Seeing a loved one struggle with addiction can be both concerning and alarming. However, much of this alarm can be mitigated by knowing what to look out for and what to do if we discover that a loved one is struggling with addiction. This can be particularly true with prescription medication addictions like Adderall because they can be easy to miss and underestimate.
The Prevalence of Stimulant Addiction in the U.S.
Stimulant use disorder is more common than many people think. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), “Stimulant use disorders are a major public health concern in the United States, with more than 5 million people age 12 and older reporting past-year cocaine use, nearly 2 million reporting methamphetamine use, and almost 5 million reporting prescription stimulant misuse in 2019…This underscores the importance of (1) having behavioral health and healthcare service providers understand and educate patients about the dangers of stimulant use disorders and (2) creating easy access to screening and treatment.”
Meanwhile, of the “2 million people reporting methamphetamine use,” many are abusing Adderall. Many of these people started using Adderall responsibly with a prescription. However, the nature of Adderall makes addiction likely to happen quickly, and without warning.
Understanding Adderall Addiction
Adderall is a prescription amphetamine-based compound that is utilized to treat symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. While it is very effective at its intended use, more people are abusing the prescription substance than ever before.
According to the online publication titled Amphetamine by authors Martin and Le, “Due to their ability to produce powerful euphoric effects, amphetamines are common drugs of abuse. All major drugs of abuse increase dopamine concentrations in the mesolimbic pathway, but amphetamines, because of their direct effects on DAT and VMAT2, can increase dopamine concentrations far beyond the concentrations seen for natural rewarding stimuli… The resultant blunting of the physiological dopamine response can further potentiate abuse.” Feeling compelled to use Adderall in greater quantities or more often to obtain desired effects is just one warning sign that can indicate an Adderall addiction.
Previously mentioned, prescription drugs like Adderall are easily abused for several reasons. One of these reasons is that people feel that their substance abuse is “safer” because they are prescribed Adderall. Second, prescription medications like Adderall are much more accessible. Many people minimize Adderall because they see others around them utilizing it in ways that seem innocuous, such as taking on a big work project or studying for an exam. The fact of the matter is that prescription medications like Adderall can be just as dangerous as illicit substances, especially when abused.
How to Tell Someone is High on Adderall
Many signs can indicate that a loved one is abusing Adderall or struggling with an Adderall addiction. Knowing what to look out for can be especially valuable for encouraging those to get the professional help they need to recover. The following are just a few warning signs and symptoms of Adderall addiction:
- Acting deceptively, such as lying or stealing
- Showing excessive amounts of energy that cannot otherwise be explained
- Going around to different doctors to get multiple prescriptions for Adderall (also known as “doctor shopping”)
- Trying to get Adderall online without a prescription
- Showing excessively impulsive behaviors
- Exhibiting excessive mood swings
- Showing a decrease in appetite and unexplained weight loss
- Having issues with complextion, hair loss, and sweating
- Unable to stop shaking or moving their limbs
- Having trouble concentrating on tasks
- Feeling excessively “stressed out,” anxious, or depressed
If any of these signs and symptoms are present, it is highly recommended that professional help be sought as soon as possible. Doing so can mean the difference between short-term side effects, like poor appetite, and long-term consequences, like stimulant-induced psychosis.
How Is Adderall Addiction Best Treated?
The first step in treating Adderall addiction is going through a safe and secure detox. This should always be done in a professional setting to ensure that it is as physically, mentally, and emotionally as painless as possible.
Once an individual undergoes professional detox from Adderall, the next step in recovery involves participating in a treatment program. A variety of therapies may be used in treatment, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), experiential therapy like art or drama therapy, and group therapy. Many people find that joining a recovery community (such as a 12-Step community) can be highly beneficial for their recovery.
Recovering From Adderall Addiction With The Phoenix Recovery Center
The renowned American philosopher/poet, Ralph Waldo Emerson, wrote, “What lies behind you and what lies in front of you, pales in comparison to what lies inside of you.” At The Phoenix Recovery Center, we are here to bring back the person inside that addiction kept hidden away.
Whether it be Adderall addiction or some other form of addiction or mental illness, we are here to help give people their lives back. Recovery is a journey, never a destination, and it can start right here, right now.
It can be hard for family members (and close friends) to recognize the signs and symptoms of an Adderall addiction in a loved one. This makes it particularly difficult to get them the help they need once they are determined to have a problem with the substance. The good news is there are many visible signs that a loved one is struggling with Adderall addiction; the key is knowing what to look out for. If you feel like you or a loved one are struggling with issues of addiction, mental illness, or both, we can help. For more information about the effects of Adderall addiction, please reach out to The Phoenix Recovery Center today at (801) 438-3185.
