What Does an Adderall Overdose Look Like?
Adderall is the brand name for the combination medication, dextroamphetamine and amphetamine. Adderall is commonly used to treat individuals with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The drug is believed to help improve focus and a person’s ability to pay attention. Adderall is also used to treat narcolepsy, although it should not be used by people who want to ward off sleep.
Unfortunately, Adderall is potentially habit-forming, meaning people who abuse the drug are likely to become addicted to it. It is vital that individuals never increase their prescribed dose or take it for longer than advised. People who use Adderall without a prescription usually do so because it can help them concentrate and stay awake. Adderall overdose symptoms vary in severity; therefore, it is not safe to take without direction from a medical professional.
Factoid:
According to Texas University, medical professionals have noticed an increase in the number of students abusing Adderall. Students are attracted to the fact that Adderall can help their concentration and focus, especially when studying for important exams.
Common Signs of Addiction
“Physical tolerance is one of the biggest signs a person is addicted to Adderall. This means the user will continuously need to use larger doses of the medication to achieve previous experiences.”Physical tolerance is one of the biggest signs a person is addicted to Adderall. This means the user will continuously need to use larger doses of the medication to achieve previous experiences. Psychological dependence is another symptom of Adderall addiction, and individuals may feel as if they cannot live a normal life without taking it. People who are addicted will struggle to go without regular Adderall doses and may worry about when they can take it again. This intense craving may make them unreasonable, agitated and in some cases, even aggressive.
Because people who have an Adderall addiction need more of the drug than any responsible medical professional will prescribe, they may spend excessive amounts of money and time trying to obtain the drug. This preoccupation with the drug often interferes with relationships, work and the overall ability to function normally. People who are addicted will also experience uncomfortable symptoms when they miss a regular dose of Adderall. Because these are very similar to Adderall overdose symptoms, it is always recommended that an individual seek advice from a physician regarding addiction treatment.
Factoid:
According to information from Roosevelt University, many individuals addicted to Adderall obtain the drug from a friend or family member who has a genuine prescription. Unfortunately, people who do this often believe that a prescription drug cannot have any negative side effects for the user.
Withdrawal from Adderall
Individuals who are addicted to Adderall will experience symptoms of withdrawal when they stop taking the drug. These symptoms can include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Blurred vision
- Stomach cramps or pain
- Aching muscles
The discomfort of these symptoms is what usually encourages an individual to seek out more of the drug. More serious withdrawal side effects include:
- Hypertension
- Seizures
- Partial loss of vision
- Kidney and liver damage
Individuals who are looking to withdraw from Adderall should always seek the advice of a medical professional. A physician will explain the withdrawal process and ensure the necessary treatment suits an individual’s needs. This will improve the person’s chances of a successful recovery. Signs of an overdose on Adderall include vomiting, severe diarrhea and painful stomach cramps. Because serious Adderall overdose symptoms can include heart palpitations, coma and even death, it is important individuals seek immediate medical attention in the event of an overdose.
Factoid:
Adderall overdose treatment usually consists of pumping the stomach to rid an individual’s body of the drug. Treatment also includes supportive care, which may include group or one-on-one therapy.
What Options are Available for Treatment?
Treatment for Adderall addiction usually consists of a combination of supervised withdrawal from the drug and psychological therapy. People can receive treatment as an inpatient, in a hospital or specialized rehabilitation center, or as an outpatient under the supervision of their physician. Users are usually weaned off the Adderall slowly as this minimizes the impact of the withdrawal symptoms; however, in some cases a physician may prescribe safe substitute drugs. These are taken with the sole aim of helping the individual deal with the withdrawal from Adderall, enabling him or her to be in a better physical state for the psychological treatment.
Therapy is an important part of addiction treatment, as it helps individuals deal with the powerful dependence they have on the drug. A trained therapist will usually work on a one-to-one basis helping addicts understand their addiction and their drug-seeking behaviors. The therapist will also address each individual’s Adderall triggers, which can be anything from places to people. Triggers are what make an individual use the drug, and teaching people how to identify and cope with these triggers will increase their chances of a successful recovery. Therapy will also teach an individual coping skills and problem-solving strategies. This helps addicts understand they can come up with other solutions to their problems, rather than taking Adderall to block them out.
If you suspect you or someone around you has suffered an overdose on Adderall, call emergency services immediately. For addiction treatment help as well as information on Adderall detox, call us at .
Factoid:
According to Texas University, people who attend residential treatment programs experience a greater chance of a successful long-term recovery.