Tics
  • Difficulty urinating
  • Loss of motor control
  • Insomnia
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Delusions
  • Repetitive or obsessive behaviour
  • Panic attacks
  • Amphetamine psychosis
  • Suicidal ideation
  • Potentially fatal overdose

Many of these health impacts are incredibly serious, highlighting the importance of seeking professional treatment and support as soon as possible.

What does Adderall addiction treatment involve?

Anyone with an Adderall addiction must seek professional medical help as attempting to overcome it alone can be extremely dangerous and more likely to result in relapse. There are two main options available for Adderall rehab, depending on personal preference:

Inpatient Adderall rehab
This involves a residential stay (usually between 30 and 90 days) in a rehab facility with all treatment provided on-site within a rehab facility where the client resides 24/7. Inpatient rehab provides a confidential, secure and substance-free environment where individuals can focus fully on their recovery and the various components of their Adderall addiction treatment programme.

Inpatient rehab is generally considered to be the most effective form of rehab because it removes individuals from the triggers and temptations of their normal environment and allows them to focus all their time and energy on recovery. Typically offered by private rehab organisations, individuals seeking inpatient rehab may need to finance their treatment independently or explore alternative funding options.

Outpatient Adderall rehab
For those who feel unable to remove themselves from their daily lives and obligations, outpatient rehab involves attending regular appointments at a day rehab facility while continuing to live at home. This can be a more convenient option, but it is not ideal for everyone because the same stresses and temptations will still be present. There are various outpatient rehab options, with the NHS providing free outpatient addiction treatment services in the UK.

Whichever option an individual chooses, inpatient and outpatient rehab services offer aftercare programmes to help the individual adjust to their new life.

Adderall detox

Detox is a crucial aspect of addiction treatment as the body needs to be cleansed of Adderall (and any other substances of abuse) so that those in recovery can begin healing and enter the subsequent phases of treatment. It is crucial that detox is managed and monitored by medical experts who are on to ensure maximum safety and comfort. During detox, Adderall withdrawal symptoms are likely to manifest, which may be alleviated at least in part by the use of medication, depending on their severity and duration.

These may include:

  • Fatigue and excessive sleepiness
  • Depression and mood swings
  • Increased appetite
  • Anxiety and irritability
  • Headaches and general aches
  • Difficulty concentrating and cognitive impairment
  • Cravings for Adderall
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Adderall rehab therapy

Therapy lies at the heart of addiction treatment, revealing and addressing the psychological causes of addiction and preparing the individual for recovery. Different therapies focus on providing individuals with defence mechanisms against relapse, trigger avoidance strategies and a range of other skills and tools which can be beneficial during life after treatment.

The most effective rehab treatment programmes provide a variety of therapy methodologies to address the multi-faceted nature of Adderall addiction.

These may include:

A comprehensive mix of therapies means that no stone is left unturned and that there will surely be an approach that works for everyone in treatment. If you are considering different rehab options, speak with the admissions team or check the therapy programme to find out which options are available.

Get help with Adderall addiction today

If you have an Adderall addiction, it can feel like you have lost control of your life. However, it is important to understand that the first step to regaining that control can be as easy as picking up the phone. If you are ready to overcome Adderall addiction and plan a brighter future, reach out for professional help today. Contact your GP or an addiction treatment specialist and take the first steps on the path to recovery.

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FAQ’s

Is adderall addictive?
Yes, Adderall is considered to be addictive. It contains amphetamine and dextroamphetamine, which are stimulant medications that can lead to physical and psychological dependence, especially when used in ways not prescribed by a healthcare professional.
What is adderall used for?
Adderall is a prescription medication used to treat ADHD by improving focus and impulse control.
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