Adderall Addiction Signs and Detox Options

Signs of Adderall Addiction

Adderall is a prescription stimulant that is typically prescribed for individuals diagnosed with ADHD or narcolepsy. For many years now, Adderall has also found its way into the hands of people who do not necessarily obtain a doctor’s legitimate prescription, but obtain the stimulant through illicit means. Adderall is then used for reasons other than for what it was designed, and that has created serious problems for recreational users of the drug.

Adderall, an amphetamine, now has a lengthy history as being abused by driven, competitive students and executives who seek its stimulant properties to promote productivity, increased energy and stamina and enhanced focus and concentration. Dubbed the “study drug” and “college crack” about a decade ago, Adderall continues to be abused by college students hoping to improve their academic performance with little sleep. Some people use the stimulant as a weight loss aid.

As with all mind-altering substances, eventually, tolerance to the Adderall’s effects ramps up, and the individual no longer feels the same benefits they once had. This can lead to taking higher and more frequent doses while seeking those early effects. The brain begins to make chemical and structural changes as the drug is increased, often resulting in addiction and dependency.

What Are the Signs of Adderall Abuse?

Friends and family members may not notice their loved one’s stimulant abuse at first. Initially, it may seem that the person is in a great mood, feeling energized and motivated for life. However, as the drug use continues, the concern develops when noticing weight loss, mood swings, and agitation. This may be the point when you realize the individual is abusing a drug, such as Adderall.

Signs and symptoms of Adderall abuse and early addiction include:

• Euphoria
• Nervousness
• Abundant energy
• More social than in the past
• Marked change in appetite, weight loss
• Angry or hostile behavior
• Psychomotor agitation
• Overly talkative
• Financial troubles
• Dizziness
• Increased attentiveness
• Decreased sleep
• Nosebleeds
• Signs of intravenous use, track marks, abscesses

Adderall Addiction Signs and Detox Options

Adderall causes both psychological and physiological dependence over time. Individuals may not believe they can function without the drug, which is a sign of psychological dependence. Withdrawal symptoms when attempting not to take the drug signal a physiological dependence. The longer the Adderall is abused, the more difficult the withdrawal process will be. Signs that addiction has taken hold include:

• Severe mood swings
• Malnutrition
• Sexual dysfunction
• Irregular heartbeat
• Consequences from I.V. use, HIV, hepatitis, infection of the heart lining
• Perforated nasal septum from snorting the drug
• Paranoia
• Erratic behavior

When deciding to get help for an Adderall dependency, detoxification is the first step in recovery. There are detox options, including a designated detox center, an inpatient detox program, and detox monitored by a private physician or a partial hospitalization drug rehab. Knowing the Adderall addiction signs can help guide the individual’s detox decisions.

Adderall Withdrawal Symptoms

It is always advisable to go through the detoxification process in a supervised detox setting. The withdrawal symptoms are highly uncomfortable, both physically and psychologically, as they are the polar opposite effects of the drug’s usual effects, which, when unsupervised, lead the individual to relapse back to the amphetamine. Withdrawal from Adderall can take 5-7 days, and up to two weeks for someone with a long history of heavy Adderall abuse.

Adderall withdrawal symptoms may include:

• Irritability
• Fatigue
• Panic attacks
• Sleep disturbances
• Phobia
• Mood swings
• Intense hunger
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Suicidal thoughts

The detox team will monitor vital signs and withdrawal symptoms throughout the detox process, intervening with medications to minimize the discomforts. Some of the medications accessed to ease symptoms include modafinil and benzodiazepines, as well as antidepressants if indicated by a coexisting mental health disorder.

Adderall Addiction Treatment Following Detox

Once the Adderall detox is completed the individual needs to undergo treatment in an inpatient or outpatient addiction treatment program. This important piece of the recovery process should not be skipped, as the addictive behaviors need to be modified through therapy. Rehab provides the necessary emotional support and teaches each client new stress management techniques, relapse prevention strategies, and coping skills to access as the recovery process moves forward.

Executive 7 Day Detox Provides Safely Managed Adderall Detox

Executive 7 Day Detox is an elite detoxification program serving Orange County, California. At Executive 7 Day Detox, a detox team safely guides clients through Adderall detox and withdrawal, managing symptoms throughout the process. At Executive 7 Day Detox our mission is to provide premier detox services and accommodations for the successful professional who seeks to begin a new life without dependency on amphetamines.

After the detox process is completed, the executive is offered treatment options to select from that will best accommodate the demands of work moving forward in recovery. Outpatient treatment is one option that can offer flexible scheduling through the treatment phase of recovery. For questions about Adderall addiction signs and detox options, contact Executive 7 Day Detox today at (800) 381-0827