Is Adderall Addictive? and Other Adderall Facts
When it comes to prescription stimulants, Adderall is one of the most popular options on the market. But what many people don’t know is that Adderall can be addictive.
What Is Adderall?
Used most often to help those who struggle with ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), Adderall is the name of a trademarked stimulant that unfortunately has potential for abuse and misuse. Sometimes called “the study drug,” Adderall is made up of four strong amphetamine salts that help improve focus while decreasing impulsiveness and hyperactivity for those prescribed the drug. Adderall abuse is often found among students as there is a belief it assists with academic performance. There is nothing scientific to support that idea.
Here are some of the most common nicknames associated with Adderall:
- Addys
- Bennies
- Beans
- Black Beauty
Along with Adderall, there are other medications that carry similar dangers of abuse and misuse. Some of them are:
- Dexmethylphenidate
- Dextroamphetamine (Adderall XR)
- Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse)
- Methylphenidate
- Ritalin
Adderall comes in tablet or capsule form, but some choose to engage in risky behaviors like snorting or injecting the drug to manipulate the intensity and how long the effects last. Depending on how the drug is consumed, effects can come on in a matter of minutes or can last for hours afterwards. Extended-release variations of the drug can last for an entire day.
What Makes Adderall Addictive?
While Adderall is relatively safe if used as prescribed, misuse can quickly lead to dependency and addiction. Prescriptions like Adderall are central nervous system stimulants. They impact the brain by increasing the activity of naturally occurring chemicals called dopamine and norepinephrine. The chemical structure of Adderall mimics these naturally occurring brain chemicals. Dopamine is connected to the brain’s reward system. Norepinephrine is involved in functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing. That’s why abuse of stimulants may cause a significant risk of physiological overactivity.
When doctors prescribe Adderall, they start at low doses, slowly increasing dopamine in the brain and gradually building it up as needed. But when Adderall is misused and snorted, smoked, or injected, the release of dopamine can be much more intense. This increase in brain activity can lead to an intense pleasure response but also serious negative side effects, including addiction, overdose, and death.
Adderall can be addictive, but not everyone who takes Adderall will become addicted. Some people may only require the medication for a short period of time to treat a specific condition like ADHD. Others may take Adderall recreationally without developing an addiction. But for some people, Adderall use can lead to tolerance, dependence, and eventually addiction.
Adderall Facts and Statistics
- In the late 1990s, Adderall began to get a reputation as a “study drug” by college students who abused it to stay up late and cram for exams.
- Adderall is a prescription psychostimulant medication that is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy, a sleep disorder.
- Adderall is actually a combination of two stimulants: amphetamine salts and dextroamphetamine. These act on your brain’s reward system and increase alertness, attention span, and energy levels.
- According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), over 6 million children in the United States have been diagnosed with ADHD. About 62% take ADHD medication to manage their symptoms.
- Total Adderall prescriptions rose to 41.2 million from 35.5 million in 2019.
- In one year, 5 million American adults misused prescription stimulants like Adderall.
Adderall is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). This means it has a high potential for abuse and addiction. In fact, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), Adderall abuse among college students has been on the rise in recent years. One study found that over 11% of college students had misused Adderall over a 12-month period.
Risk Factors for Adderall Addiction:
- A family history of addiction: If you have a parent or grandparent who’s struggled with addiction, you’re more likely to develop an addiction yourself. This is because addiction can be partially genetic.
- Mental health disorders: People with mental health disorders such as anxiety or depression are more likely to develop an addiction to Adderall. They may use the drug to self-medicate their psychiatric symptoms.
- Previous addictions: If you’ve struggled with addiction in the past, you’re more likely to develop an addiction to Adderall.
- Adverse childhood experiences: Children who have experienced trauma or adversity are more likely to develop an addiction later in life. This is because they may turn to drugs as a way of coping with emotional pain.
