What Are the Long-Term Effects of Adderall Misuse?

Since the diagnosis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has increased over time, the use of prescription ADHD drugs such as Adderall has also increased. In turn, this has led to more availability of these drugs on the market. People who do not need Adderall for ADHD may use it to improve mental performance. Make no mistake; in the long run, the negative mental and physical impacts of Adderall use are not worth any short-term advantages.

What Is Adderall?

Adderall combines two nervous system stimulants, amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. It can have a positive impact on peoples’ ability to focus. For those who have focus problems that extend to interpersonal relationships, Adderall can help people improve those relationships as well.

Unfortunately, as prescriptions for this drug rise, so too does the use of Adderall for other purposes such as increasing focus at school. For instance, a university student who is stressed out and has exams might choose to use Adderall to focus late into the night. This drug can also be used as an appetite suppressant by those who want to lose weight. While many people think that using Adderall is an effort to get better grades, the long-term mental problems outweigh the benefits.

These types of stimulants have long been used in popular culture: from soldiers during war to 1950s housewives. However, even if they give a temporary mental lift, the side effects can be serious.

Mental Consequences of Adderall Use

While using Adderall might seem to improve your focus in the short term, this improved focus can have long-term consequences if you deal with substance misuse. What kind of impacts do Adderall have on your brain? It can reduce your ability to concentrate and to be motivated. It can also lead to feelings of extreme lethargy and fatigue as well as irritability and aggression. Some people feel depressed, anxious, panicked or even suicidal. Young peoples’ brains are not fully developed so they are particularly susceptible to these negative impacts.

Small doses such as those used by people on ADHD medication are less problematic than larger amounts. According to Mel Magazine, “it’s when people take massive amounts — not orally, but by snorting it or mainlining it [for a stronger effect] — that it becomes really neurotoxic.”

Physical Impacts of Adderall Use

There are many physical consequences of long-term Adderall misuse as well. These include difficulties sleeping. Those who use Adderall for a long time can experience tremors and seizures, headaches, weight loss and constipation. Some people may also develop heart disease upon regularly using the drug.

Preventing Adderall Misuse and Addiction

What can you do if you think that you may have a problem with Adderall misuse? Talking to a representative at a treatment center can be helpful. Seeking treatment for Adderall addiction can allow you to receive both medical and psychological support that can help you move off the drug and into sobriety. Look for a treatment center that also works with people with dual diagnoses, so if you are trying to focus through depression or anxiety, you can treat those together and address the problems that might underlie your substance misuse.

As you look for options in your search for better health and sobriety, talk with The Recovery Village Columbus. We focus on creating a stronger, happier future with you, providing support if you deal with Adderall misuse.  Contact The Recovery Village Columbus and learn about admissions today.