Adderall is a brand-name stimulant prescribed to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. A mixture of detroamphetamine and other stimulants, Adderall is available in instant-release and extended-release formulations.

Adderal works by increasing the brain’s norepinephine and domamine levels as well as a reuptake inhibitor for norepinephine and domamine.

Adderal affects the brain’s mesolimbic reward pathway in a way similar to other stimulants like cocaine and methanphetamine. Therefore, Adderall carries a high potential for misuse, abuse and addiction.

Alternative  & street names:

Street names for Adderal include, “Addy,” “college crack,” and “study steroids.”

How is Adderal taken?

Adderal is prescribed orally by capsule. If abused, it is crushed and snorted.

Effects of Adderal consumption

Adderal treats the symptoms of ADHD more effectively than Ritalin. It increases the duration of one’s concentration and attentiveness, therefore making it a popular “study drug” for students cramming during stressful periods of the school year.

In addition, Adderall is occasionally prescribed to treat obesity and/or depression.

Impact on the mind/body and health risks

Side effects of Adderall may include:

• increased blood pressure
• decreased growth rate in children users
• decreased appetite
• changes in vision
• increased aggression
• akathisia
• motor restlessness

Due to its effect on blood pressure, Adderall users have the same risks of heart attack, stroke or death as Ritalin users, as well as the risk of convulsive episodes for users prone to seizures. 

Signs of abuse of Adderall

Adderall abuse can lead to addiction. Here are some common warning signs:

• buying Adderall without a prescription
• getting a prescription by faking symptoms
• taking Adderall for non-prescribed reasons
• over-use
• using as a “study drug”
• using as a “party drug”
• using as a weight loss drug

Adderall has also been used as a performance-enhancing drug and has been banned by organizations like the NFL.

Common treatment options

Abusers of “uppers” or amphetamines, like Adderall, can often become emotional, overwhelmed and confused in early sobriety, as well as capable of healthy doses of denial about their condition.

Although users often do have legitimate needs for a drug like Adderall, it is also very easy for those users to turn those symptoms into justification for Adderall misuse and abuse.

Consequently, Adderall abusers may require 24/7 medical and psychological care in an inpatient detox and treatment facility.

Adderal withdrawal/detox symptoms

Symptoms of Adderall withdrawal could include:

• fatigue
• depression
• changes in heart rhythm

Adderall withdrawal is not life-threatening, but it can quite uncomfortable physically and psychologically. Consequently, some users continue to take Adderall instead of dealing with the effects of withdrawal.