Signs of Adderall Addiction:
Physical Signs of Adderall Abuse
Generally, when someone becomes addicted to Adderall, their body is physically dependent on the drug. They experience withdrawal symptoms when it is taken away. These physical signs may include:
- Increased heart rate
- Muscle tension
- Sweating
- Tremors
- Insomnia
- Nausea or vomiting
- Headaches
- Loss of appetite
Psychological Signs of Adderall Abuse
Problematic use of Adderall can lead to an emotional reliance on the drug to cope with everyday stressors or negative emotions. Psychological signs of addiction may include:
- Feelings of paranoia and anxiety
- Increased irritability
- Difficulty focusing and concentrating
- Loss of motivation
- Mood swings
- Decreased ability to make decisions
- Cravings for more Adderall
- Neglecting personal hygiene or hobbies
Behavioral Signs of Adderall Abuse
Those addicted to Adderall may exhibit certain changes in behavior because of their substance use problem. These behavioral changes may include:
- Impulsivity or recklessness without thinking about the consequences
- Overly aggressive behavior toward others
- Consistently lying or making excuses
- Spending money on buying more pills than usual
- Secretiveness regarding how much Adderall has been taken or where it was acquired
- Doctor shopping to get multiple scripts filled at once
- Manipulating family members or friends into helping to obtain more pills
Cognitive Signs of Adderall Abuse
Long-term abuse of Adderall can also cause cognitive impairments, such as:
- Short-term memory deficits
- Executive functioning issues (issues with problem-solving and decision-making)
- Slurred speech
- Disorientation
- Confusion
Social Signs of Adderall Abuse
As your substance abuse progresses, you may be less interested in social activities or withdraw from them altogether. You may feel overwhelmed by your addiction and cravings for more pills and begin isolating yourself from family members or friends in fear that they will discover your addiction.
How Long Does Adderall Stay in Your System?
Adderall stays in the body for a relatively short time, typically one day to five days. This depends on factors such as:
- Metabolism
- Age
- Dosage amount
- Duration of use
- Individual physical makeup
- Medical history
- Lifestyle habits (like diet and exercise)
- Drug tolerance
- Hydration
- Medications taken concurrently
Adderall has a half-life of about 11 hours in adults. This is the time it takes for a drug’s active substance in your body to reduce by half. This means it will take 11 hours for the drug’s concentration in the blood to be reduced by half. After five half-lives, most of the Adderall is metabolized and eliminated from the body.
There are numerous tests to detect Adderall in a person’s system:
Urine Tests
Urine tests are one of the most common ways that is detected in your system. Urine tests can detect amphetamines, the active ingredient in Adderall, up to 72 hours after ingestion. It typically shows up within 24 hours. Urine tests are highly sensitive and can detect very small amounts of amphetamine metabolites.
Blood Tests
Blood tests are another way Adderall can be detected in your system, but they are less commonly used than urine tests because they are costly and invasive. When testing for amphetamine and methamphetamine metabolite levels, blood samples collected from an arm vein generally indicate presence for about 48 hours after ingestion.
Hair Tests
Adderall can be detected in hair follicles up to 90 days after ingestion. This is due to the slow growth rate of hair.
Saliva Tests
You can detect Adderall in saliva for up to two or three days after the last use. Higher doses are potentially detectable for up to four days.
Extended-release forms of Adderall may remain active in the body for a longer period than immediate-release forms. This is because their effects are designed to last for 12 to 14 hours rather than 4 to 6 hours like immediate release forms.
Effects of Adderall on the Body and Brain
Adderall is a powerful medication that can have significant effects on your body and brain. Adderall works by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. These chemicals are important for controlling:
- Attention
- Focus
- Motivation
- Arousal levels
- Sleep cycles
- Decision making
People taking Adderall may experience changes in their appetite as well as increased irritability or anxiety. Additionally, extended-use Adderall may lead to tolerance, which means you need higher doses for similar effects over time.
