Dangers of Recreational Adderall Use

Adderall is a powerful prescription stimulant that’s used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Although it’s highly effective, taking this medication in excess amounts or for an extended period of time can lead to a number of negative side effects. In some cases, these risks outweigh the benefits, which is why you should only use Adderall under the supervision of a doctor. These dangers are especially prevalent among those who use Adderall recreationally.

If you’re a regular user of recreational Adderall, you should know about the potential risks. Here’s what you should know.

What is Adderall?

Adderall is a type of medication called an amphetamine, and it’s used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It’s often prescribed to those who have trouble focusing on one thing or controlling their impulses.

Adderall increases the amount of attention you give to things that interest you, which helps to improve concentration and decrease impulsiveness. When you have ADHD, you have a gene that’s either overactive or underactive, and taking this medication can help you focus more.

Adderall Effects

The side effects of use include:

• Increased focus and concentration
• Improved memory
• Decreased impulsiveness
• Greater energy

These effects are common among those who take Adderall regularly. Less common side effects include:

• Decreased appetite
• Difficulty sleeping
• Increased heart rate

Because these side effects are relatively rare, they usually don’t pose a serious risk. However, it’s important to recognize them so you can get help before something serious arises.

Risks of Adderall Use

Like any medication, Adderall has side effects. These side effects are more prevalent among those who take it recreationally, however, as a regular user of this drug, you need to be aware of the risks.

Here are some of the risks of use:

Risky behavior. Because Adderall increases your focus and concentration, it can cause you to engage in risky behavior. This risk is higher among those who engage in high-risk activities, such as driving while under the influence of this medication.

Drop in academic performance. Taking Adderall to get an edge in class isn’t recommended. Although taking it may help you to stay focused, it won’t help you to remember what you’re learning. That means you won’t be able to retain information as well as you normally would, and your grades may suffer.

Increased risk of depression. Although most people who take Adderall will feel happy and confident while using the drug, some users experience the opposite effect. They feel depressed or even suicidal while on the drug, particularly during the initial stages of use. This risk is higher in those who also have a pre-existing mood disorder, such as major depressive disorder.

Increased risk of having a heart attack or stroke. Long-term use of amphetamines has been associated with several cardiovascular side effects, such as increased heart rate, high blood pressure, and increased levels of stress hormones in the body.

How to Tell If You Need Help with Adderall Use

If you’re having difficulty controlling your use of Adderall, or if you’re concerned about the amount you’re taking, talk to your doctor. You may be prescribed a lower dose or an alternate medication that’s easier on your system.

If your doctor isn’t able to help you overcome your Adderall problems, or if you feel that you’re experiencing an adverse reaction, please don’t hesitate to seek medical attention.

How to Quit Safely

If you’re trying to quit using Adderall, there are a few things you should keep in mind.

Only you can quit. You may have heard that it’s dangerous to stop taking Adderall abruptly. That’s not true. It’s completely safe to stop taking the medication on your own. However, it’s important to do so slowly to avoid having withdrawal symptoms, such as extreme fatigue and trouble sleeping.

Drink lots of water. One of the best ways to avoid dehydration is to drink plenty of water. This will help your body get rid of excess water weight, which can make quitting Adderall much easier.

Keep busy. The key to quitting any substance is to keep yourself busy. Engaging in enjoyable activities keeps your mind off of drug use. When you’re busy, you’re not tempted to use, and you’re also less likely to relapse.

Summary

People who use Adderall recreationally run the risk of developing a dependence on the drug, experiencing side effects, and struggling with habituation. However, these risks are relatively minor compared to the positive results that can be achieved from using this medication appropriately.

If you’re taking Adderall for legitimate reasons and you’re able to control your use, you should be aware of the potential side effects and risks but should not be overly concerned. In most cases, you can achieve great results by using responsibly.

Oasis Recovery Can Help 

Addiction can affect anyone. If you or a loved one are currently struggling with an Adderall addiction, help is available! We encourage you to reach out to the professionals at Oasis Recovery to learn more about our personalized treatment programs and mental health services. Oasis Recovery was founded from firsthand experience of addiction and recovery, with a mission of providing a space where people can heal from addiction in a compassionate, creative, open-minded, and heart-centered environment. We believe recovery is always possible. Our experts work with you to design a treatment plan that fits your needs. Common treatment programs include:

• Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP)
• Full-time Addiction Treatment on campus
• Aftercare Services

Contact us today for more information about how our programs and services can help you get your life back on track. You no longer have to struggle with addiction on your own. We are here to help.