Adderall (amphetamine salt) is a stimulant drug popular in the US for treating symptoms ADHD. Tolerance to Adderall occurs within the first few weeks of use. Adderall tolerance is a natural side effect of dependence, which is a normal part of Adderall treatment. You should feel normal. For those who use Adderall to get high, however, tolerances becomes a problem.
Adderall dependence can be identified in a few ways, noted below. Again, remember that these symptoms themselves don’t indicate addiction–only dependence. You can’t be addicted to Adderall without being dependent, but you can be dependent without being addicted.
– Unpleasant physical side effects after stopping
– Need to take Adderall to feel “normal”
– Needing higher doses to maintain the same effects
ADDERALL IS HIGHLY ADDICTIVE
Nobody should take over 30 mg, yet many users take up to 90. If you’re misusing Adderall — snorting it, dissolving it, or taking it any form without a prescription — that’s a problem. If you have a desire to quit Adderall due to all its negative impacts on your life and wellbeing, but you can’t seem to stop—that’s addiction, and it needs to be dealt with.
Adderall addiction isn’t just physiological. It involves strong compulsions. Recovering users may experience disturbed sleep patterns, fatigue, depression, and mental instability that may lead to reckless behavior and, ultimately, relapse. Those who wish to quit taking Adderall should consult with a doctor to develop a tapered dosing schedule, rather than trying to go cold turkey. Tapering allows the body to adjust slowly to the lowering levels of amphetamine in the system. This way, your body won’t panic—and neither will you. It’s also recommended that you undergo some sort of behavior intervention during this time (counseling, group meetings, sober-minded community involvement, etc).
If your doctor believes you need inpatient services, you should give the idea some serious thought. It may be expensive, and it may be inconvenient, but there are steps you can take to make it attainable, and there are numerous agencies and organizations out there to guide you along the processes and help you make the right decisions for yourself and your own unique circumstances. Most helpful of all, perhaps, are the rehab clinics themselves.
Still have some questions about Adderall dependency, addiction, or treatment?
Maybe you know enough, and you’re ready to get on the road to recovery.
