Adderall is a combination medication for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), narcolepsy, or major depressive disorder (MDD). It is classified as a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant. When used as prescribed, this medication can help you to stay focused, feel alert and pay attention. It’s also a drug that is commonly abused. Because its stimulating qualities can make people feel extremely alert and attentive, there is a high demand for it by people who obtain it illegally on the streets. It is sometimes also abused by people who do have a prescription. It isn’t always easy to recognize signs of Adderall abuse because they may appear alert, energetic, and productive. However, using Adderall and having dilated pupils usually coincide.
A person seeking out stimulants may be highly motivated and ambitious. It’s common to find college students or young adults with professional jobs abusing Adderall. So how can you tell if someone is on Adderall? Call 844.875.5609 to speak with someone from the knowledgeable team at Promises Behavioral Health about how to spot symptoms of Adderall abuse and our Adderall addiction treatment programs across the United States.
Recognizing Adderall Abuse
Adderall can be dangerous or addictive to those who abuse it. Abuse of Adderall can occur when a patient takes a higher dose than is prescribed, usually in an attempt to experience greater alertness and energy. Another form of abuse happens when a person who doesn’t have a prescription obtains it illegally and takes it for non-medical reasons, such as appetite suppression or staying awake for long periods. Tablets may be crushed for a quicker effect.
How can you tell if someone is on Adderall? If you suspect someone you love may be abusing the drug, there are specific symptoms of Adderall abuse to look for, such as:
- Mood swings, irritability, or aggressive behavior
- Rapid speech
- Nervousness and hyperactivity
- Dilated pupils and eye strain
- Loss of appetite and weight loss
- Reduced quality of sleep
- Making excuses to acquire more Adderall or obtaining it illegally
Early signs of Adderall abuse may not be all that obvious. If your loved one has a prescription for Adderall, you may notice that it is running out too early or being misplaced just about every month. When that happens, it’s pretty clear they are not using the medication as prescribed. They might seek prescriptions from more than one doctor, and you may notice visits to multiple pharmacies.
Signs of Long-Term Adderall Abuse
When a person continues to abuse Adderall over a long period, they may experience much more severe consequences, and the signs of abuse or addiction may be more noticeable. You can tell someone’s been abusing Adderall recently if they have dilated pupils, but what about long-term abuse? Abusing drugs can impact almost every area of a person’s life, including their job, relationships, health, and finances. Signs of long-term Adderall abuse include the following:
- Depression, anxiety, and paranoia
- Heart palpitations or chest pain
- Abdominal cramps and nausea
- Shaking and tremors
- Fatigue and overall weakness
- Insomnia or difficulty sleeping
Signs of more severe problems with addiction may also be apparent, such as growing financial problems, including the inability to show up for work or frequently running out of money. You may notice your loved one stealing money or possessions from you or others.
Taking too much Adderall can lead to extreme restlessness, agitation, or cardiac abnormalities. Your loved one may have uncontrollable tremors or a panic attack. They may become confused, disoriented, or may lose consciousness. If this happens, it is a medical emergency, and you must call 911.
Find Adderall Addiction Treatment with Promises Behavioral Health
If someone you love has been abusing Adderall, it isn’t likely that they can quit. The longer the abuse has been going on, the more likely the person becomes physically dependent on the substance. If the person has been abusing other substances along with Adderall, they may need to go through medically supervised detox. Discontinuing the use of Adderall when it’s been used regularly over time may require medical professionals’ help. Contact Promises today at 844.875.5609 to learn more.