Potential risks associated with prolonged use of Adderall include:
- Insomnia
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Decreased libido
- Heart palpitations
Adderall Side Effects
The side effects of Adderall can differ between men and women for a variety of reasons. Firstly, metabolism rates are different between the two genders. This can affect the way a drug is processed within the body. Men tend to have higher metabolic rates than women, meaning they process drugs quicker. This can affect how strongly they experience certain side effects associated with a particular medication.
Furthermore, male and female bodies use hormones differently. This can lead to variations in the way certain medications are experienced. Women can be more sensitive to drugs that act on specific hormones. It takes their bodies longer to adjust when hormone levels are disrupted by an external source such as medications like Adderall. For example, Adderall has been found to reduce levels of progesterone in women. This may cause increased anxiety or irritability. These effects may be different or less severe in men.
Genetic factors may contribute to differences in how men and women experience side effects from medications such as Adderall. Variations in genes related to drug absorption or metabolism may lead to different responses across genders even when taking similar prescribed doses of the same medication. This might explain why some individuals experience extreme side effects from Adderall while others remain relatively unaffected.
Adderall Side Effects for Women
- Headaches
- Insomnia
- Irritability
- Dry mouth
- Stomach upset
- Reduced appetite
- Weight loss due to decreased appetite
- Nervousness
- Dizziness
- Palpitations
- Tremor or shaking of the hands and feet
- Restlessness or jitteriness
- Impaired mental functioning (difficulty concentrating)
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure levels
For women taking Adderall, there are other physical side effects that can occur including:
- Menstrual irregularities (such as amenorrhea or absent periods)
- Lactation issues due to suppression of milk production if taken during pregnancy
- Changes in libido or sexual arousal
There are also potential psychological and cognitive side effects experienced by women on Adderall. including:
- Anxiety disorders, including panic attacks and generalized anxiety disorder
- Confusion
- Depression
- Hallucinations
- Personality changes
- Delusional thinking
- Psychotic episodes
Women who take Adderall may also experience fatigue due to the stimulant effect, which can increase alertness during the day but disrupt sleep at night, leading to daytime sleepiness. This can often occur even with a lower dose than is usually prescribed for adults. Women may also notice an increase in their energy levels during the day, which could lead to burnout if not managed properly. Taking large doses of Adderall has been linked with a higher risk of stroke in women compared to men.
Adderall Side Effects for Men
- Reduced Appetite: Many men who take Adderall report a decrease in appetite and may even experience an aversion to food, leading to weight loss and nutrition deficits if left unchecked.
- Nausea and vomiting: Some users of Adderall can experience nausea and vomiting as side effects, usually occurring shortly after taking the medication.
- Agitation and anxiety: Men using Adderall may become easily agitated or anxious due to Adderall’s stimulatory nature. This can lead to restlessness and impaired sleep quality.
- Difficulty concentrating: Adderall can impair concentration in some users, especially during times when they are not actively focusing on a specific task or activity.
- Cardiovascular issues: Because of its stimulant properties, there is some evidence Adderall may increase blood pressure, heart rate, and other cardiovascular parameters in some men who take it regularly.
- Increased body temperature: Adderall can raise body temperature slightly in those taking it regularly because it stimulates metabolism. This can be dangerous for those with underlying health conditions, such as diabetes or hypertension.
- Impulsivity: Men might find themselves making quick decisions without fully thinking through all the consequences. This could lead to poor decision-making when combined with other effects like agitation or anxiety.
- Mood changes: Since Adderall is a stimulant drug that affects dopamine levels in the brain, many men report feeling “on edge” while taking it regularly. This can lead to mood swings, depression, or irritability over time if not monitored closely by a doctor or psychiatrist.
- Headaches and dizziness: As with any medications that affect brain chemistry, headaches and dizziness are possible side effects with regular use of Adderall.
- Sleep disturbances/insomnia: One of the most common side effects from using Adderall is difficulty sleeping. This can occur either due to agitation from increased alertness that keeps one awake longer than normal (especially when taken later in the day) or because regular usage seems to reduce REM sleep cycles. REM is associated with restorative sleep needed by everyone.
