Adderall is an amphetamine and is used to increase focus and attention in the treatment for ADHD. People with adderall abuse (see amphetamine addiction) do it to get the positive effects and euphoria from the drug. Adderall increases dopamine levels in the brain and dopamine is an essential brain chemical linked to concentration, focus, and energy. With Adderall abuse dopamine levels will skyrocket and then crash as soon as the drug wears off.

Every year in the United States, millions of people become addicted to Adderall, a legal prescription stimulant, and require the assistance of a medical Adderall detox facility to get rehabilitation. Since 2012, doctors began writing more prescriptions for Adderall for adults, even though the drug was initially used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children and adolescents.

Adderall is used to correctly treat ADHD, but unfortunately it is also abused and used off-label. Adderall is used to enhance academic and career performance, to get ‘high’ as a party drug, and to lose weight. Often Adderall abuse can lead to dependence and addiction.

Side affects of Adderall Abuse

Users experience euphoria, increased mental agility and alertness, decreased appetite and the need for less sleep. As a stimulant and an amphetamine, it is an addictive substance, and the withdrawal symptoms are unpleasant and potentially deadly.

The dopamine crash is characterized by depressed mood, fatigue, and brain fog. Other withdrawal symptoms include the following:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Stomach aches and cramping
• Unusual tiredness and fatigue
• Sleep disturbances
• Depression and irritability

Depression from Adderall Abuse

One of the most severe health consequences which can stem from Adderall abuse is depression. Since dopamine is artificially increased with Adderall abuse, the brain is tricked into overproducing the substance. The cessation of Adderall causes a crash in the level, and the brain is unable to produce a normal amount of dopamine. Depression is the result of decreased levels of dopamine. With depression comes a host of physical and emotional problems which can take a serious toll on an individual.