When used in the appropriate manner, such as for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Adderall provides many benefits. Unfortunately, there are people who take this drug for all the wrong reasons. Instead of using it as prescribed by a doctor, they obtain it through illegal means and abuse it on a regular basis.
The more a person uses Adderall the better chance there is that he or she will become addicted. This holds true both for people who use the drug as prescribed, as well as those who experiment on their own.
Knowing that Adderall is addictive is not always enough for a person to watch what they are doing. Instead, they enjoy the feeling they get from the drug and continue to use it despite the negative impact it is having on their body.
Do you have reason to believe that a loved one is addicted to Adderall? Here are 10 signs of Adderall addiction, some of which may be easy to pinpoint:
- Uncontrollable shaking. This is an Adderall addiction symptom that is easy to see on the surface. If you realize a person is shaking, and they don’t have any explanation as to why, it could be the direct result of Adderall abuse or addiction.
- Nervousness. Many people who abuse this drug display bouts of nervousness and paranoia. Once again, this is easier to pinpoint than some other symptoms of addiction.
- Restlessness. This goes along with nervousness and often times leads to a person having difficulties sleeping. Do you realize that the person is having a hard time sitting still? This type of restlessness could signify an addiction.
- Loss of appetite. When a person begins to abuse Adderall, there is a good chance that he or she will not want to eat nearly as much as they did in the past. This is not always a problem, but when it is it is often times accompanied by nausea, stomach pain, and constipation. In other words, abusing this drug can have a negative impact on a person’s digestive system.
- Weight loss. Since Adderall often leads to a loss of appetite, you can expect a person abusing this drug to shed a few pounds in a relatively short period of time. This is a sign of many types of drug abuse, and is definitely one worth noting when it comes to Adderall.
- Shortness of breath. This sign of Adderall addiction is not as common as others, but it does come into play for many people. If a person always appears to be winded, even when they are not exercising, it could be related to the abuse of this drug.
- Seizures. This is one of the most serious side effects of Adderall abuse, and one that is simple to see no matter who you are. If a person is having a seizure, it is a must that they receive immediate medical attention. In short, the only way to stop this from happening again is to cut the drug out and receive professional treatment.
- Aggressive behavior. It is not uncommon for a person to display signs of aggression and other mood changes. Adderall can do things to the brain that the person cannot control.
- Hallucinations. Does somebody continually tell you they see something that is not there? Does this happen during the day and at night? Hallucinations are one of the most serious signs of Adderall abuse, as this can turn a person’s life upside down and lead them to do things they would have otherwise avoided.
- Slow or impaired speech. This is not a sign of addiction in every person who is addicted to Adderall, but you should keep an eye out for it. If a person is finding it difficult to speak, it could be related to an addiction.
What to do Next
Uncontrollable shaking, nervousness, and hallucinations are potential signs of an addiction to Adderall.
It is one thing to believe that a person is exhibiting signs of Adderall addiction. It is another thing entirely to take the appropriate steps towards helping this person get his or her life back on track. It may sound easy enough to confront the person with an addiction, but this is not always the case.
If you are lucky enough for the person to admit they are abusing Adderall, you can express your desire to provide them with all the assistance they require. This often times means finding a rehab facility, as overcoming an addiction without professional help can be a challenge. The benefits of checking into a rehab center include:
- Round the clock care to ensure day to day progress
- Customized treatment plan that allows the addicted party to feel confident in their ability to beat the addiction
- Services ranging from detoxification to counseling and therapy
Knowing the signs of Adderall addiction will put you in position to help anybody in your life who may be struggling with this problem. It is never easy to admit that a loved one is in this position, but if you truly want to help you will move forward and let them know that you are more than willing to step in and provide the necessary assistance.
As you can see from the list above, the signs of an Adderall addiction can be serious and life altering. If you find that a person in your life is abusing this drug, it is time to step in and help them reclaim their life.
