20 Symptoms Of Adderall Abuse

Recognizing The Symptoms Of Adderall Abuse

Adderall is a stimulant drug that is prescribed for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and the sleep disorder, narcolepsy. Amphetamine and dextroamphetamine, both stimulant drugs, are combined in the brand Adderall. This drug may help with focusing on the completion of tasks in children and adolescents, but the use of the drug is rife with abuse. Below we discuss the most common symptoms of Adderall abuse.

 

20 Symptoms of Adderall Abuse

Adderall abuse is common and it’s important to know the symptoms if your child is taking the drug for treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. If you recognize any of these symptoms of Adderall abuse in your child or other family member who may be taking the drug for the treatment of narcolepsy, you are most likely dealing with an Adderall abuse situation. The following symptoms are indicative of Adderall abuse.

1. Aggressive and disruptive behavior
2. Depression
3. Anxiety
4. Chest pain
5. Nausea and vomiting
6. Insomnia
7. Dizziness and fainting
8. Rapid and pounding heartbeat
9. Difficulty breathing and swallowing
10. Dry mouth
11. Blistering and peeling skin
12. Blurry vision
13. Hives
14. Itching
15. Involuntary twitching and tics
16. Hallucinations
17. Psychotic symptoms
18. Illogical speech patterns
19. Illogical thought processes
20. Thoughts of suicide

When Adderall is abused over a long period of time, it can cause liver damage, seizures, stroke, and potential permanent changes in brain mass. People who choose to abuse Adderall by crushing and snorting the drug are subject to sudden nose bleeds, destroy nasal passages, and result in serious bacterial sinus infections.

Effects Of Adderall Abuse

Both the physical and mental effects of Adderall abuse can be very serious. More and more cases of Adderall overdose are occurring and are thought to be related to the increase of emergency room visits involving prescription stimulant drugs. In 2016, The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry published a study showing a 67.1 percent increase in non-medical use of Adderall by adults, and there was a 155.9 percent increase in emergency room visits due to abuse of the drug.

When Adderall is abused, it is often crushed and snorted to experience a more intense high. Abusers who are snorting the drug are risking serious respiratory issues such as destruction of nasal and sinus cavities and lung tissue. Irregular heartbeats can occur as well as problems with circulation. When abused over a length of time, the effects of Adderall abuse can be serious. The user can become aggressive, experience psychotic episodes, and develop toxic shock. Additional problems for prolonged use include negative changes in brain activity, and severe withdrawal problems. Some Adderall abusers take it when they are drinking alcohol because it prevents them from getting drunk. As a result, the drink more alcohol than they would and risk serious impairment and possible death from alcohol poisoning. Abusing Adderall can be fatal, and that is a risk no one should take.

Adderall Abuse On College Campuses

College challenges are difficult for many young people, and the answer to getting term papers in on time, studying for exams, and staying awake and alert during classes is Adderall. Nicknamed, the study drug, Adderall is used all over college campus in both legal and illegal situations. Some students sell pills from their legal prescription, others steal it from a relative to use or sell, and others doctor in the town where their college is in order to have a prescription for themselves and one to sell. Adderall abuse on college campuses is widespread and getting worse, and there is a high risk of addiction to the drug.

WhiteSands Treatment Centers in Tampa and Fort Myers FL can help you or your child break the addiction to Adderall. Compassionate caregivers include board-certified doctors, psychiatrists, nurses, and addiction specialists. Act today, and contact WhiteSands before Adderall abuse cause lifelong physical and mental health problems.

If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.