Adderall, a brand name for the combination of the medications amphetamine and dextroamphetamine, is typically prescribed for the treatment of attention-deficit disorder and narcolepsy. It can induce feelings of alertness and increase a person's ability to concentrate. However, the Adderall product information sheet warns that Adderall is an amphetamine with a high potential for abuse and addiction. Learn to recognize the signs of an Adderall drug addiction to know if intervention and treatment are necessary.
Improper Use
People with an Adderall addiction often use the medication improperly. This can include taking a larger amount of the medication than prescribed, using it without a prescription or taking the medication in a way it was not intended, such as snorting the medication instead of taking it orally.
Tolerance
The Adderall product information sheets lists physical tolerance to the medication as another sign of addiction. This includes needing continuously larger amounts of the medication in order to experience the effect that was previously felt with a lesser amount.
Extreme Psychological Dependence
A person addicted to Adderall feels like it's impossible to go without it, affirms Dr. Henry Croft, medical reviewer of HealthyPlace.com. People without an Adderall addiction typically aren't overly upset or bothered if they're late taking their dosage or have to miss a dosage entirely. Those addicted, on the other hand, have an intense craving to use the drug and may have extreme difficulty going without Adderall for even short periods.
Physical Withdrawal Symptoms
In the article "Adderall Withdrawal," published on EMedTv.com, Kristi Monson writes that physical withdrawal symptoms are most likely to occur when a person addicted to Adderall suddenly stops taking the medication. Monson lists withdrawal symptoms to include fatigue, changes in heart rhythm and depression. In addition, the Mayo Clinic lists nausea, trembling, vomiting, weakness and stomach cramps or pain as other potential withdrawal side effects. A person with an Adderall addiction may find that weaning herself from the medication slowly and under the guidance of a doctor or mental health professional may help eliminate or reduce these symptoms.
Interference With Life
Because many people with an Adderall addiction need more of the drug than a responsible physician prescribes, they may spend excessive amounts of time, energy and money obtaining the drug. This preoccupation with Adderall often interferes with their work, relationships and ability to function.
