What Are Amphetamines?
Amphetamines are drugs that act as central nervous system stimulants. They work by increasing the levels of certain chemicals in the brain that help with focus, attention, and impulse control. Amphetamines can also increase heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing rate.
Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD/ADHD) is the most common diagnosis for which controlled stimulants are prescribed in the U.S. Narcolepsy is another, much less common condition, which amphetamines are sometimes prescribed for. A person can become addicted to Adderall or another stimulant whether or not it is prescribed to them. A doctor’s prescription does not provide any sort of protection against developing a substance use disorder.
Prescription amphetamines like Adderall are addictive. Thousands of Americans enter drug and alcohol treatment every year to overcome a substance use disorder related to stimulant medicines like these. Treatment options include partial hospitalization programs (PHP) and outpatient rehab, among others.
Prescription amphetamines are:
- Central nervous system (CNS) stimulants which can increase focus and mental energy.
- Controlled substances in the United States, available only with a prescription.
- Most often prescribed for ADD/ADHD or narcolepsy in the U.S. and Europe.
- Substances with a high potential for abuse that come with a risk of addiction.
A Brief History of Adderall and Amphetamines in America
Amphetamines were first synthesized by Lazar Edeleanu in Germany in 1887. They did not grow in popularity until the early 20th century, however, when they were available without prescription for a time. Allied soldiers during WWII were issued Benzedrine to counteract battle fatigue. Nazi troops were given an amphetamine called Pervitin.
After WWII ended, the popularity of Benzedrine grew in America, first becoming famous via Beatnik poets like Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg in the pre-hippie era. As the use of amphetamines grew through the 1960s for use as appetite suppressants and depression treatment, concern about amphetamine addiction began to rise.
When the War on Drugs began in the early 1970s, amphetamines were added to the DEA’s Schedule II for controlled substances. This made these drugs more difficult for people to get without a specific need and a doctor’s approval. Adderall was invented in 1996 by Richwood Pharmaceuticals. The “ADD” in the beginning of the name is no coincidence. Adderall was specifically developed and marketed as a treatment for ADD and ADHD.
Why Are Adderall and Other Amphetamines Addictive?
Scientists are still researching how amphetamines work in the brain. What we know is that drugs like Adderall and Ritalin work, in part, by raising the levels of dopamine in the brain and altering the activity of glutamate. Both neurotransmitters are involved in attention and focus, but dopamine is also associated with the brain’s reward system.
Amphetamines are addictive because an increase in dopamine is seen as a “reward” response in the brain – this means activities and behaviors that increase dopamine are reinforced. It’s not hard to see how addiction to Adderall or other amphetamines could arise from this relationship. In addition to these biochemical factors in dependence, it’s easy to become reliant on stimulants for focus, energy or the lift in mood they may deliver.
Are Adderall and Prescription Stimulants Safe To Use?
Factors in Adderall Addiction and Amphetamine Dependence
One factor that may affect susceptibility to Adderall addiction or dependence on other amphetamines is a low level of dopamine or dopamine receptors in the brain (often seen in people with depression). Another factor in addiction to Adderall may come from the fact that the brain often responds to chemicals that increase the presence of dopamine or other neurotransmitters by producing less of the neurotransmitter or reducing sensitivity to them.
This means that a person who uses Adderall or another similar stimulant regularly and suddenly stops or cuts down their dosage may find themselves in a deficit of dopamine and other neurotransmitters. This imbalance can leave them feeling worse than before, which then helps reinforce drug-seeking behavior.
Someone who has a formal ADD diagnosis may find symptom relief with Adderall or another stimulant like Vyvanse. This may make them perform better at school or work and this is a form of dependence in itself. Provided the medicine is taken as prescribed and there are no negative side effects or abuse of any other substances occurring, this type of “dependence” may be seen as acceptable
Factors in Adderall addiction and addiction to other stimulants include:
- Higher levels of the brain’s “pleasure chemicals” reinforce the continued use of a substance.
- Lower than normal levels of these same neurotransmitters when the substance is removed.
- Psychological dependence upon the effects of the substance,(i.e. focus, energy)
- An existing deficit of neurotransmitters like dopamine which is related to a mental health disorder, such as depression.
How Do I Know If I Have A Problem With Adderall Addiction?
The basic rule when it comes to addiction is to focus on consequences and the person’s response to them. Addiction is a physiological phenomenon. That means it affects both mind and body. When the body is addicted this is easier to see. If we remove the drug, we have physical side effects. Depression, lethargy, irritability, craving and so on.
Psychological dependence or ‘mental addiction’ can be a little harder to detect. An addiction to amphetamines (or any other drug) is not determined by the amount or frequency of use alone. Rather it is about the person’s relationship with the substance. When the drug takes on far more importance in a person’s life than it should have – so much so that they continue to use it despite negative consequences, which should logically lead them to stop, they can be said to be addicted.
In simple language, psychological addiction occurs when a substance becomes one of, if not the most important thing in a person’s life. When a person prioritizes that substance to the exception of activities they used to care about, financial, health or other concerns – this is where the mental obsession of addiction takes root.
Am I addicted to Adderall?
- Do you find yourself running out of your prescription early every month?
- Have you ever stolen or borrowed money to buy Adderall?
- Has Adderall caused you insomnia or unusual weight loss?
- Have you noticed your Adderall use affecting your mood negatively?
- Have you tried to cut back or stop your Adderall use more than once unsuccessfully?
- Are you continuing to use Adderall despite negative consequences to your health, mood or behavior?
The Right Response to an Amphetamine Use Disorder
If you answered ‘yes’ to any of the questions above, then you may be addicted to Adderall. Remember that being prescribed Adderall does not mean you cannot develop an unhealthy relationship with it. Regardless of how an amphetamine use disorder develops though, there is a solution and a way forward for you or your loved one.
The most important thing is to be honest with yourself. If you believe you or someone you love may be addicted to Adderall or any other prescription stimulant, don’t wait to ask for help. Redemption Recovery offers evidence-based treatment for substance use disorders through our partial hospitalization program, intensive outpatient program and outpatient rehab in Ohio.
Treatment for Adderall Addiction in Ohio
Redemption Recovery has helped many people just like you overcome an addiction to Adderall, Ritalin or Vyvanse. All it takes is a phone call to Redemption Recovery to begin moving in the right direction.
If you or someone you love is struggling with an addiction to Adderall or any other substance, Redemption Recovery can help. We offer a range of treatment options from partial hospitalization programs (PHP) to intensive outpatient programs (IOP) and outpatient programs in Ohio. All it takes is a phone call to (419) 528-8007 to begin.
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