Adderall (dextroamphetamine-amphetamine) is a stimulant medication commonly prescribed for ADHD. It’s also a drug that needs to be prescribed and monitored very carefully, as it can pose serious risks if it’s not done right. Before you start a prescription for Adderall, make sure you’re aware of these 4 things.
Adderall Can be Addictive, Especially if Used Incorrectly
If taken at an appropriate dose by someone with diagnosed ADHD, Adderall can be an invaluable treatment. In a brain with ADHD, a proper therapeutic dose of Adderall does not produce a high. It raises brain activity to normal levels and has a low addiction risk. If the dose is too large or the person doesn’t have ADHD, however, it can be an extremely addictive substance.
There’s a Real Problem with Prescription Adderall Abuse in the U.S.
A concerning statistic shows that as the number of Adderall prescriptions has increased, so has the number of stimulant-related ER visits. This doesn’t mean that Adderall is bad, in and of itself, but that it may be being over-prescribed and getting into the wrong hands.
Many doctors prescribe Adderall correctly and with care. However, questions remain about whether others are acting recklessly. If patients aren’t properly screened for ADHD and dosage standards are ignored, patients may be at risk. Prescribing Adderall “just to see if it helps” is a dangerous gamble. So is giving someone with ADHD too high a dose.
Illegal activity is also an issue. Prescriptions may be written in bad faith or forged, or a person with ADHD might be selling their pills to others. Even though Adderall is a controlled substance in the U.S., the availability of the drug for illegal sale and use remains a problem.
Adderall Mixed with Alcohol Can Be Extremely Dangerous
Because alcohol is a depressant and Adderall is a stimulant, their effects can “cancel each other out” when taken together. If you feel like you’re not impaired and continue drinking, there’s a very real risk of accidental alcohol poisoning.
Mixing the two can also lead to things like:
- Irregular heartbeat
- Increased blood pressure
- Increased heart rate
- Aggression
- Risky/impulsive behaviors
If you typically take Adderall for ADHD, combining it with alcohol can make your symptoms worse. This defeats the purpose of the medication and adds serious, unnecessary risks.
Adderall Abuse Can Have Serious Long-Term Side Effects
Over time, abuse of Adderall can have severe, potentially dangerous side effects. Long-term side effects of Adderall include:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Difficulty concentrating
- Heart disease
- Aggressive behavior
- Suicidal thoughts
- Paranoia
- Hallucinations
- Tremors
- Headaches
- Panic attacks
- Sleep problems
Do You Need Adderall Addiction Treatment?
If you or a loved one are struggling with an addiction to Adderall, we at Adelante Recovery Center are here for you. Contact us online or call (949) 427-9099 to learn more about our Adderall addiction treatment options.