Adderall is a prescription stimulant medication. People with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may take Adderall or other prescription medications to manage the symptoms of this condition.
Some people may abuse Adderall because of its stimulant effects. Adderall misuse is a serious problem that can cause severe, long-term health complications. People may misuse Adderall by taking larger doses, taking it recreationally, or using it differently than prescribed.
People who abuse Adderall may sometimes crush the tablets and snort the powder. This article will explore the dangers of snorting Adderall.
What you will learn:
- How Adderall abuse and addiction occur
- The dangers of snorting Adderall
- How to recognize Adderall abuse and overdose
- Where to find treatment for Adderall addiction
If you or someone in your life struggles with Adderall abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Comprehensive addiction treatment can help you recover and work toward a healthier future.
Contact our intake team with questions or to schedule an intake assessment.
What is Adderall?
Adderall is a prescription medication used to treat ADHD and other conditions.[1] People who take Adderall as prescribed are not likely to develop severe side effects or addiction. However, many people abuse stimulants, including Adderall.
Adderall abuse is especially common among adolescents, college students, and young adults. An estimated 60% of all non medical Adderall use happens between 18 to 25 year olds.[2] These groups may like Adderall’s side effects, which can include increased energy, better focus, and weight loss.
However, abusing Adderall can lead to severe complications. Adderall abuse includes:
- Taking larger doses than prescribed
- Taking it more often
- Taking it for a longer period than prescribed
- Using Adderall recreationally (without a prescription)
- Ingesting it differently than prescribed, including cruising and snorting Adderall
People who misuse Adderall may experience short and long-term effects. Some of the effects can be dangerous. People are at risk of overdose and other life-threatening problems.
It is essential to recognize Adderall abuse and seek treatment as quickly as possible. Without treatment, Adderall abuse can quickly spiral into physical dependence and addiction. People with Adderall addiction and dependence typically require comprehensive treatment programs and support to stop using it.
The Dangers of Snorting Adderall
Misusing Adderall can cause potentially life-threatening harm. Snorting Adderall poses even more risks to your health and safety.
One of the greatest risks associated with snorting Adderall is overdose. Using Adderall in this way increases the risk of an overdose. An Adderall overdose can lead to:[3]
- Brain damage
- Coma
- Death
Adderall is a stimulant. It works by increasing activity in your central nervous system (CNS). These effects can help people with ADHD manage the symptoms of this condition. However, people who abuse it may experience unwanted, dangerous effects.
Some of the effects associated with snorting Adderall include:
- Elevated heart rate
- Confusion
- Heart attack
- Psychosis
- Confusion
- Stroke
- Seizures
- Fever
- High blood pressure
People who combine Adderall and other substances are at increased risk of complications and overdose.
Adderall misuse may also cause problems that can impair functioning. Some of the additional dangers of snorting Adderall include:[4,5]
- Anxiety
- Nervousness
- Restlessness
- Headache
- Dry mouth
- Chest pain
- Sexual dysfunction
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Paranoia
- Memory problems
- Faster breathing
- Stomach pain
- Irritability
- Reduced appetite
- Weight loss
- Tremors
- Nausea and vomiting
- Rach
- Itching
- Numbness in extremities
- Hallucinations
- Panic attacks
- Aggression
- Damage to facial bones, including nasal septum
People who take prescription Adderall must be aware of these health risks and seek help. Those taking it recreationally (without a prescription) must stop using it immediately. If someone struggles to stop using Adderall, it may be a sign of physical dependence. People with dependence and addiction require comprehensive treatment programs.
Recognizing and Treating Adderall Addiction
People who abuse Adderall may exhibit significant behavioral, emotional, and physical changes. Recognizing the signs of addiction can help you get treatment as quickly as possible.
Some signs of Adderall addiction include:
- Taking Adderall differently than prescribed
- Finishing a prescription sooner than expected
- Taking Adderall recreationally
- Using Adderall differently than prescribed
- Having new or worsening symptoms of a mental health issue
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms if they stop taking Adderall
- Lying, stealing, or “doctor-shopping” to obtain more Adderall
- Spending a lot of time and energy getting and using Adderall
- Falling behind at work or school because of Adderall use
- Having mood swings or unusual aggressive behaviors
- Neglecting hygiene
- Isolating or only spending time with others who abuse Adderall or other substances
- Feeling anxious or worried more often
- Having trouble with memory or concentration
- Having trouble sleeping
- Developing tolerance, meaning they need to take more of the drug to get the desired effects
People with Adderall addiction will continue to use this drug, even when it causes significant problems. Treatment for Adderall addiction includes evidence-based and holistic therapies. People may engage in mental health treatment, support groups, therapy, and other types of care that can help them safely stop taking Adderall.
Find Treatment Now
If you or someone you love struggles with Adderall abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Comprehensive, effective treatment is available at Alamo Behavioral Health. Contact our intake team with questions or to schedule an intake evaluation.
References:
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA): Adderall
- Johns Hopkins University: Adderall abuse on the rise among young adults, Johns Hopkins study suggests
- Science Direct: Adderall® (Amphetamine-Dextroamphetamine) Toxicity
- National Institute of Health (NIH): Comparison of the behavioral and cardiovascular effects of intranasal and oral d-amphetamine in healthy human subjects
- National Institute of Health (NIH): Characterizing Pathways of Non-oral Prescription Stimulant Non-medical Use Among Adults Recruited From Reddit