Adderall Withdrawal Symptoms
Adderall withdrawal symptoms include a range of physical, neurological, emotional, and psychological reactions that can occur when you stop the drug.
Common physical withdrawal symptoms include:
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Muscle aches and pains
- Insomnia or sleeping difficulties
- Nausea or loss of appetite
Neurological symptoms might include:
- Anxiety or agitation
- Difficulty thinking clearly or focusing
- Dizziness or vertigo
- Tingling sensations in the hands and feet
Some individuals who are withdrawing from Adderall report anhedonia (inability to experience pleasure). They may also feel depression or sadness. Psychological reactions associated with Adderall withdrawal can include:
- Heightened irritability and mood swings
- Sensitivity to light and sound
- Dysphoria (overall feeling of unease)
- Cravings for the drug
- Increased cravings for other substances, such as alcohol and drugs
Adderall withdrawal may also involve unpleasant physical sensations, including:
- Sweating
- Cold sweats
- Trembling or shaking
- Numbness of extremities
- Difficulty maintaining body temperature regulation
Is Adderall Safe for Long-Term Use?
While Adderall can be useful for people suffering from ADHD and other conditions, questions have been raised about its safety long term.
The primary active ingredient in Adderall is dextroamphetamine. It’s an amphetamine-type stimulant that increases the activity of dopamine and norepinephrine neurotransmitters in the brain. This can lead to improved focus, energy, and alertness. It can also come with intense side effects, including:
- Insomnia
- Headaches
- Heart palpitations
- High blood pressure
- Nervousness
- Restlessness
- Irritability
- Feelings of paranoia or depression
Long-term Adderall effects are not completely known due to a lack of research on chronic use. However, some studies suggest extended exposure to the drug may result in permanent changes in brain structure and chemistry. This is particularly significant among adolescents when they experience rapid developmental changes. In addition to this risk factor, there are other potential consequences associated with long-term use:
- Increased risk of stroke or heart attack
- Reduced appetite
- Hormone imbalances
- Sleep disturbances
- Depression
- Slowed growth rate among children
- Physical exhaustion
- Kidney problems due to dehydration
- Increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes over time
- Weakened immune system, leaving Adderall users more susceptible to infection and illness
- Heightened risk of addiction or abuse as tolerance builds up quickly with prolonged use
Because research on long-term Adderall use is limited, it’s difficult to draw concrete conclusions about its safety for sustained periods of time. It’s important for potential users to talk with their prescriber about whether the benefits outweigh the risks.
Adderall Addiction Treatment
Adderall addiction is a serious issue. Professional addiction treatment offers you or your loved ones a safe and effective detox program for Adderall abuse. Stimulant abuse treatment starts with removing yourself from temptations and distractions, and there’s no better place for that then a treatment center. Some treatments used to help with Adderall addiction recovery are also beneficial for other stimulant drugs like cocaine or methamphetamine.
There are several programs and therapies used by addiction treatment centers for Adderall abuse. Behavioral therapies and other incentive-based treatment are often used alongside group therapy and individual counseling. Following clinical treatment, groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), SMART Recovery, and more offer support and guidance to those on the road to recovery.
Adderall addiction treatment doesn’t involve any other medications, and the frequency or intensity of treatment varies from person to person. A multi-disciplinary approach involving weekly therapy, support groups, and, in some cases, 30-day inpatient rehab are common avenues for Adderall addiction treatment.
If you’re abusing Adderall, the kind of treatment you need can depend on a number of factors like:
- How frequently you use Adderall
- How long you’ve been using Adderall
- How much and by what method you consume Adderall
- Whether you’re currently abusing other drugs and alcohol (or have in the past)
- A co-occurring mental or behavioral health condition
- Your current living and working situation
There isn’t one approach to Adderall addiction treatment that works for everyone. Finding the right recovery program for your needs is essential for recovery. The following programs offered by substance abuse professionals may be helpful in recovery:
Medical Detox
One of the first steps in addiction recovery is medical detox. Detox can be a challenging phase in the recovery process, so it’s important to have licensed and experienced substance abuse counselors available at all times for guidance and support.
