Consequences and Dangers of Adderall Abuse
Adderall is used to treat various medical conditions, most commonly attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy.
When taken under the direction of a medical professional, this drug can have a positive impact on a person’s mind and body. At the same time, if the drug is abused for any reason, such as being taken by somebody without a prescription, it can lead to serious consequences and dangers.
Some of the most common side effects of Adderall abuse are as follows:
- Headache
- Nervousness
- Loss of appetite
- Stomach pain
- Nausea
- Difficulty sleeping
- Diarrhea
Along with the side effects above, when a person takes more Adderall than prescribed by a doctor, there is a better chance of severe health consequences. These can include:
- Difficulty speaking
- Fast or pounding heartbeat
- Seizures
- Excessive tiredness
- Hoarseness
- Chest pain
- Swelling
- Blurred vision
- Aggressive behavior
- Hallucinations
All of these side effects can be dangerous. For this reason, if you or a loved one is faced with one or more, you should immediately seek medical attention.
Adderall Overdose
Since Adderall is commonly prescribed by doctors, and not considered a street drug, many people don’t understand that they can overdose. Some of the symptoms associated with Adderall overdose include:
- Dizziness
- Irregular heartbeat
- Feelings of panic
- Uncontrollable shaking
- Hallucinations
- Coma
It is important to seek immediate medical assistance for an Adderall overdose, as the symptoms above can be treated.
SAMHSA’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health noted that more than six percent of fulltime college students have used Adderall for recreational purposes over the past year. Along with this, many of the people who abuse this drug do so along with alcohol. As a result, the impact on the mind and body can be much more harmful.
Adderall is readily accessible and highly addictive. Unfortunately, it can also lead to serous health consequences. Overcoming an addiction starts with pinpointing the problem. From there, professional help at a rehab facility can be had.
Due to the overall nature of the drug, many don’t look at it as being dangerous. Anytime a person takes Adderall for a reason other than prescribed by their doctor, it is considered abuse. Doing so over the long term can lead to serious short and long term health concerns.
Just because a drug is prescribed by a doctor does not make it okay to abuse. When used properly, Adderall can bring a lot of good to a person. When abused, however, it can have a negative impact.