5 Signs of Adderall Abuse
Adderall abuse is prevalent. But it can be difficult to spot. Adderall abuse doesn’t look like you would imagine drug abuse to look—a significant percentage of those who abuse Adderall are students and professionals hoping to gain an academic or performance edge. Often, these individuals appear to be driven, successful, extremely focused on their goals.
The heartbreaking reality is that Adderall abuse will eventually undo their lives, destroying their dreams rather than achieving them.
Adderall’s initial impact—making someone more productive—can become a slippery slope. A little Adderall to help a student meet a crunched schedule of assignments or exams, or to help a career-minded individual motor through a tough project can lead to taking more. Who doesn’t want to be more focused and productive? But with Adderall, it’s a farce. Abuse doesn’t lead to more productivity. It can ruin your life.
Don’t let Adderall abuse consume your life. Whether you need help yourself or are looking for a loved one, we can help. Speak to someone right now—(888) 837-6577.
What Is Adderall?
Adderall is a stimulant medication comprised of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine, commonly prescribed to treat Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). It is also sometimes used to treat narcolepsy and to help patients with weight loss.
When used correctly by individuals with a valid medical need, Adderall’s stimulating properties can enhance a person’s quality of life, safely. For those with ADHD, this includes improved executive functioning, focus, concentration, and even social functioning.
However, Adderall has been classified as a Schedule II drug due to its high potential for abuse.
How Do You Spot Adderall Abuse?
Here are five signs to look for—
- A Patterns of Drug Seeking
When a person becomes dependent on a drug, they typically will go to great lengths to get it. Drug-seeking can become a major part of their life. Adderall abusers often doctor shop, purchase the drug illicitly, or begin lying and stealing in an attempt to maintain a steady supply.
Doctor shopping is identifiable. Is someone you love making frequent trips to numerous doctors? This is done in an effort to gather multiple prescriptions. This may also lead to their utilizing more than one pharmacy to fill their prescriptions. State-level prescription drug monitoring programs have made this practice more difficult—and this has led to a growing market for these drugs illegally sold on the street.
Someone abusing Adderall might ask a friend or loved one for some of their properly prescribed medicine, saying they’ve misplaced or forgotten to fill their own prescription. Or they may simply steal someone else’s medication.
- Signs of Drug Use
When someone is abusing their personal prescription, they’ll likely run through it much faster than they should. This can be a key indicator something is wrong.
If a person is buying drugs illegally, they may store them in small baggies or cellophane wrappers from cigarette packs. Loose pills might pop up in random spots—a drawer, the pocket of a coat, in a purse or wallet, or in a car.
Adderall is designed to be taken orally. Some who abuse the drug may crush the pills to inject, smoke or snort it. A light dusting of powder on surfaces or other paraphernalia—mirrors and razor blades, cut-off straws or hollowed pens for instance—could be indicators.
- Behavioral Changes
Excess stimulation from Adderall can cause increased alertness, energy, physical fidgeting, talkativeness, and wakefulness. A person may engage in activities for longer periods of time than they typically would or they may move quickly from one thing to the next.
Adderall abuse can lead result in prolonged periods of difficulty sleeping. After, it may cause someone to crash and sleep for a long time, often at odd hours of the day.
As a person’s life increasingly centers around using, they begin to exhibit atypical behaviors and disregard important responsibilities within their life. They may—
- Become secretive or start lying
- Suffer cravings for the drug
- Ignore self-care (bathing, grooming, wearing clean clothes, etc.)
- Reduce participation in family events or day-to-day responsibilities
- Spend a lot of time talking about Adderall
- Claim they can’t handle school, work, or other life circumstances without the drug
- Give Adderall credit for their success, performance, or weight loss
- Suggest you try Adderall to increase your success, performance, or weight loss
The promise of better performance and increased productivity typically ends with the user’s grip on their studies or job responsibilities sliding. They may quit school or their job (or be fired).
- Physical Signs of Adderall Abuse
Some physical signs of Adderall abuse may become evident, though usually not to a casual observer. Because Adderall impacts the central nervous system, it may result in increased blood pressure, breathing rates, and temperature.
As abuse becomes more frequent, and doses increase, these levels can rise to the point of causing cardiovascular damage, overdose, or even sudden death.
Possible side effects of Adderall abuse could include:
- dry mouth
- body twitches
- rapid heart rate
- difficulty breathing
- high blood pressure
- vision problems
- frequent headaches
- stomach or chest pain
- nausea or vomiting
- seizures
- Mental and Emotional Signs of Adderall Abuse
Adderall changes your brain’s chemistry in a way which can alter mood and cognitive functions. As abuse deepens, a person’s mental health can become compromised so far as to cause:
- Aggression
- Anger
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Irritability
- Nervousness
- Paranoia
- Variable moods
Does any of this look or sound familiar? Is someone you love struggling? We know it is scary. We can help.
At Honey Lake Clinic, we understand that substance abuse is a complex and dangerous mental health concern, affecting not only the one in its grip, but also others. Our experienced staff, licensed therapists, psychologists, and psychiatric specialists, strongly believe that faith-based treatment, encompassing mind, body and spirit, will provide you with the long-lasting tools and knowledge to find freedom from substance abuse.
A beautiful and tranquil 1300-acre lakeside setting, a safe medical environment, 24-hour nursing, doctors and psychiatric specialists, all administering care from a Christian worldview and perspective—Honey Lake Clinic is a unique solution in Christian mental health.
