Substance abuse disorders are chronic, incurable conditions that can impact your brain chemistry, cognition and behavior. Both illicit and prescription medications pose the risk of physical and psychological addiction. Some of the most commonly prescribed medications, such as Adderall, can cause addiction. As many as 5% of teens and young adults are prescribed Adderall, which is used to treat conditions like ADD and ADHD, two of the most common mental health conditions among teens and young adults. But what are the long term side effects of Adderall?
While Adderall is very effective in treating symptoms related to ADD and ADHD, it is a physically addictive central nervous system stimulant that is commonly abused. In fact, many teens and young adults with a valid Adderall prescription sell or give their Adderall to friends and peers, with roughly 80% of Adderall users obtaining the medication without a prescription.
The long term effects of Adderall can not only lead to physical and/or psychological dependency but can also cause serious medical problems. It’s important to find help at an Adderall addiction treatment center in Boise Idaho.
What is Adderall?
Adderall is a prescription medication that is used to treat conditions like ADD and ADHD. It poses a high risk of abuse and is classified as a stimulant. Adderall causes your brain to release dopamine and norepinephrine, which causes stimulating effects such as:
- Euphoria
- Increased energy
- Improved cognitive functioning
- Increased heart rate
- Insomnia
Adderall comes in a pill form and is supposed to be administered orally. However, many Adderall users choose to inhale Adderall in order to increase its potency. Long term effects of Adderall use can cause addiction and lead to medical and mental health problems.
What are the Long Term Side Effects of Adderall?
The long term side effects of Adderall use can cause physical, cognitive, and mental health problems. Long term side effects of Adderall use and abuse include:
- Sleep deprivation and psychosis
- Weight loss
- Heart problems
- Paranoia
- Mood changes, such as increased anger and irritation
- Physical and psychological addiction
Long term side effects of Adderall use and abuse typically require medical and substance abuse treatment. Your brain can become dependent on Adderall in order to release dopamine and norepinephrine, which can lead to mood swings and intense cravings. Long term side effects of Adderall can also cause impaired judgment and cognitive problems.
How is Adderall Addiction Treated?
Since the long term side effects of Adderall abuse include addiction, you may experience painful and overwhelming withdrawal symptoms when you decide to immediately stop using. Withdrawal symptoms can begin within 24 hours of your last use and last for several days.
An Adderall addiction treatment center in Boise Idaho can help you recover and provide you with access to inpatient and outpatient programs. Both inpatient and outpatient programs offer a mix of evidence-based and holistic therapies that help you learn how to cope with cravings and triggers. Triggers can induce cravings long after you achieve sobriety, making it important to learn healthy coping skills. Individual, group and family therapy programs ensure that you learn how to identify and change negative thoughts, feelings and behaviors while strengthening your relationship with your loved ones.
While addiction is a chronic condition, substance abuse treatment is the most effective way to maintain long-term recovery. Recovery outcomes are much more positive when you complete a treatment program and can greatly decrease your chances of experiencing a relapse. Treatment programs can offer both short-term and long-term programs depending on you or your loved one’s individualized needs.
Finding Help Today
The long term side effects of Adderall can lead to damaging consequences. Adderall addiction can cause mood and behavioral changes, medical problems and neurological damage, making early treatment extremely important. The sooner you reach out for help when you or your loved one is struggling with an Adderall addiction, the better your recovery chances are. If you would like to find out more about our substance abuse programs, contact us today at 208.518.0797.
