Attention deficit disorder is a widespread issue that causes hyperactivity, inattention and trouble concentrating. A prescription stimulant called Adderall can help children and adults with ADD calm down and improve their focus and executive function skills. Adderall may also make people listen attentively, regulate their behavior and prioritize their tasks more efficiently.
For people who do not have ADD, Adderall has the opposite effect, disrupting brain chemistry with excess dopamine. Instead of promoting calm and attentiveness, Adderall taken without a medical reason can have a euphoric effect. The initial rush might be pleasurable, but stimulant abuse can have various ill effects, including drug addiction.
The Risks of Using Adderall If You Don’t Have ADD
Some neurotypical people may assume Adderall works the same way for everyone who takes it. For instance, it’s a common misconception that this stimulant is a performance enhancer that can provide a competitive edge at school, work or when playing sports. However, there’s no conclusive evidence to suggest Adderall has any mental health benefits for people who do not have ADD. Moreover, taking stimulants without receiving an official ADD diagnosis and a doctor’s prescription is not only dangerous; it is also against the law.
Prescription stimulants fall under the Schedule II category of controlled substances, putting them on par with opioids and cocaine. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency defines drugs in Schedule II as having a high potential for abuse and addiction. If you don’t have ADD and try Adderall, you may find it makes you jittery, disrupts your concentration, elevates your heart rate and impairs your decision-making abilities. Once Adderall leaves your system, the resulting crash can make you feel sluggish and fatigued due to the lack of dopamine in your brain.
Adderall Withdrawal and Overdose
People who use Adderall recreationally may take a much greater quantity than a doctor would prescribe, either accidentally or on purpose. They might also use Adderall in an “off-label” way, such as crushing and snorting the pills for a more intense effect or combining it with other intoxicants. Abusing prescription stimulants is dangerous and can result in a physical or psychological dependence, meaning you no longer feel like yourself when you are sober and need to take higher doses to achieve the desired effects. An Adderall overdose can lead to a heart attack.
Withdrawing from Adderall can be an unpleasant experience characterized by symptoms such as headaches, insomnia, fatigue, anxiety, paranoia, body aches and difficulty concentrating. You may also have intense cravings for the drug that prompt a return to substance abuse, regardless of how motivated you are to quit.
Prescription Drug Addiction Recovery
If you have become dependent on a prescription medication like Adderall, there is hope for getting back on track and making a full recovery. At Pillars Recovery, we provide comprehensive, accredited drug addiction treatment for young men and women struggling with substance use disorders. We know how challenging life can be in the grip of an active addiction, and we are here to help you turn things around. Reach out to us today to learn more and verify your insurance coverage.
