Adderall is one of the most abused drugs in the United States. The drug is used mostly to deal with the symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Adderral helps people with sleep disorders and is known to be useful in cases of severe depression as well. Unfortunately, Adderall abuse has increased tremendously these days and this has become a major problem in the American health system.

Classified as a central nervous system stimulant, Adderall boosts the body’s nervous system and increases metabolism. The prescription is meant to be taken under strict supervision to avoid negative side effects. Usually, users of the drug are requested to start with a low dose and then increase gradually as may be required.

If Adderall abuse is on the rise in America, it is certainly because the people who ought not to be in possession of the drug eventually end up having access to it and consuming it uncontrollably. It is abused in several forms, including taking a higher dose of the substance than prescribed, consuming it through a non-approved method; say snorting, taking the drug not for medical purposes like to stay awake for a long time, taking it more frequently than prescribed, and taking is as prescribed for someone else. Sometimes, people abuse the drug by buying it from an illicit source. Quite often, this is for recreational use.

Signs and symptoms of Adderall abuse

While the abusive use of adderall can lead to consequences like; headache, dry mouth, hoarseness, nausea, stomach upset, digestive disorders, loss of appetite, constipation, anxiety, restlessness, sleep difficulty, excessive fatigue and changes in sex drive, continued abuse can lead to more severe and long term effects. These could include: weakness or numbness in the arms or legs, dizziness, slowed or difficult speech, chest pain, hives or rash, blistering or peeling skin, changes in vision, aggressive behavior and seizures.

Effects of Adderall abuse

When people abuse Adderall for a long time, they risk suffering from major substance use disorders. Some of the most disturbing issues abusers may face are tolerance and dependency.

Tolerance occurs when users start needing more of the drug to get the same effects. As you increase your abuse of Adderall, you start finding it difficult to get the high feeling you used to get with your initial dose. You find yourself needing to step it up a little.

Dependency happens as you continue to abuse the drug, you find out that you can no longer function properly without it. This is particularly dangerous because you break down completely when you cannot have access to adderall.