During medical detox from Adderall, you’ll receive close monitoring and round-the-clock care to ensure detox is completed safely. Managing withdrawal symptoms is a primary focus of detox, as they can often be severe. Ailments like headaches, nausea and anxiety are all common withdrawal symptoms and can be treated by medical professionals. After withdrawal symptoms are under control, someone can then begin tapering off their Adderall use with the help of medical professionals. Detox time varies by person. For most, it’s between a few days and a week.
Inpatient Rehab
Inpatient rehab for Adderall abuse is another way many choose to get sober. These programs typically last between 28 and 90 days and take place at a certified addiction treatment center. How severe your addiction to Adderall is can affect what treatment track is necessary and how long it will last. Consulting with the team at a treatment center can give you a better idea of what treatment could be like.
Both individual and group therapy sessions, as well as treatment programs like yoga or meditation, can be used to promote healing and sobriety during recovery. Overall, inpatient rehab is a safe and productive place where you can focus on sobriety without distractions or temptation.
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
When facing an addiction to Adderall, some may require a partial hospitalization program. PHP offers intensive care during the recovery process and may include group and individual therapies along with medication and case management.
While not as intensive as inpatient care, PHP offers more support than an outpatient program and can still last for up to 30 days. It’s also helpful for learning coping skills, developing a support network, and identifying underlying triggers for addiction.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
Since many people have obligations like work, school, or family members who depend on them, a month of inpatient care sometimes isn’t an option. Intensive outpatient treatment makes it easier to get help while still continuing with the routines of daily life. An IOP allows you to live at home and go to work like normal but also attend regular meetings in both group and individual settings.
IOP participants generally meet three to five times per week between two and four hours each time. Along with therapy, participants may also take part in educational lectures, skill-building activities, and 12-step meetings during intensive outpatient treatment. An IOP is often for those who have completed residential inpatient treatment or have a less severe issue with substance abuse.
Outpatient Program
Building a system of support is vital for recovery. An outpatient program fosters growth and sobriety through sharing experiences between attendees. Outpatient programs often meet for one to three hours per week both individually with a counselor and in group settings. There’s also an educational aspect that teaches you more about addiction and the recovery process. Finding a system of support in outpatient rehab you can rely on is one of the best ways to prevent relapse following treatment.
Sober Living
Staying sober after completing a rehab program can get a great boost in a sober living residence. These are safe and supportive environments where everyone is committed to helping each other maintain sobriety. Residents of a sober living house or apartment are provided with structure and support that can help reduce triggers for Adderall abuse. There are rules for staying in a sober living residence, like attending regular meetings and, of course, abstaining from drug and alcohol abuse. A sober living residence isn’t a treatment center, but it can be an essential part of the transition to sobriety.
Looking for Help with an Adderall Addiction?
Those looking for help with an Adderall addiction should consider getting assistance from the professional substance abuse counselors at Vogue Recovery Center. We provide a safe and supportive place where anyone can take back control and learn the skills needed to remain free from Adderall abuse.
Programs at Vogue Recovery include individual and group therapy along with other treatment methods that promote a sober and productive lifestyle. We also offer information and support to families of those struggling with an addiction to Adderall so they can be as informed and helpful as possible throughout the process.
Using evidence-based treatments that engage clients, Vogue Recovery Center has helped countless individuals with Adderall addiction recovery. If you or someone you know is struggling with stimulant abuse, contact Vogue Recovery Center today for a free and confidential consultation.
References
- https://ibcces.org/learning/adderall-amphetamine-dextroamphetamine/
- https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/prescription-stimulants
- https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/schedules/
- https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2017/011522s043lbl.pdf
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2670101/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7138250/
- https://harmreductionjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12954-017-0194-6
Medically Reviewed by Theresa Brown, RN, MSN, CADAC-I
