
Dangers and Side Effects of Adderall
Adderall is an amphetamine prescribed to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder and Narcolepsy. Due to its stimulating effects, Adderall is a commonly abused drug especially among students and some results-driven professionals.
Adderall can be a highly addictive and dangerous drug to those who abuse it. It can easily result in psychological and physiological dependence. Once a user develops tolerance, the user will require higher doses to attain the same high.
Adderall has been classified as a schedule II controlled substance due to its increased potential for addiction.
Adderall is usually a cheaper option to cocaine and does not attract so much stigma compared to other illicit drugs.
Dangers and Side Effects of Adderall
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Altered Personality and Behavior
Adderall can lead to extreme mood swings to the extent that a person may seem to have developed a bipolar disorder.
From manic to depressive episodes, an Adderall user can seem like they have become a different person.
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Adderall Induced Psychosis
When someone who is not suffering from ADHD uses Adderall, they are going to experience elevated levels of dopamine. Adderall can cause physical changes in the brain; hence Adderall induced psychosis.
What are the Symptoms of Adderall Induced Psychosis?
Adderall induced psychosis presents auditory and visual hallucinations. A person may start hearing voices and seeing people and things that do not exist. Adderall abusers are likely to experience paranoia. Paranoid individuals exercise extreme caution, have a mistrusting and defensive attitude. Luckily, Adderall paranoia clears on its own within weeks after one stops using the drug.
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Adderall and Depression
Amphetamine-induced depressive Disorder is listed in DSM as one of the amphetamine-related psychiatric disorders. Depression is likely to be a long-term effect of Adderall abuse.
Depression can cause suicidal thoughts.
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Addiction
Adderall users are likely to develop a tolerance for the drug. Adderall use ceases to be something they do whenever they want to increase productivity; to something they need to function normally.
They will require higher doses of Adderall to attain the same high. They prioritize the drug above all else.
Adderall addicts develop physiological and psychological dependence. Attempts to quit lead to mental fogginess and lethargy.
An Adderall addict is unable to quit despite the adverse effects of Adderall use. They spend a lot of time using the drug or recovering from the drug.
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Dangers of Snorting
Addicts who snort Adderall experience a more intense high but experience a unique set of side-effects. Long-term use is likely to destroy the user’s sinus and nasal cavity.
Snorting complicates other side effects like an irregular heartbeat.
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Overdose
Injecting and snorting give a more potent high but increases the risk of Adderall overdose. Combining Adderall with substances like alcohol amplifies the risk of an overdose.
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Risk of a Heart Attack or Stroke
The stimulating properties of Adderall predispose the user to high blood pressure. Hypertension compounds the risk of a heart attack, stroke, coma, and sudden death.
Conclusion
Many Adderall abusers wrongly assume that the drug is harmless since it is a prescription medicine and can be taken by children.
However, Adderall is a highly potent drug with the potential for addiction and death. Seek help if someone you or someone you know is abusing Adderall.