There are many prescription stimulants used to treat people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and other attention disorders. While these stimulants may be effective at treating certain conditions, they can also be addictive. If you or someone you know is being prescribed one of these stimulants, it’s important to understand whether or not they’re addictive as well as their side effects. Keep reading to learn more about the addictive properties of prescription stimulants and how to recover from stimulant addiction at a sober living home.
Why Are Stimulants Prescribed?
Stimulants are a type of drug that are used to treat attention disorders such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Besides treating these disorders, stimulants can also be used to treat narcolepsy, sleep disorders, weight loss, and even as an anesthetic. Stimulants are effective at treating these conditions because they increase brain activity, which can help people with these conditions focus better. These drugs can help treat certain conditions by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain.
College Students and "Study Drugs"
Because of their ability to increase attention, focus, and energy, prescription stimulants are frequently abused by college students looking to cram for tests or meet tight deadlines for papers. People may also look for these drugs if they want to increase their energy or if they want to lose weight. Because people abuse stimulants for a variety of reasons, they can become addicted to the drugs. While prescription stimulants might help you get through a difficult period in your life, they can also become very addictive. Because of their addictive properties, prescription stimulants are illegal to have without a prescription. If you have a prescription for one of these drugs, you can use them properly. However, if you don’t have a prescription, you might find it easier to abuse the drugs and become dependent on them.
Why Are Prescription Stimulants Addictive?
Stimulants are addictive because they’re a type of drug that people can become dependent on. People who abuse prescription stimulants can slowly develop a dependence on the drugs. They might not realize they’re dependent on these drugs at first because they usually start off using them at prescribed doses. However, as time goes on and they have to increase the dose, they can become dependent on the drugs. When you become dependent on a drug, it means your body has become used to having this drug and can’t function without it. If you don’t get the drug, you experience withdrawal symptoms that can be painful and make it hard to function normally. The withdrawal symptoms are what make these drugs addictive.
Signs of Adderall Addiction
If you’re taking Adderall or another stimulant prescribed by your doctor, you might not notice any signs of addiction right away. This is because a lot of people with prescriptions are lured into a false sense of security – they mistakenly believe that just because their drug use is legal, that it is completely safe. While using prescription stimulants as prescribed is indeed safer, it is important to understand that even people with legitimate prescriptions can develop an addiction.
However, if you don’t have a prescription for a stimulant, abusing these drugs is even more dangerous. If you’re abusing a prescription stimulant, you may notice some of the following signs:
- Constantly needing to take more of the drug to achieve the same effects. – Crashing after the effects wear off, which can cause low moods, extreme fatigue, and other symptoms.
- Developing a tolerance for the drug, which means you have to take more and more of the drug to get the same effects.
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking the drug. – Spending too much time or money on obtaining and taking the drug.
- Using the drug in dangerous situations or while performing complicated tasks – Having cravings for the drug.
- Sharing the drug with others.
- Neglecting responsibilities or your health while abusing the drug.
- Experiencing negative changes in your life like poor grades, loss of a job, relationship problems, or other issues
- Experiencing hallucinations or other visual symptoms caused by the drug
Recovery From Prescription Stimulant Addiction
If you’re abusing a prescription stimulant, it’s important to seek help. If you don’t seek help, you could develop a serious addiction to the drug or even overdose from it. While prescription stimulants can be effective at treating certain conditions, they can also be addictive.
Recover from Stimulant Addiction at Sober Living East
If you’re abusing a prescription stimulant, it’s important to seek help at a sober living home like Sober Living east to avoid developing a serious addiction to the drug. Sober livings can help you recover from prescription stimulant addiction and live a sober life. If you’re addicted to prescription stimulants, you may benefit from staying at a sober living house where you will have the opportunity to develop new coping skills, relapse prevention strategies, and a stronger social support system. You’ll also have ample time to focus on addressing your drug addiction and getting clean – all in a clean, comfortable, and trigger-free residence.. If you or someone you know abuses prescription stimulants, reach out to Sober Living East today!
