Adderall is a prescription medication that is prescribed to help people diagnosed with Attention-Deficit-Hyperactivity-Disorder or ADHD. This disorder is more common than people realize, and young adults and children are the age groups with the most diagnoses. Adderall is a central nervous system stimulant type drug that is amphetamine or an upper in layman’s terms. Adderall is also prescribed for other conditions that affect a person’s mood, for obesity and narcolepsy. Adderall is often a gateway drug to more potent stimulants like methamphetamine or cocaine. 
Is Adderall Addictive?
Adderall is extremely addictive. It is a central nervous system stimulant, which will alter the average amount of Dopamine to be released when a person takes it. Dopamine is a natural chemical in the brain that makes us feel pleasure. We get Dopamine rushes when we eat sugar, have sex, or engage in another type of activity that makes us feel good. Adderall stimulates the brain’s reward pathway and releases a massive amount of Dopamine.The surge of Dopamine released from Adderall causes the person to desire more, which can become an addiction.
How Many People Use Adderall?
Today the prevalence of Adderall prescriptions for ADHD is growing yearly. The increase is mainly occurring within college-age populations. Rumor has it that college students aged 18-24 falsify ADHD symptoms to get a prescription for Adderall to do better in school and get high. Young women also take Adderall to lose or control their weight. The National Institutes of Health have researched Adderall and found its nickname to be the ‘study drug.’ They provide insight into the misuse.
Study drugs are being misused annually by approximately 4% of older teens and emerging adults. Yet, there are numerous consequences of misuse of prescription stimulants, including addiction, negative reactions to high dosages, and medical complications. Policy implications include continuing to limit access to study drugs, finding more safe prescription drug alternatives, interdiction, and public education. (NIH)
Is Depression a Side Effect of Adderall?
Yes. The come-down from Adderall is extreme, especially when the person is taking too much and remaining awake for many days. Not unlike methamphetamine crashes, a person abusing Adderall will suddenly feel exhausted and spent. They will likely not have eaten when they were high on Adderall and then be very cranky because of a lack of food and nutrients. Similarly, depression is a known side effect of all stimulant drugs, including Adderall. Whether a person is abusing Adderall or not, depression is listed as a potential risk and side effect. The writings on a package of Adderall advise anyone who is experiencing depression to stop taking Adderall and call their doctor. The Warning Label on Adderall by the Federal Drug Administration says the following:
Call your doctor right away if you have: signs of heart problems – chest pain, feeling light-headed or short of breath; signs of psychosis – paranoia, aggression, depression, new behavior problems, seeing or hearing things that are not real; signs of circulation problems. You may not be able to use Adderall if you have glaucoma, overactive thyroid, severe agitation, moderate to severe high blood pressure, heart disease or coronary artery disease, vascular disease, or a history of addiction or alcoholism. (FDA)
Overcome Adderall Addiction at Evoke Wellness at Miramar
The best course of action for anyone abusing their prescription for Adderall or using another stimulant type of drug-like methamphetamine or cocaine- is to seek professional counseling and evidence-based treatment. Although most stimulant drug addicts do not require detox, some do, and we provide Adderall detox. We have helped thousands of people get clean from Adderall and start over drug-free. The Adderall addiction treatment we provide targets the behaviors and challenges that addiction to stimulants such as Adderall causes. Each person getting help for their Adderall use is provided a personalized treatment and therapy plan. Call our experts now to see how we can help you end Adderall addiction. There is a better way to live. Call now for priority admission and chat or email for information.
