Adderall is a drug that’s most commonly prescribed to treat ADD (attention-deficit disorder), but it has also been adopted by college students and athletes to enhance their performance, and by recreational users who simply want to get high. According to the Washington Post, Adderall sales in the U.S. have soared by more than 3,100 percent between 2002 and 2005. And at $3 to $5 per bootlegged pill, it has become an inexpensive and readily accessible way to get high. When used properly, Adderall can be an effective way to treat ADD and other disorders. But when misused or abused, Adderall can be just as dangerous as illegal drugs.
Here are some of the dangerous side effects of misusing Adderall.
Adderall-Induced Anxiety Disorder
Adderall is a prescription drug made up of amphetamine salts. Amphetamine (which is chemically related to methamphetamine) is a psychostimulant drug that produces increased wakefulness and focus as well as decreased fatigue and appetite. Using amphetamine or withdrawing from it can induce symptoms similar to those seen in obsessive disorder, panic disorder and phobic disorders.
Adderall-Induced Psychosis
Long-term amphetamine abuse can lead to psychosis, a condition that is marked by a loss of contact with reality, bizarre behavior and sometimes hallucinations or delusional beliefs. Children who are prescribed stimulant mediations, including Adderall, have also been observed to experience schizophrenic-like states.
Adderall-Induced Sexual Dysfunction
Long-term use and high doses of Adderall can lead to erectile disorder and other sexual dysfunctions.
Adderall Dependence, Tolerance and Withdrawal
Over time, users can build a tolerance to Adderall, which can lead them to abuse the drug in order to achieve the same sort of “high” they once used to get. Long-term use of Adderall can also lead to dependence, which can cause withdrawal-like symptoms such extreme fatigue and even mental depression.
Treating Adderall Dependence and Withdrawal
If you’ve been misusing or abusing Adderall, an addiction treatment program can help you comfortably withdraw from the drug and help you overcome your addictive behaviors. Casa Palmera is a renowned addiction treatment facility in California that helps individuals overcome their addictions in a safe and supportive environment. Don’t let drug abuse control your life any longer. Call Casa Palmera today.