Adderall is one of the most well-known drugs, and for good reason. Adderall is prescribed for Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD), which affects an estimated 9.4 percent of people under the age of 18 in the United States population according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

While ADHD is prevalent in younger people, ADHD can affect people of all ages, and therefore Adderall has become a household word. In this article, we’ll share what you really need to know about this substance and its high potential for abuse.

What is Adderall?

Adderall is the brand name of a prescription drug that is used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy. 

Adderall is a stimulant drug, which means it increases central nervous system activity. It’s a combination of the substances amphetamine and dextroamphetamine, and the effect of these chemicals is to mimic dopamine, making up for deficits of this naturally occurring chemical in the brain.

Adderall can improve focus and concentration and increase performance, making it a popular drug for abuse, especially among younger people. Adderall is considered a Schedule II drug according to the Drug Enforcement Agency’s List of Controlled Substances. This ranking is due to its high potential for misuse, dependence and addiction.

What are the most common Adderall effects?

As a stimulant drug, the main effect of Adderall is increased central nervous system activity. This means a faster heartbeat, increased breathing and raised temperature. This can induce feelings of calm and focus, and users are more awake during the day when taking Adderall.

The immediate effects of Adderall vary widely, and each person’s experience with the drug will be different. Factors like a person’s age, weight, history with substances and more will play into the effects of Adderall that take place. Here are some common symptoms of Adderall that you may experience:

• Increased alertness
• Increased focus
• Boost in energy level
• Euphoric feeling
• Feeling jittery
• Nervousness
• Headaches
• Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
• Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
• Dry mouth
• Changes in vision
• Decrease in appetite
• Irritability
• Feeling weak
• Fever

Combining Adderall with other substances (such as alcohol or recreational drugs) can increase the severity of the effects and have potentially lethal results. If you are prescribed Adderall and are currently taking other medications, make sure your doctor is aware and chat about side effects of any combinations.

How does Adderall affect the body long-term?

According to the American Addiction Centers, Adderall can have some serious side effects when used frequently over a long period of time. Those side effects include the following:

• Constipation
• Mood changes
• Abdominal pain
• Depression
• High blood pressure
• Increased heart rate
• Difficulty sleeping
• Suppressed appetite
• Cardiac arrest
• Stroke
• Sexual dysfunction
• Seizures
• Panic attacks
• Kidney disease

This is by no means an exhaustive list of the potential symptoms. There are many others, and the occurrence of these long-term Adderall effects depends on many factors, including the frequency of use, the amount taken and genetic factors (such as your metabolism).

The most serious side effects of Adderall are the development of a dependence and overdose. Taking Adderall without a prescription is so widespread it can feel normal. In actuality, it can lead to life-long issues and even loss of life.

If you are concerned that your recreational or prescription use of Adderall has spiraled into an addiction, it’s time to talk to your doctor. A professional healthcare provider can determine whether your usage has become problematic and determine the appropriate level of treatment for your needs.

How long does Adderall stay in the body?

When a person takes Adderall, the drug is absorbed through the gastrointestinal system. It is metabolized and eventually is extracted from the bloodstream in the kidneys and expelled from the body through urine.

The desired effects of the immediate-release Adderall come and go within four to six hours after the dosage, whereas the extended release form can last all day according to the National Library of Medicine.

Because of the route Adderall takes, it can be detected in several ways. Adderall can be present in the bloodstream for up to two days. It can be detected in urine for two to three days after the last use. Adderall can be found in saliva for about two days and in hair follicles for up to three months, although this method is rarely used.

Breaking an Adderall addiction

If you’ve fallen into an addiction to Adderall, recovery is possible. The performance-enhancing qualities of the substance make it a difficult addiction to kick, but the side effects aren’t worth the risk. 

Treatment for problematic Adderall use generally includes psychotherapy, addiction and recovery education and life skills support. If you’re struggling to break free from an Adderall dependence, you can get these services at Pyramid Healthcare. 

Call Pyramid Healthcare today to get the holistic treatment you deserve.