Can you really get addicted to Adderall?
By: Alfredo Medina
Published: February 1, 2023

The FDA recently announced an Adderall shortage in October 2022 which may last into March 2023. With this Adderall shortage, you may find yourself wondering what this drug is often used for and if it is addictive. 

If you have attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Adderall can help control your symptoms and make you more productive. But it has very high potential for abuse and misuse. A 2018 study by the College Prescription Drug Study (CPDS) administered to university students across the US found that of the 19,593 students who responded, 79% used stimulants to study or improve grades. This was one of the top non-medical uses for medication noted in the study. Misusing Adderall can lead to addiction if you are using it without an ADHD diagnosis, if you try to use the drug to treat conditions that are not related to ADHD, if someone is taking more of the drug or using it in ways other than how it has been prescribed. 

What is Adderall?

Adderall is a prescription drug that is used for the treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children, adolescents, and adults. It is designed as an amphetamine, but it also has some qualities like other drugs in its class such as dextroamphetamine, methamphetamine, and methylphenidate. These drugs are stimulants which work by increasing the neurotransmitter dopamine in the brain and can be used in the treatment of narcolepsy and chronic fatigue syndrome. 

Adderall works by stimulating neurotransmitters in the central nervous system (CNS) which leads to increased alertness and focus. These neurotransmitters are dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine. They work by sending signals from one neuron (brain cell) to another, telling the second neuron how much adrenaline needs to be released into the body at any given time. Adderall also inhibits monoamine oxidase A or MAO-A, an enzyme that breaks down dopamine, thereby prolonging its effects on mood and behavior.

What are the Side Effects of Adderall?

According to the FDA the risk of experiencing side effects is impacted by factors such as pre-existing conditions, age, hormonal cycles and body weight.  

Common side effects of Adderall include:  

  • Weight loss 
  • Dizziness 
  • Nausea/vomiting 
  • Difficulty sleeping 
  • Diarrhea  
  • Nervousness  

Side effects normally stop when the use of Adderall has stopped. If side effects continue to persist, patients should seek medical assistance immediately. 

How Addictive is Adderall?

A 2016 Johns Hopkins study found that between 2006 and 2011, non-medical use of Adderall increased by 67% with associated emergency room visits increasing by 156%. Whether someone will get addicted to Adderall is dependent on many different factors, using the drug outside of the recommended dosage and period increases the risk of addiction. These factors combined will determine Adderall addiction symptoms, how long it takes for someone to become addicted, and how severe their addiction will be.  

It is important to remember that since Adderall is a stimulant it may become habit forming. Over time, the body may stop responding to the medication, causing some to take more of it to achieve the desired effect. Some may increase their use of the drug without realizing that it has started to become an addiction. There is also a high likelihood of developing both short- and long-term effects when abusing Adderall.   

Short term effects of Adderall abuse include: 

  • Dry mouth 
  • Hair loss 
  • Mood elevations 
  • Weight loss 
  • Sleep problems 
  • Muscle twitching 

Long term effects of Adderall abuse include: 

  • Memory deficits 
  • Muscle tics 
  • Insomnia 
  • Slowed growth in children (height and weight)  
  • Weight loss 
  • Infection and/or abscess at site of injection 
  • Paranoid delusions 
  • Erratic behavior 
  • Tolerance and withdrawal symptoms 
  • Kidney damage or failure 
  • Convulsions, coma and death. 

Adderall Withdrawal

When someone stops using Adderall suddenly, withdrawal symptoms can set in as their body adjusts to functioning without the drug. Withdrawal signs usually start showing up around 1-2 days after stopping Adderall and can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks depending on the individual.  

Withdrawal symptoms may include:  

  • Increased cravings for Adderall 
  • Mood swings 
  • Trouble sleeping 
  • Depression 
  • Irritability 
  • Exhaustion 
  • Difficulty concentrating 
  • Suicidal thoughts 

Experiencing these symptoms means that the person needs to taper off use slowly by reducing dosage over time. Withdrawal symptoms are also very similar to overdose symptoms and if you or a loved one are experiencing these symptoms you should seek medical attention immediately.  

Overdose symptoms may include: 

  • Hallucinations 
  • Fast or irregular heartbeat 
  • Blurred vision 
  • Cola-colored or dark red urine 
  • Muscle weakness or aching
  • Coma or loss of consciousness 

Detoxing from Adderall should always be done with the help of a medical professional or at a detox center. 

How to Get Help for an Adderall Addiction

At an Adderall Addiction Treatment Center like Lakeview Health in Jacksonville, Florida you can get the help needed to overcome your addiction. Lakeview Health offers personalized inpatient and outpatient programs based on each patient’s needs. 

Our programs are evidence-based and include therapies, such as: 

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy 
  • Art and music therapy 
  • Meditation and mindfulness exercises 
  • Dialectic behavioral therapy 
  • Relapse prevention planning  

If you or someone in your life is struggling with an Adderall addiction, call 866 704 7692 to learn more about recovery and treatment options at Lakeview Health in Jacksonville, Florida.