Doctors may prescribe Adderall as a treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It has proven to be an effective drug and is relatively safe in the recommended doses. But there is one feature – the ability to be addictive with prolonged use or excessive dosages. 2 out of 3 students in the US use this drug at least once during their studies. To get a quick effect, Adderall is snorted, having previously crushed the tablet into powder. Snorting Adderall is even more dangerous than swallowing pills: it causes rapid addiction and badly affects the state of the psyche and internal organs.
If you, your friend or relative is abusing Adderall, but there is a desire to stop, it is better to do it today. At New Breath Recovery Rehab, you can get all the help you need. Our specialists will make sure that the withdrawal of the drug from the body was safe, and the patient received qualified help from psychiatrists and psychologists. The clinic offers comfortable conditions for effective treatment and life.
What Is Adderall?
Adderall is a trade name for a mixture of amphetamines: amphetamine sulfate and aspartate, and dextroamphetamine saccharate and sulfate. It is used mainly for the treatment of ADHD and narcolepsy. The drug is available in two forms:
- Adderall XR. It is characterized by slow release, the effect is achieved within 30 minutes after administration and lasts up to 12 hours.
- Adderall IR. It begins to act in 20 minutes, the required concentration in the blood is maintained for 4 hours.
The drug is prescribed mainly for the treatment of ADHD. It helps them to concentrate on a certain task and provide a normal level of calmness. Adderall, being a psychostimulant, increases the activity of neurotransmitters: dopamine and norepinephrine. This has a positive effect on attention and impulsivity control.
The drug is used orally, i.e. the tablet is washed down with some water. But some people prefer to snort Adderall. This is a clear sign that they have already developed a strong dependence on the substance.
Why Do People Snort Adderall?
By swallowing the drug, a person cannot get the same sensations that occur in cases where Adderall is snorted. Therefore, people with addiction crush the tablets to powder and inhale it just like they do with cocaine. This is a very dangerous way of taking it – only injecting it is more dangerous than snorting Adderall.
Getting on the mucous membranes in the nose and lungs, the powder dissolves and is quickly absorbed into the blood. The effect is felt in just a few minutes – this is several times faster than when taking the drug orally. The body immediately receives large doses of the substance.
This is done with one single purpose – to quickly achieve euphoria. A person gets the feeling that he thinks faster, can solve many tasks, and has a lot of energy for any business. As studies have shown, though Adderall has an effect on a person, it does not make him smarter. The main effect: relaxation, energy, friendliness. Does it seem like snorting Adderall is a harmless activity?
The Risks of Snorting Adderall
Snorting the drug is dangerous for several reasons, and the main one is the rapid entry of Adderall into the bloodstream in large quantities. This leads to a sudden release of dopamine and norepinephrine, which cause pleasurable sensations and lead to the development of dependence and tolerance. The person wants to be in a state of euphoria more and more often, but gradually the body adapts to the dosage of the drug and needs more and more. This can eventually lead to an overdose of the drug.
There are other risks of using crushed Adderall:
- heart problems;
- damage to the nasal septum and deterioration of the mucous membranes, nosebleeds;
- breathing problems;
- high blood pressure, high body temperature;
- sudden changes in behavior: aggression, hostility, paranoia;
- insomnia;
- seizures.
Signs of Adderall Abuse
There are several signs that a person is snorting Adderall. For example, traces of white powder on the face, the presence of “ritual” devices for use: tubes, mirrors, glasses, jewelry with a compartment for the drug.
Despite the fact that Adderall is a psychostimulant, a person who uses it inappropriately is an addict. This means he eats worse, takes less care of his appearance, and isolates himself from others. About how this affects relationships, we have already written in another article, we recommend reading separately. At the same time, the addict may complain of malaise: palpitations, fever, nightmares.
Dopamine surges, withdrawal symptoms, overdose – all this can lead to the development of mental disorders. For example, the development of paranoia. As a result – alienation, problems at school and at work.
Comprehensive Approaches to Overcoming Adderall Addiction
The approach to treating any addiction is always individualized, but follows roughly the same script.
Stages of Adderall addiction treatment:
- detox. This is one of the most difficult stages in overcoming addiction, when the drug is removed from the body. Withdrawal symptoms appear, which are successfully managed in a clinic setting. The patient does not feel strong discomfort due to the fact that doctors select the right combination of drugs;
- psychotherapy. These are sessions of individual, group, family therapy, which are needed to develop new habits, increase motivation for sober life, learn to cope with stress and problems without using stimulants;
- participation in Narcotics Anonymous groups. To reduce the likelihood of relapses, a person with addiction should periodically attend Narcotics Anonymous groups, where they can share their experiences with people who have similar problems.
Depending on a number of factors, the patient may be shown outpatient or residential treatment. In the former case, the patient stays at home most of the day, but visits the clinic periodically.
New Breath Recovery offers a different approach. Practice shows that keeping people with addiction in a safe and comfortable environment increases the effectiveness of treatment and reduces the risk of relapse. That’s why our rehab center in Simi Valley provides a luxurious environment for extended stays. Patients stay in single or double rooms with private baths, a chef cooks for them, and there is a pool and recreational area in the courtyard. There are few patients in the rehab at any one time, so each patient is given maximum attention by the medical staff.
If you need Adderall addiction treatment, we recommend that you make an appointment for a consultation as soon as possible. And remember that it should be a conscious choice – it is almost impossible to force a person to be cured.
Conclusion
Pharmacy drug addiction is a serious problem for residents of the United States. Even though many drugs can only be obtained with a doctor’s prescription, this is not a barrier for drug addicts.
Adderall may seem like a harmless drug, but the longer a person uses it, the stronger the negative effects. Everything suffers: body, psyche, social connections. A person ceases to control himself, is able to start experimenting with other drugs and sink to the bottom.
If a person is snorting Adderall, then they are in big trouble. Adderall addiction is a disease. It needs to be treated. It is almost impossible to do this on your own. We recommend finding a suitable clinic and acting in strict accordance with the doctors’ recommendations. Sober life exists and it is beautiful!