Adderall is a highly addictive, central nervous system stimulant that is typically used to treat ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) and narcolepsy. It contains two substances: amphetamine salts and dextroamphetamine. Adderall works by increasing certain types of brain activity. It increases the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the CNS. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter made in the brain. It is the body’s natural feel-good chemical and is strongly associated with reward and pleasure. 
How Does Adderall Work in People with ADHD or Narcolepsy?
In individuals that have ADHD, Adderall essentially makes them feel normal. It increases their ability to stay focused, concentrate, pay attention, and it can also help them to control behavior problems. Adderall may also help improve listening skills and help a person to organize their tasks more efficiently. The drug is also occasionally used to help those with sleeping disorders to stay awake (narcolepsy).
How You Feel After Taking Adderall if You Don’t Have ADHD?
Stimulant drugs like Adderall produce unnaturally high levels of dopamine. In people that do not have ADHD, this excessive amount of dopamine produces an intense euphoric feeling and increased levels of energy. The National Institute on Drug Abuse says:
BUT—for people who do not have ADHD, stimulants flood the brain with dopamine, causing a dopamine overload. So instead of having a calming effect as they would on people with ADHD, stimulants taken without a medical reason can disrupt brain communication and cause euphoria. It might feel good at first, but repeated abuse of stimulants can: Increase blood pressure, heart rate, and body temperature, decrease appetite and sleep, cause feelings of hostility and paranoia, and increase a person’s risk for addiction. (NIDA)
Side Effects Of Adderal Abuse
However, the drug can also produce possible dangerous physical and emotional side effects. Since Adderall floods the brain with excessive dopamine, once the drug has left the system, the user will typically experience a terrible crash and feel very sluggish. Some of the other possible side effects of Adderall in some without ADHD can include:
- Headaches
- Loss of appetite
- Jitteriness
- Increased blood pressure
- Insomnia
- Heart palpitations
Over time, chronic Adderall abuse can cause a person to develop a tolerance and dependence on the drug. This can eventually lead to the individual not being able to function normally without it.
Withdrawal Symptoms Of Adderall Misuse
A person that has become addicted to Adderall will be dependent on the medication to be alert and productive. Without the medication, they will feel tired and may experience mental fogginess. They will essentially experience withdrawal symptoms if they stop taking the medication. Here are some of the common withdrawal symptoms of Adderall:
- Oversleeping
- Insomnia
- Increased appetite
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Headaches
- Nightmares
- Anxiety
- Difficulty concentrating
- Achiness
- Suicidal thoughts
The withdrawal symptoms from Adderall have reversed effects of what taking the drug does to you. Those that have a higher tolerance or have been taking larger doses of the medication will experience more severe withdrawal symptoms. Stimulant abuse and addiction have been swept under the rug due to the opioid epidemic, but it has also become a major problem in this country. Roughly 6 million people in the US have either misused stimulants or have a stimulant use disorder, but treatment is available.
Treatment for Stimulant Addiction With Evoke Wellness
If you or someone you love is struggling with an addiction to stimulants, our addiction specialists are available around the clock to assist you. Evoke Wellness assists men, women, and families throughout the United States that are struggling with substance abuse and are searching for addiction treatment. We can help you get on the road to long-lasting recovery. You don’t have to suffer any longer. Call us today.
