Today in America, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a well-known diagnosis. The hallmark of this disorder, which occurs in children and adults alike, is a lack of focus and ability to control one’s own behavior. Adderall is one of prescription drugs used to treat ADHD.
Adderall has been shown to be effective in addressing the symptoms of ADHD, such as increasing attention and focus. Classified as a stimulant, Adderall is composed of two main active ingredients, both of which are central nervous system stimulants, amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. The drug comes in two forms, tablet and an extended-release capsule (Adderall XR).
Adderall is addiction-forming and has a high potential for abuse. As such, Adderrall is federally classified as a Schedule II controlled substance. As Adderall comes in a tablet form, which can be crushed, and a capsule, which can be opened, it is easily adaptable to non-prescribed methods of abuse, including snorting.
It is important to understand that snorting a drug is dangerous in general. Firstly, snorting a drug causes it to make a rapid entrance into the lungs, bloodstream, and then to the brain. Secondly, snorting a drug usually makes it more potent, and thereby raises its addictiveness. Adderall can also be injected, which is also dangerous, and reportedly causes an intensification of the “high.”
Side Effects
Snorting the drug is part of a larger problem of Adderall abuse. Snorting Adderall is known to cause respiratory problems as a result of damaged lung tissue, as well as destruction of nasal and sinus cavities. The following additional harmful side effects may be experienced:
- Circulation problems
- Irregular heartbeat
- Toxic shock
- Aggression
- Psychotic episodes
Adderall toxicity, or overdose, can be fatal. Signs of overdose should never be ignored. Symptoms of overdose include but are not limited to:
- Panic states
- Tremor
- Confusion
- Restlessness
- Hallucinations
As continued use of Adderall will lead to physical dependence, stopping use of this stimulant or reducing the familiar dose will cause withdrawal symptoms to emerge. Withdrawal can be uncomfortable, dangerous, and even fatal. Symptoms of withdrawal include:
- Agitation
- Restlessness
- Depression
- Psychosis
Adderall Abuse
The use of Adderall for non-medical purposes may be most associated with college students, but it is not limited to this group. College students purportedly misuse Adderall to increase focus and improve success on exams and papers. According to a study conducted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration, fulltime college students were twice as likely to have abused this drug compared to those who weren’t students. This profile of misuse demonstrates that some young adults have isolated a therapeutic benefit of Adderall – improved focus – which is different from the pleasure-seeking with which drug abuse is often associated.
That being said, Adderall is also abused to get “high.” An added danger of snorting this drug is that users tend to take in a greater volume than if they were taking the drug as part of a lawful medical treatment program. Unfortunately, stemming the supply of this drug does not appear to be a viable means of keeping it away from unlawful users. The black market supply of Adderall comes from lawful prescriptions that have been misdirected to the street. According to the Huffington Post, in 2013, the street price for Adderall ranged from $6 to $8 per pill. Some dealers are able to buy pills from lawful prescription holders with insurance and then resell this drug to non-prescribed users at a profit.
As the illegal supply of Adderall continues to flow, education and prevention measures are some of the best ways to stop new users from beginning to take this drug. For those who have already developed a dependence on, or addiction to, Adderall, rehab offers the best chance of recovery.
At Axis, our expert staff uses the most cutting-edge treatment methods to deliver compassionate and effective rehab services to our clients. Call us to learn more.
