Adderall is a prescription medication that has long been effective for youth who struggle with attention-deficit disorder (ADD) and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). In recent years, though, another use for this common drug has found its way into the lives of teens and young adults. Adderall is often used as a study aid. This might lead their loved ones to wonder is Adderall addictive?
What Is Adderall?
Adderall is one of the most commonly prescribed amphetamines. It’s often prescribed to adolescents and teens. Adderall is a prescription stimulant that is given to those who have a difficult time focusing on their schoolwork and other daily tasks. Because its potential to become addictive is so strong, the FDA has classified it as a Schedule II controlled substance.
Adderall comes in tablet form and is taken by mouth. Prescribed doses typically range from 5 milligrams up to 30 milligrams. People who abuse Adderall might crush the tablets up and snort them for a quicker effect. There are a number of street names for Adderall including uppers, pep pills, black beauties, speed, and Addys.
Is Adderall Addictive?
There is a mistaken perception that Adderall is a safe drug because it’s prescribed by a physician. People think then answer to the question: is Adderall addictive must be no.
The reality is not so simple though. Any prescribed medication causes side effects if it is abused. Adderall is no exception.
People often abuse prescription Adderall because it produces feelings of increased concentration, euphoria, and confidence. These make the medication appealing to those people who are searching for a boost in their mental and/or physical performance.
Adderall also suppresses the appetite. This makes Adderall attractive to those people who are struggling with an eating disorder or athletes who are trying to monitor their weight.
If a prescription medication is taken in a way that was not directed by the doctor, then it is abuse. For example, taking more than what was prescribed or crushing and snorting the pills is abuse. If a person doesn’t have a valid prescription for its use, it’s abuse.
Why Do People Abuse Adderall?
There are a number of reasons why someone might abuse Adderall including the following:
- To get high
- To help them study
- Stay awake
- To help them lose weight
- To boost their athletic performance
The Typical Person Who Abuses Adderall
There is no one typical type of person who abuses Adderall. To make things even more complex, there is the mistaken perception that Adderall is abused almost exclusively by high school or college students.
The research, however, doesn’t support this assumption. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSMM) found that most people started abusing the drug when they were 23 years of age.
- Athletes might abuse Adderall to enhance their performance and reduce the effects of fatigue.
- Professionals and students take Adderall because the drug helps them stay focused and awake for longer periods of time.
- People struggling with eating disorders might turn to Adderall because it helps reduce their appetite. Someone struggling with an eating disorder and an Adderall addiction at the same time likely needs simultaneous treatment for both conditions during their recovery.
The answer to the question: is Adderall addictive is a resounding yes. At Serenity Light Recovery, we can help you or your loved one overcome this addiction or any other substance. Our treatment options are comprehensive, tailored to the individual’s needs, and can include:
- EMDR Therapy Program
- Fitness plan
- Yoga Therapy Program
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Family programming and more
Learn more about how we can change your loved one’s life by calling us at (281) 431-6700 today.
As our CEO, Heather’s main calling is to stay true to the vision of the organization, which is saving lives and striving to redefine statistics by raising the standard of care with evolving treatment methods. Heather studied psychology at LSU and both the main and Clear Lake campuses of the University of Houston, and she is a certified IASIS provider and CPI instructor. She’s been helping people in recovery since 2011. Heather’s motto to live by is “I am not what I’ve done; I am what I’ve overcome.”
