For many people, Adderall is prescription drug that has changed their life for the better. This is used to treat both attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. Furthermore, it has been proven to be one of the most effective treatment strategies for both these health concerns.
As a combination of dextroamphetamine and amphetamine, Adderall is able to successfully help a person increase his or her ability to focus and pay attention.
Unfortunately, there are people who abuse Adderall for all the wrong reasons. Rather than use the drug for the health benefits, they do so because they like the way it makes them feel.
Note: some people start out taking Adderall for the treatment of ADHD, but soon find that they are abusing the drug by using it more than they should.
Are you concerned that you are abusing Adderall? Do you feel that a loved one is taking this drug for all the wrong reasons? If so, it is important to become familiar with the most common abuse symptoms. This will give you a clear understanding of whether or not abuse has become a problem, while also making it easier to find a solution.
- Nervousness. This can include bouts of paranoia.
- Restlessness. Difficulty sitting still for a long period of time.
- Headache. Many people who are abusing Adderall have frequent headaches.
- Uncontrollable shaking. No matter how hard the person tries, one part of the body shakes.
- Changes in sex drive. Not as common as others, but some who abuse Adderall find that their sex drive is always changing.
- Difficulty sleeping. It can be hard for a person who is abusing Adderall to get asleep and stay asleep.
- Stomach pain. In the most severe cases, a person may be doubled over in pain at times.
- Nausea. This often times accompanies stomach pain, making it a challenge for a person to stand upright.
- Dry mouth. Are you always on the search for a bottle of water or another beverage to quench your thirst?
- Constipation. Some people who abuse Adderall find it a challenge to move their bowels.
- Diarrhea. Since everybody reacts differently to Adderall, there are also people who have diarrhea when taking too much of this drug.
- Weight loss. This is one of the most common physical signs of Adderall abuse.
- Loss of appetite. This is why so many people who abuse Adderall lose weight.
- Itching. Sometimes, this appears to set on for no particular reason.
- Hives or a rash. Another common physical symptom of Adderall abuse, which also leads to itching.
- Blurred vision. This can be accompanied by changes in vision, such as seeing double.
- Swelling of the throat, tongue, face, or eyes. Not only can this change a person’s appearance, but it can be dangerous.
- Difficulty swallowing. This is another symptom of Adderall abuse that can lead to weight loss.
- Difficulty breathing. One of the most serious symptoms of Adderall abuse, some people have a hard time breathing when the drug is in their system.
- Hoarseness. Continued Adderall use can cause a horse voice, one that sounds like the person has a cold.
- Peeling or blistering skin. These types of skin problems often accompany hives or a rash.
- Hallucinating. A serious problem, as this means you are seeing things that do not exist.
- Increase in energy. Do you find it difficult to sit down and take a break? Do you have more energy than ever before?
- Hostility and mood changes. Some people taking Adderall experience mood changes, which can be accompanied by aggression and hostility. This is one of the most dangerous symptoms of Adderall abuse, as it can cause trouble with others.
- Reduction of social inhibitions. Much the same as alcohol, there are people who take Adderall before entering a social situation as it “lowers their guard.”
How to Deal with Adderall Abuse Symptoms
If you or a loved one is dealing with one or more of these Adderall abuse symptoms, there are a few things that can be done.
First off, answer this question: is the drug being taken as prescribed by a doctor, or abused illegally? If a doctor prescribed the medication, discuss the details with this person. They may be able to change the dosage or offer another treatment strategy.
There are rehab centers with many years of experience in treating Adderall abuse. Not only do they know what the person has gone through leading up to the point of addiction, but they have the knowledge needed to make a change for the better.
It is easy to believe that quitting Adderall should be a simple and straightforward process, however, this is not the way many people react. Quitting cold turkey can be a challenge, as your body could go through withdrawal.
These Adderall abuse symptoms cannot be overlooked, as they can have a negative impact on the body. Rather than ignore these, it is important to find a solution to the problem without delay.