Many people today take Adderall for ADHD. Doctors also prescribe it for some individuals who struggle with depression or narcolepsy. However, many people do not know this medication is highly addictive. Its use can lead to long-term effects, and it is among the most abused drugs. What must people know about the effects of Adderall abuse?
Adderall Addiction: What Are the Long-Term Effects?
What is Adderall?
Adderall is a stimulant. This medication is so commonly prescribed today that it now ranks in the top 25 drugs used in the country. While many people use it to treat their ADHD, countless individuals use it for other purposes.
A person might turn to this medication to improve their performance while playing sports. It may be used as an appetite suppressant by someone trying to lose weight or to improve cognition. Some people find it makes them feel euphoric, and many students turn to it when they need to stay awake and study.
Short-Term Effects
While this prescription drug may appear to be ideal for use in many situations, people must be aware of its effects. For example, aderall and anxiety do not mix. A person who takes this medication might find their anxiety amplifies, particularly when it is taken in high doses. At therapeutic doses prescribed by a doctor, most people find they have limited effects. It is when a person takes more than prescribed that the side effects increase.
Side effects of overusing this medication include restlessness, constipation, and sweating. Insomnia, shortness of breath, and irritability have been reported along with insomnia and dry mouth. Heart palpitations and numbness in the arms and legs are also common side effects.
The Risk of Addiction
Individuals who use Adderall other than as prescribed are at high risk of becoming addicted to it. Adderall activates the reward center in the brain. When abused, this drug changes the way a person feels pleasure. They may not be able to feel this pleasure without the drug. In addition, a person can develop a tolerance to Adderall, so they need more to see the expected results.
With high doses of Adderall, the body begins producing high levels of AFosB. When this protein increases in the body, it increases the severity of the addiction and the accompanying behaviors. This is not a concern for those who take Adderall as directed. Sadly, many people take more than that and put themselves on the path to Adderall addiction.
Long-Term Effects
Long-term use of Adderall at higher than therapeutic doses can lead to health problems. A person might even lose their life to this drug. Many people struggle with insomnia and weight loss. Seizures are a concern with high doses of Adderall and a person might experience panic attacks. Anxiety and cravings for the drug are also things a person must look out for. Cardiovascular disease and toxic psychosis are other risks seen with long-term use of this medication at high doses.
A person suffering from Adderall addiction should seek medical help right away. Withdrawal symptoms appear within 24 hours of the last dose for most people and they can linger for weeks. Medical care is needed as a person moves through this process. However, this care is only part of the process. The addict will also need other support to overcome their addiction and get on the path to recovery. A licensed treatment center can be of help in providing this holistic care, so reach out today.
Conclusion
In summary, Adderall is a medication prescribed for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. While it offers benefits in the short term by enhancing focus and alertness, it also carries the risk of addiction and a range of concerning long-term effects. It’s crucial to use Adderall strictly as prescribed and under the guidance of a healthcare professional to mitigate these risks and ensure your well-being. Understanding the potential consequences of misuse and addiction is the first step in making informed decisions about your health and medication use.
