Snorting Adderall – Stimulants like Adderall are subject to abuse. Some people may crush these drugs and snort them as a method of consuming a lot of Adderall very quickly. Snorting drugs also gets them into the bloodstream faster, so they bind to brain receptors more rapidly.
Adderall is a prescription amphetamine used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and narcolepsy. Adderall is prescribed as a tablet intended for oral use, but when abused for recreational purposes, it can be crushed into a powder and the remaining product snorted into the nasal passage.
It is classified as a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant and is often abused due to its cocaine-like effects such as increased energy, attention, alertness, and euphoria. For Adderall abusers, intranasal use is sometimes preferred due to the especially intense, fast delivery to the brain. Here, Adderall works on neurotransmitters (chemical messengers) such as serotonin and dopamine.
Rapid absorption then results in a massive release of “feel good” chemicals that lead to excessive energy and euphoric-like effects. It is this action that essentially becomes the catalyst for the drug’s psychoactive and addictive nature.
Snorting Adderall: Tolerance, Dependency, and Addiction
Adderall, like all amphetamines, has a high potential for abuse, dependency, and overdose. Signs and symptoms of Adderall addiction include, but are not limited to the following:
- Continued drug use despite undesirable physical and psychological effects
- Loss of interest in activities and interests once considered enjoyable
- The use of Adderall in dangerous or improper situations
- Adverse changes or problems in other areas of life such as work, school, relationships, and financial status.
- General malaise, lethargy, or sedation
When Adderall is abused on a continual basis, tolerance and dependency start to develop. Tolerance increases as the user’s brain becomes less sensitive to the drug’s presence and potential for impact. As a result, the user then requires increasing amounts of the drug to achieve the desired feelings to which he/she is used.
Over time, the person’s central nervous system is “hijacked” by Adderall, and is much less able to function normally without drug use. Subsequently, efforts to decrease drug use or to stop using altogether result in extremely uncomfortable and sometimes painful physical and emotional side effects, also known as withdrawal symptoms.
Symptoms of withdrawal can linger for several days after the user’s last dose, their severity affected by factors related to the user’s frequency and duration of use.
Symptoms of Adderall withdrawal may include but are not limited to the following:
- Extreme fatigue
- Sleep disturbances
- Insomnia, followed by hypersomnia
- Vivid drug-related dreams
- Hunger
- Memory impairment
- Drug cravings
- Anxiety
- Depression
Because of the rapid delivery of an intranasal dose and its absorption into the mucous membrane, the risk of addiction and overdose may be significantly higher among those who snort Adderall. In addition to dependency and an increased risk of overdose, snorting Adderall can result in frequent infections and damage to the nasal septum and surrounding tissues.
Other possible side effects and dangers of snorting Adderall include:
- Headache
- Dry mouth
- Nausea
- Stomach aches
- Digestive issues
- Reduced appetite
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Anxiety
- Restlessness
- Pounding or rapid heartbeat
- Shortness of breath
- Sleep disturbances
- Excessive fatigue
- Changes in libido
Snorting Adderall and Overdose
Snorting Adderall, especially when combined with other drugs or alcohol is exceptionally risky and life-threatening.
Symptoms of an Adderall overdose include, but are not limited to the following:
- Aggression
- Anxiety
- Panic attacks
- Depression
- Blurry vision
- Disorientation
- Hallucinations
- Rapid breathing
- Uncontrollable shaking/tremors
- Rapid heart rate
- Fever
- Upset stomach and diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Muscle aches and weakness
- Fainting, loss of consciousness
- Seizures
- Cardiac arrest
- Death
Getting Help – From Detox to Addiction Treatment and Beyond
People who abuse prescription amphetamines often falsely believe that they are less dangerous than illicit drugs such as methamphetamine and minimize the severity of their addiction. Failure to seek help, however, can be life-threatening and receipt of treatment as soon as possible is critical to long-term sobriety.
Detox
Professionally-supervised treatment for Amphetamine use disorder starts with our detox program, a clinical process in the which the individual is monitored 24/7 and medication is rendered to reduce some symptoms of withdrawal.
Following discharge, patients are encouraged to seek admission to one of our addiction treatment programs, which include both inpatient and intensive outpatient (IOP) therapy formats.
Treatment for Adderall Addiction
Persons who choose to remain long-term in one of our treatment programs will receive the very best, state-of-the-art therapeutic services and support. We use a comprehensive approach to drug abuse and addiction that is intended to treat all aspects of a person’s mental and physical health and well-being.
Why Seek Our Help?
Adderall addiction is a dangerous, potentially fatal condition that requires treatment in the form of long-term therapy, counseling, and support. There is no cure for Adderall addiction, but those who seek treatment are given the opportunity to regain their lives and live in peace and sobriety.
Our addiction treatment center offers patients a secure, structured environment and professional healthcare staff who are trained to identify and treat the unique needs of each individual using an in-depth, custom approach to drug addiction treatment and recovery.
Call us or Contact us now to learn about our treatment options.
Related: Meth Withdrawal Symptoms: Detox Timeline