Adderall is a common prescription medication used to control the symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. The medication decreases fatigue in individuals with narcolepsy; however, it has the opposite effect in those with ADHD. 

While Adderall is commonly prescribed to individuals, it can be highly addictive due to its potency and availability. Although not everyone who uses Adderall becomes addicted to the medication, people who regularly take Adderall at unprescribed doses are at a high risk of becoming addicted. 

How Does Adderall Work?

Adderall is a combination of dextroamphetamine and amphetamine. This substance is in a class of medications called central nervous system stimulants and works by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine levels. Norepinephrine affects how the brain responds to events, including how it pays attention and reacts to outside stimuli. Dopamine–also known as the “feel-good” chemical–creates rewarding effects in the brain. Dopamine occurs naturally; however, medications like Adderall produce unnaturally high levels of it. 

How Do You Know if You Are Addicted to Adderall? 

Addiction to Adderall is often diagnosed using the 11 criteria for substance use disorders (SUD) as outlined in the DSM 5. Common signs that indicate an Adderall addiction include:

• Needing larger doses of Adderall to feel the effects
• Wanting to cut down on Adderall use but being unable to
• Taking Adderall despite knowing it is causing harm
• Not being able to function at work or school without Adderall
• Spending a lot of time and money getting, using, and recovering from Adderall
• An inability to feel alert without Adderall
• Neglecting other activities in favor of using Adderall
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when Adderall use stops or slows down

The Long-Term Effects of Adderall Addiction

Adderall affects the brain and body in various ways, both short-term and long-term. The long-term effects an individual may experience due to an Adderall addiction include:

#1. Heart Disease

Prolonged and excessive stimulant use can weaken the heart muscle, leading to potentially life-threatening complications. According to a study published by Brain and Behavior, the most commonly reported heart-related effects of heavy Adderall use include hypertension (high blood pressure) and tachycardia (irregular heart rate). The effects of Adderall on the heart can also increase the possibility of cardiac arrest. 

#2. Stroke

Adderall increases body temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure. As a result, those who abuse Adderall for extended periods of time put a strain on their bodies. Over time, the effects on both the cardiovascular and nervous systems can result in damage to nerve cells and increase the likelihood of having a stroke.

#3. Depression and Anxiety

Adderall addiction does not only affect the body; it also affects the brain. Due to a spike in dopamine caused by taking Adderall, those who abuse the medication experience increased feelings of happiness. Over time, the changes in dopamine activity impact the brain’s reward center and alter the ability to experience pleasure without the chemical support of Adderall. 

Once someone stops taking Adderall or significantly reduces their dose, the brain’s natural production of dopamine is reduced. This can cause low moods along with low energy, the inability to feel pleasure, depression, and suicidal thoughts or actions. Anxiety and panic attacks may also be triggered by long-term use of Adderall and during withdrawal.

#4. Psychosis and Schizophrenia

According to a study published by HHS Public Access, in some cases, Adderall has been reported to cause psychosis and schizophrenia-like symptoms, such as paranoid delusions, hallucinations, and other behavioral or mood disturbances. These symptoms may be heightened in someone with a history of mental illness or an underlying mental health disorder, such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia.

Other Effects of Adderall Addiction

Abusing Adderall can also lead to other effects, including:

• Sleep difficulties
• Inability to concentrate
• Lack of motivation
• Irritability 
• Lethargy
• Aggression
• Mood swings
• Headaches
• Tremors
• Constipation
• Trouble breathing
• Feeling jittery or “on edge” 

Finding Treatment for Adderall Addiction

If someone is addicted to Adderall, there is hope. Depending on the severity of the addiction, treatment may begin with medical detox, where medical professionals safely monitor withdrawal symptoms. Once an individual has completed detox, they can find help through a residential, PHP, or IOP program. 

Psychotherapy is the most commonly used approach to treat Adderall addiction. In treatment, individuals may experience individual and group therapy using various modalities, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT is one of the most commonly used therapies to help treat those struggling with addiction explore why they were motivated to abuse substances in the first place. From there, a therapist can help create new coping strategies and life skills to help individuals live a happy life free from Adderall. 

Adderall is a commonly prescribed stimulant medication that treats attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. While this medication has helped millions of people cope with the symptoms of their disorders, it is also highly addictive. The changes in the brain and body caused by Adderall can create long-term effects for those who are addicted to it. These long-term effects may include heart disease, stroke, depression, anxiety, psychosis, and schizophrenia. Luckily, overcoming an Adderall addiction is possible. At The Kimberly Center, we provide evidence-based, compassionate addiction treatment for adults in Fort Myers, Florida. We emphasize long-term treatment plans like counseling, therapy, and support groups to help you maintain your sobriety. Our facility can also help those struggling with co-occurring mental health disorders like depression or anxiety. We can help you or a loved one learn to cope without the use of Adderall. For more information on our program, call The Kimberly Center today at (855) 452-3683.