The United States is unique in that this country allows direct to consumer advertising for prescription medications[1]. This fact is likely just one factor correlated to the drastic rise in stimulant use since the millennia. Adderall is just one of these prescription medications that are both widely prescribed and widely abused by individuals of all ages.
What is Adderall?
By definition, Adderall is “A combination of drugs used as a treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy (a sleep disorder)”[2] and a type of stimulant drug. Adderall’s generic name is dextroamphetamine-amphetamine. Adderall is a long-acting substance with a high potential for abuse and dependence. More than 24 million Adderall prescriptions were written in 2017 alone. For these reasons, overcoming Adderall addiction is a difficult process that countless Americans are facing.
Is Adderall a Narcotic?
Answering the question of whether Adderall is a narcotic is not black and white and depends on who you ask. First, you need to understand how different professionals define the term
Narcotic.” Medical professionals define narcotics as drugs prescribed with the purpose of pain relief. However, the law follows drug classifications designated but the FDA.
According to medical terminology, Adderall is a stimulant and not a narcotic because it is not prescribed for pain relief. However, this drug is classified as a schedule II substance according to the FDA. Schedule II drugs are highly regulated and can only be legally obtained by individuals with a prescription. They are also legally classified as narcotic drugs and legal possession or sale of Adderall can result in criminal charges.
The History of Adderall Medication
Amphetamines as a drug have been known across the globe for nearly a century. However, the synthesis of Adderall does not date back as far. It was created just a couple of decades ago in 1995, but it quickly grew in popularity as the drug of choice for treating ADHD. The FDA issued a warning to manufacturers in 2000 addressing a rise in recreational Adderall use, likely caused by false advertising. Despite these warnings, stimulants still came in on the 2015 Monitoring the Future Survey as the prescription drug that is most abused by high school students.
Prescription Strength, Dosage, & Forms
Adderall’s structure is composed of 2 different salts: amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. The prescription compound is found in tablets and capsules of different shapes, sizes, and colors based on the strength.
- 5mg: round and flat white tablet
- 7.5mg: oval blue tablet
- 10mg: round blue tablet
- 12.5mg: round and flat peach tablet
- 15mg: oval tablet of peach color
- 20mg: peach round tablet
- 30mg: round and flat peach tablet
Adderall XR vs Adderall IR
Similar to other prescription medications, XR and IR refers to the release of the medication in question. XR stands for extended-release whereas IR refers to immediate release. Adderall IR is the original formulation that lasts between 4 and 6 hours. As it can be inconvenient for individuals to have to take a new dose multiple times per day, an extended-release version is extremely convenient. Adderall XR is a long-acting version of this medication that actively relieves intended symptoms for up to 12 hours. Both versions have similar efficacy and side effects, but Adderall XR is more costly and certainly more convenient for parents of children with ADHD.
Adderall Addiction
Adderall’s composition is that of a strong stimulant medication that alters the levels of multiple neurotransmitters including dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. These neurotransmitters are associated with feelings of focus, motivation, and pleasure. Although this medication is highly effective in treating deficiency in focus and sleep, it’s drug schedule is the same as cocaine, morphine, and methadone for good reason. The risk of developing a dependence or addiction to Adderall or these other medications is high. Medical use of addictive medications should be closely monitored by the prescribing care provider via prescriptions and regular check-ins.
Reducing the risk of a drug use disorder is so critical because identifying and overcoming addiction is a struggle all its own. The effects of stimulants like Adderall can give off the appearance that the user is actually doing well. They may be hyper-focused, motivated, and energetic. This all sounds great, right? Certainly doesn’t sound like someone struggling with addiction. However, these are indeed some of the early signs of Adderall addiction.
Signs of Adderall Addiction
Certain groups of people are more likely to abuse Adderall, Ritalin, or other stimulants when compared to others. This includes high school students, college students, and young professionals. Whether an individual fits into one of these categories or not, there are various physical and social factors that could be a sign of addiction.
Physical Signs
The physical symptoms of Adderall addiction may include but are not limited to:
- An illusion of wellbeing
- Excessive energy
- Talkativeness
- Aggression & mood swings
- Loss of appetite
- Weight Loss
- Headaches
- Nausea & vomiting
- Dry mouth
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Overdose
Behavioral Signs
- Prescription shopping
- Acquiring medication through illicit means
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
- A lack of grooming and personal hygiene
- Lying and secretive behaviors
- Isolation
- Spending time with new groups of people
Sign of an Adderall Overdose
- Increased heart rate
- Chest pain
- Slurred speech
- Disorientation
- Fever
- Rash or itching
- Shortness of breath or difficulty in breathing
- Tremors
- Seizures
- Swelling of the throat, mouth, or tongue
- Numbness in any part of the body
Abusing Prescription Adderall
Just because an individual is prescribed Adderall does not mean that they are unable to abuse it or become addicted. An Adderall dependence can form by:
- Taking doses greater than prescribed
- Taking doses more often than prescribed
- Using medication prescribed to another person
- Consuming medication via methods other than prescribed (ie: snorting, intravenous injections, smoking)
- Using with the intent of getting high
How to Help Someone with an Adderall Addiction
Someone who displays signs of an Adderall Addiction will need help. Help can come in many forms such as friends, family, support groups, any treatment programs. If a physical dependence has developed, then they may experience withdrawal symptoms upon stopping use. For these individuals, a detox program may be beneficial. Inpatient and outpatient addiction treatment programs are also a part of a full continuum of care.
Explore our directory of NA Meetings are Treatment Facilities to find the resources near you.
Sources:
[1] Piper, B. J., Ogden, C. L., Simoyan, O. M., Chung, D. Y., Caggiano, J. F., Nichols, S. D., & McCall, K. L. (2018). Trends in use of prescription stimulants in the United States and Territories, 2006 to 2016. PloS one, 13(11), e0206100. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0206100
[2]NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms. (n.d.). Retrieved December 10, 2020, from https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/adderall