Whether prescribed or not, drugs come in different classes and types. Some examples of drug classes are stimulants, depressants, and opioids. Often, you can determine what class a drug is by what its effects are. So, what type of medication is Adderall? Adderall is a stimulant that is often prescribed for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) because it improves focus. Because Adderall is prescribed, you might think that it is inherently safer than illicit drugs, but it is a drug that requires caution. At 10 Acre Ranch, we understand how prescription drug use can become problematic, and we are here to help you navigate any prescription drug misuse or addiction.
Is Adderall Addictive?
Adderall is a prescription stimulant that is a combination of dextroamphetamine and amphetamine. It is chemically similar to other prescription stimulants such as Dexedrine and Ritalin. Prescription stimulants are considered Schedule II drugs, which means that they have positive effects and have significant potential for abuse. While Adderall is often prescribed for ADHD and narcolepsy, it is often misused in the name of increased athletic or academic performance. You may hear it referred to as speed or uppers rather than as Adderall. While the research does support the use of Adderall in the treatment of ADHD, many high school and college students misuse the drug believing that it will help them do better academically. Because of the misconceptions around Adderall use, education about this drug is critical. In addition to being addictive, Adderall use can lead to psychosis, heart attack, heart muscle damage, and even death.
Knowing what type of drug Adderall is can help you understand why it can be addictive. Adderall affects how your brain pays attention by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine levels. Norepinephrine affects how the brain pays attention, and then dopamine creates a reward for paying attention. Adderall produces higher levels of dopamine than the body produces naturally and it is this increased reward that can lead to addiction. After long-term use, your brain needs Adderall to stimulate alertness and productivity. Without continuing to take it, you may feel tired, foggy, and unable to focus.
Whether you were prescribed Adderall or not, it is possible to become addicted to it. If you think you might be addicted, start by examining your use of the drug by asking yourself questions such as the following:
- Are you unable to complete any tasks without taking Adderall?
- Are you using it as prescribed, or are you using more than was prescribed to you?
- Are you using Adderall that was not prescribed to you?
- Have you tried to stop using it and been unable to do so?
- Have you found yourself focused on making sure you have enough Adderall?
- Is your use of Adderall affecting your relationships with others or your ability to fulfill your responsibilities?
If you can answer yes to some or all of these questions, you likely need to look more closely at your Adderall use and consider seeking treatment. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions regarding addiction and how we can help you or your loved one.
How to Get Help With an Adderall Addiction
At 10 Acre Ranch, we’ve been providing Southern California with expert and caring addiction treatment for over 25 years. We understand how both prescription and illicit drugs can lead down the road of addiction. Our mission to rebuild lives, restore families, and improve communities.
We are one of the leading rehab facilities in California and offer a wide range of programs that will meet your needs. We provide a warm and welcoming environment where we tailor healing to the whole person. We are committed to helping you break free from active addiction. Contact us today and let us help you with your addiction!
