Adderall is a prescription medication composed of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine salts, functioning as a central nervous system stimulant. It is primarily prescribed to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy, increasing focus and controlling impulses by affecting certain brain chemicals. Abuse involves using the drug without a valid prescription, taking higher doses than advised, or using it for non-medical reasons such as weight loss or performance enhancement. Identifying abuse requires observing a combination of physiological, behavioral, and psychological changes that deviate from a person’s baseline functioning.
Observable Physical Indicators
The stimulant properties of Adderall directly impact the cardiovascular system, often resulting in an increased or irregular heart rate, known as tachycardia. Blood pressure also rises, which can put significant strain on the circulatory system and pose a risk, especially to those with pre-existing heart conditions.
A person abusing the medication may show physical signs related to metabolism and motor control. Adderall acts as an appetite suppressant, frequently leading to significant, unexplained weight loss over a short period. Physical manifestations of overstimulation can include involuntary movements, such as a tremor in the hands, excessive sweating, and a consistent dry mouth.
The eyes can also provide a visible indicator of stimulant use. Individuals under the influence often exhibit mydriasis, which is the dilation of the pupils, making them appear larger than normal. A disrupted sleep schedule is common, ranging from severe insomnia during use to erratic sleep patterns as the drug’s effects wear off.
Shifts in Behavior and Routine
A noticeable change in routine often involves a sudden preoccupation with obtaining and using the drug. This prioritization manifests as neglecting responsibilities at work, school, or home, as focus shifts entirely to maintaining the drug supply. Financial difficulties may arise due to the expense of purchasing the drug, sometimes leading to unexplained expenditures or stealing to support the habit.
Behavioral signs include deceptive actions and secrecy, such as lying about their whereabouts or hiding the medication. Those abusing Adderall may engage in “doctor shopping,” which involves visiting multiple physicians to secure several prescriptions, a practice intended to stockpile the drug. This behavior is part of a broader pattern of increasingly risky or impulsive actions that were not previously characteristic.
The immediate effects of the stimulant can cause distinct temporary behavioral changes. A person may become highly energetic, overly talkative, or hyperactive, often speaking rapidly or rambling incoherently. This period of intense focus may be followed by a marked energy collapse as the drug leaves the system, leading to alternating extremes in productivity and engagement.
Psychological and Emotional Manifestations
Adderall abuse fundamentally alters mood and cognitive function by flooding the brain with neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine. This chemical surge results in extreme mood swings, where periods of euphoria and heightened confidence are quickly followed by deep depression, irritability, or anger. The person may appear consistently restless, anxious, or “on edge.”
The brain’s overstimulation can lead to severe psychological disturbances, which can be alarming to observers. Paranoia is common, where the individual feels watched, persecuted, or experiences profound distrust of others. In high-dose or chronic abuse situations, psychosis may develop, characterized by disordered thoughts, auditory or tactile hallucinations, and delusions.
An increase in aggression or a shorter temper is frequently observed as emotional regulation becomes impaired. This aggressive behavior is an external manifestation of the internal psychological distress and anxiety caused by the stimulant. The combination of agitation and emotional volatility can strain relationships, leading to social isolation and withdrawal.
Signs of Acute Withdrawal
When a person who has developed a physical dependency on Adderall abruptly stops or significantly reduces their dose, they experience a “crash” as the body attempts to recalibrate. The most prominent sign of acute withdrawal is profound fatigue and exhaustion, a direct reversal of the drug’s stimulating effects. This extreme tiredness can lead to hypersomnia, where the individual sleeps excessively or has difficulty waking up.
A severe feeling of depression is a hallmark of Adderall withdrawal, often accompanied by a dysphoric mood or apathy. The psychological effects, caused by the sudden drop in dopamine levels, can also include difficulty concentrating and slowed movement or speech.
Physical symptoms during withdrawal include a rebound effect of the drug’s appetite suppression. The person often experiences a significant increase in appetite, leading to weight gain. Other physical discomforts include vivid, unpleasant dreams and intense cravings for the drug.