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Why is Amphetamine (Adderall) Used to Treat ADHD?

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Adderall is a prescription stimulant most commonly used to treat attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Adderall is a combination of two chemical substances – amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. Both of these medications are approved by the Food and Drug Administration, and they’re considered safe to use when taken exactly as prescribed by Medical professionals. When it comes to treating ADHD, medical professionals generally gravitate towards Adderall because of its effectiveness. Numerous studies show that roughly 80 percent of children and adolescents who suffer from ADHD see a vast improvement within several weeks of taking Adderall. However, it is important to note that because the specific medication can be extremely habit-forming, it is considered a controlled substance with a high potential for abuse. Even men and women who take Adderall exactly as prescribed are at risk of developing a physical and psychological dependence over time. Medical professionals are only able to prescribe a 30-day supply of Adderall at a time because of this. individuals who take this medication are liable to experience a wide range of side effects, including (but not limited to):

  • A loss of appetite can lead to weight loss over time
  • Chronically dry mouth
  • Insomnia and other sleep-related issues
  • Persistent headaches
  • Nausea, vomiting, constipation, and stomach pain
  • Extreme anxiety
  • Dizziness and lightheadedness

Most of these side effects are associated with amphetamine – one of the two active ingredients in Adderall. Because this medication is habit-forming and because it results in a wide range of symptoms, you might be wondering why amphetamine is necessary for the treatment of ADHD and other similar disorders. In short, a medication equally as effective has not yet been discovered. Why is Amphetamine (Adderall) Used to Treat ADHD?

Why Are Amphetamines Used for Treating ADHD

Stimulants like amphetamines are the most common and effective type of medication used for the treatment of ADHD and other attention-related disorders. The reason why these medications are so commonly used is that they increase certain chemicals within the brain, improving the ability to pay attention and ultimately making the neural pathways function more effectively.

Can You Get Addicted to the Amphetamine in Adderall?

The two chemicals within the brain that are predominantly responsible for the regulation of certain executive functions and the ability to pay attention are dopamine and norepinephrine. An executive function is the set of cognitive skills necessary for behavioral management and general self-control. Men and women who struggle with ADHD have a difficult time managing their behaviors, which is where drugs like Adderall and Ritalin come into play. When people hear the word amphetamine, they tend to think of a highly addictive stimulant drug – the word sounds like methamphetamine, after all. However, amphetamine is quite different in the sense that it has a proven and highly researched medical purpose, and then it can be extremely effective for the treatment of ADHD when taken as intended. People often mix Amphetamines with Benzodiazepines because one is an upper and the other is a downer.

Amphetamine or Adderall Addiction Treatment

At Evoke Wellness Miramar our team of dedicated industry professionals has combined decades of experience treating men and women of all ages who suffer at the hands of amphetamine addiction. Because Adderall is so widely prescribed, and because it has such a high propensity for abuse, a lot of clients come to us suffering from Adderall addiction. The ease of accessibility makes this medication particularly dangerous – as does the fact that many individuals engage in polydrug abuse, combining Adderall with other chemical substances like opioid narcotics or alcohol. If you are someone you know and love has been abusing Adderall or combining this prescription stimulant with any other chemical substances, seeking professional help is extremely important. because the withdrawal symptoms associated with Adderall abuse can be severe when left untreated, entering into a medical detox facility in South Florida is often a necessary first step. To learn more about Adderall abuse and addiction, or to be good on your journey of Adderall addiction recovery, reach out to us today.