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If we asked you to think of someone with a stimulant use disorder, what do you picture? What kind of job does the person have? How old are they? Do they look like someone you know?
There’s a common misconception that addiction has a specific appearance, but this isn’t true. Stimulant use disorders do not pick and choose based on race, gender, age, or financial status. In 2021, Oregon ranked in the top 10 states with the highest stimulant use across the country. In order to be able to help a loved one when they need it most, you need to be able to recognize the signs.
There are a wide variety of stimulants out there, some more common than others. Today, our Serenity Lane team wants to talk about Adderall. This medication can have a deeper impact than many realize. To help our community make more informed decisions about their health, today we’re going to answer the question, “What are the signs of Adderall addiction?”
Adderall is a prescription medication containing both amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. It falls under the category of “stimulant” and is most commonly used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy. It’s not the only medication effective in treating these two different conditions, but it is a common option.
Due to some of the side effects that can come from taking stimulants, and the strain it can put on the heart, many doctors seek other options before prescribing Adderall and other similar substances to ensure they’re finding the best option for their patients.
Many people believe that if someone develops a dependency on a medication or substance, that it means they’re misusing it or have a substance use disorder. This, however, is not true.
Our bodies are very adept at being efficient. This means if you regularly take a substance that assists with how the body works, your body will adjust to it being there.
When you stop taking the medication, your body has to readjust to its absence. This process, and the side effects that come with it, are known as Adderall withdrawal. It’s like having training wheels on a bike. If you take them off suddenly without raising them first, many people have a hard time riding. If you take your time and slowly wean yourself off of the help, you have a much higher chance of success.
Dependency can be a symptom of a substance use disorder (SUD), but having physical dependency and withdrawal doesn’t innately mean you have an SUD. It’s all of the other side effects and behaviors that come with an SUD that turn dependency into something more.
So if dependency isn’t a surefire sign of an Adderall use disorder, how can you tell when Adderall consumption turns into something you should be concerned about?
The key is to pay attention to other signs, both physical and behavioral, that could indicate a substance use disorder. Let’s talk about the most common ones you can keep an eye out for.
Not only can Adderall itself cause changes in behavior and expression, but when a loved one is trying to hide a substance use disorder from those around them, this can also cause behavioral shifts.
One of the primary things you might notice is your loved one pulling away from you. This includes hiding away in their room more, going out more often, missing events they used to enjoy, and being secretive about things they previously weren’t.
Another common behavioral change comes from irritability and anxiety. They might act more paranoid or snap at you more than normal. They can become accusatory or aggressive in ways they’ve never been before.
In serious and rare cases, they might react to things that aren’t real – otherwise known as hallucinations.
Before you go further, it’s important to note that anyone taking Adderall as prescribed has a chance of experiencing side effects. Side effects are not always indicative of a substance use disorder.
However, the more frequently someone takes something, especially against medical prescription, the higher their risk of developing side effects down the line. Physical side effects are more likely a sign of an Adderall use disorder if they pop up later instead of shortly after a prescription starts.
There are both short-term and long-term side effects that can occur with Adderall use. Short-term effects are ones that usually fade when the substance is out of your system, and long-term effects stick around even when the substance is out of your system. They occur after a history of continued and regular consumption of Adderall, but many can go away with proper treatment and cessation.
If this blog is hitting close to home, you might wonder what your next steps are. How can you approach your loved one about this?
At the end of the day, we want to see our loved ones happy and healthy. The best way to approach the situation, then, is to remind them of this. It can be easy to get mad at them, to blame them for their circumstances, but substance use disorders are more complex than that. They likely know how others view their situation and carry some worry inside of them because of this. You don’t need to feed into that. What they need the most is your support.
Take a moment to think about what you want to say. Don’t let yourself approach the situation with hot-headed emotions. When you speak with them about it, ask them questions and be prepared to have an open mind when they answer. Remind them that you want to see them at their best, and offer your help in getting them there.
Recovery can often seem daunting. It’s a big life change and means further acknowledging their circumstances, which can be scary. By offering help in this process, you can take just the slightest bit of weight off of their shoulders, which can often make a world of difference.
If you or a loved one is seeking recovery from Adderall use, it’s important to look into an Adderall rehab program so you can be connected to someone who understands your needs.
There are options for this available here in Oregon. Centers that offer the full continuum of care so you can receive support during every step of your journey, building a strong foundation for your long-term recovery.
If you’re ready to start your healing journey, our team at Serenity Lane is here to help. As one of the oldest non-profit rehabs in the state, we have the experience needed to give you the support you deserve. We want to see you succeed. You can give us a call at 800-543-9905 to learn more or get started today.
Finding serenity in long-term recovery.
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