River Source is committed to helping people wherever they be, whatever they may suffer from. One of the substances that is seeing more and more abuse is Adderall, specifically in full-time college students. Are you worried about someone you love? Concerned loved ones would do well to look for any of the following signs of Adderall abuse.

Adderall is a prescription medicine used for treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder as well as narcolepsy. However, it also finds recreational use as a euphoriant, aphrodisiac, or as a performance enhancer due to its nature as a combination of parts of amphetamines.  People abusing Adderall do so for enhanced productivity and alertness, looking to do more. They don’t look like ‘typical’ drug users, they’re motivated, active people and that’s why it is important to know what to look for when it comes to Adderall abuse.

A huge issue with Adderall is that people frequently assume it is safe because it is a prescription drug coming from a doctor. This, of course, cannot be further from the truth. Any prescription taken in sufficient quantities can become dangerous. If the drug has not been prescribed to an individual, as is often the case with Adderall, then even more so!  If you suspect someone you love or know to be abusing Adderall, look for these:

Clear Signs of Adderall Abuse

• Aggression
• Social withdrawal
• Loss of appetite
• Overly talkative
• Sleeping for extended periods of time
• Secretive behavior
• Financial problems

Needing to take more Adderall to get the desired effect

Sluggishness when not taking it

Using up their prescription faster and faster.

Paraphernalia including cut up straws or pens, syringes, cotton balls.

Some of these signs are frequently attached not just to Adderall abuse but other substance abuse problems as well. Any sort of addiction trouble can lead to financial problems or secretive behavior, for instance. But any of these signs should be noted. Some of them are so innocuous you might not ever register them if you hadn’t read that they are associated with Adderall abuse.

There are other effects of Adderall abuse as well, not just signs that it may be occurring but real, honest health complications that can develop from an abuse of the drug.

Side Effects of Adderall Abuse

• Paranoia

• Convulsions

• Nausea

• Insomnia

• Depression

• Sexual dysfunction

• Hallucinations

• Breathing rate

• Temperature

• High blood pressure

• Sweaty

Adderall, a strong stimulant messing with the central nervous system that controls so many different parts of the mind and body. Abusing it can change the brain’s wiring, leading to these altered behaviors, mental disorders, or worse. These, in conjunction with the difficult withdrawal symptoms, can make it incredibly hard to rehab.

Still unsure if your love one is suffering from an addiction problem? Take an Addiction Assessment to help you get a better idea.

If you, or anyone you know appears to be suffering from an Adderall addiction, it is critical to have an honest open talk with them. Of course, this is made more difficult by the secretive nature, paranoid state that addiction creates. It is an uphill battle at times. It can be difficult. It can feel like it isn’t getting anywhere. But the repeated attempts are the only way to make progress. If you find treatment is needed, do not hesitate to reach out to us,  or to fill out an Admissions Application.

Overcoming addiction is one of the most challenging struggles to undertake, let alone doing it alone. With The River Source, you won’t have to. You can get better, you can be the person who you were meant to be, and no longer rely on the crutch that is substance abuse.