10 Signs Your Adderall Use Is Out of Control
Adderall use is usually casual at first, but how can you tell if it has become more than that. The following 10 signs should help you to identify a problem. If you recognize yourself in this list, you need treatment, and we can help. Call 888-414-2380 (Who Answers?) to speak to an expert today.
1. You need more and more Adderall each time you use in order to get the same effect
When you start using Adderall, you only use it to get things done, like writing a paper or staying out all night dancing. But, regular use leads to tolerance, a condition where your body becomes accustomed to the Adderall use and demands more and more of it to get the same effects. This is a sign of dependence and a definite precursor to addiction.
2. You feel strange/uncomfortable when the Adderall wears off
Another part of tolerance is that you begin needing Adderall to feel “normal” because as soon as a dose wears off, withdrawal sets in. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration identifies the following as stimulant withdrawal symptoms:
- Psychomotor lethargy and retardation
- Hunger
- Rocky, jittery responses
- Frantic paranoia
- Weight loss, emaciated appearance
- Dehydration
- Chills
- Insomnia followed by excessive daytime sleepiness
- Fatigue, lack of energy
- Diminished senses
- Severe frustration
- Extreme drug cravings
3. Not even negative consequences can keep you from using
When all you can think about is using Adderall, it’s time to get help.
Addiction is defined by the National Institute on Drug Abuse defines addiction as “a chronic, relapsing brain disease that is characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use, despite harmful consequences.” If you are still using, even though it is causing relationship strife, job problems, financial difficulties, or run-ins with the law, you have a problem. It isn’t a lack of willpower, either. It’s out of your control at this point.
4. You are always preoccupied with Adderall
It isn’t healthy to spend all of your time thinking about Adderall, trying to get more, planning when you can use, anticipating how good you will feel, or regretting the use. You need to break the cycle and take control of your thoughts again.
5. You can’t set limits on your Adderall use
When things are getting bad, you will try to limit your Adderall use. You will tell yourself that you can only have “so much,” but you won’t be able to adhere to the limit. You won’t be able to use less or to use less often. At that point, addiction has taken over and you aren’t the boss anymore.
6. You are no longer interested in the things that you once liked to do
When you are preoccupied with Adderall, there isn’t room in your head or your life for other interests. Over time, this will lead to isolation. You need to get treatment now.
7. You have borrowed or stolen money in order to buy Adderall
The minute you are spending more than you have available on Adderall is the minute that your “casual” use just got real serious. When your drug use outpaces your financial means and you are borrowing and stealing, you are letting the Adderall call the shots. You need to regain control through treatment.
8. Your relationships with others have been compromised
Adderall abuse will cause problems with your co-workers, fellow students, peers, friends, and family members. They will notice the changes in your life and they will be concerned. Their concern will cause you to retreat and the relationships will all suffer
9. Your sleep schedule and your appetite are both completely out of whack
Adderall will reduce your desire to sleep and to eat. When you are using a lot of Adderall, you won’t be properly resting or eating and this will lead to health consequences. Your body needs rest and it needs nutrition; don’t let your Adderall addiction cause you to neglect yourself.
10. You aren’t keeping up with your daily responsibilities
At first, Adderall seems like it can help you get a ton of things done. You will be able to clean everything and do all of your work and still have time left over to surf the internet. But, that’s what stimulants do at first. At first. Over time, that won’t be the case, and you will be so obsessed with using that everything else will be forgotten.
For help finding Adderall treatment, call DrugAddiction.org at 888-414-2380 (Who Answers?) .
