Adderall is the brand name for dextroamphetamine and amphetamine, a Schedule 2 controlled substance. Adderall is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, a psychiatric disorder characterized by hyperactivity, impulsivity and poor attention. Adderall is addictive and can be abused because of its ability to fight fatigue, increase attention and suppress appetite. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition, or DSM-IV, defines addiction as substance dependence. Substance dependence requires that at least three of seven criteria are met in a 12-month period. These include tolerance, withdrawal, inappropriate dosing, desire to quit, excessive time usage, life impairment and injury to self.
Tolerance
Tolerance is defined by the DSM-IV as a need to take increasing amounts of the drug to get the same effects, or fewer effects experienced with the same amount of the drug over time. One way some users combat tolerance to Adderall is by snorting it, which provides a more powerful but shorter high than ingestion.
Withdrawal
It's a sign of addiction if withdrawal symptoms occur when discontinuing Adderall. Withdrawal is defined by the DSM-IV as experiencing classic withdrawal symptoms for the drug or taking the drug or similar drug to relieve or prevent withdrawal symptoms. Physical withdrawal symptoms immediately following discontinuation of long-term high doses of Adderall include depression, extreme fatigue and sleep disturbances. Withdrawal can be psychological as well, including cravings for Adderall.
Innapropriate Dosing
Some users take higher or multiple doses of Adderall at once, or take it at night to either counteract tolerance or extend wakefulness.
Inability to Quit
Adderall users who want to quit or cut back on taking Adderall but cannot have a sign of substance abuse.
Excessive Time Commitment
Adderall abusers may take an excessive amount of time to find where to buy Adderall, using Adderall, and recovering from Adderall use the next day. Time spent on these things can impair work, school and relationships.
Life Impairment
Lifestyle impairment includes changes in work, school and relationships, including family, friends and partners. Grades at school may go down because Adderall is being used to stay up all night partying instead of studying. Job performance may go down because the Adderall user is up all night instead of sleeping or preparing for the next day of work. Relationships may suffer because the Adderall user is lying to cover up time or money spent getting Adderall.
Injury to Self
Some may use Adderall even if hurts them physically or psychologically. One example: A person knows he has a heart condition and continues to abuse Adderall, even when he knows it can impair the heart condition or cause a heart attack. Or a person with panic attacks may take Adderall despite knowing that the stimulant may worsen that situation.
