Adderall is a prescription stimulant that has a high potency. It is prescribed for different conditions like AHD where it has a direct impact on the central nervous system, increasing dopamine and norepinephrine levels. The higher norepinephrine levels can change the speed with which the brain responds to stimuli while the dopamine can change the happy chemicals in the body releasing positive rewards.
Is Adderall Addictive?
Yes, it is a stimulant, and it is very addictive. A big part of the addictive nature of Adderall is how easy it is to get. Compared to other illicit drugs, prescriptions for Adderall are much more common. Moreover, the increased neurological attention and speed, as well as the positive effects of the higher dopamine, can create a physical and psychological dependence very quickly.
How Long Does it Take to Get Addicted to Adderall?
The timeline for Adderall addiction varies from one person to the next, in large part due to how it is used.
Prescriptions
For many people, exposure to Adderall begins with a legitimate prescription. Those who have things like narcolepsy or ADHD might be prescribed Adderall, which can increase focus and alertness.
Not everyone who has a prescription will develop an addiction. Those who stick to the prescribed dosage and frequency are at a lower risk of developing addiction. However, some people with a legitimate prescription might find that with long-term use, they start to develop tolerance.
Tolerance is a normal physiological response to any drug even over the counter medications like aspirin. The more you take a medication, the more your body becomes accustomed to the chemical interactions that said medication has. For someone with a prescription, for example, that tolerance might mean that their doctor prescribes slightly higher doses but it doesn’t necessarily mean that someone has a psychological dependence on adderall.
So, how long does it take to get addicted to Adderall if you are using it normally?
You may not develop an addiction at all in these cases.
Recreational Use
For other people, exposure to Adderall begins with a prescription but becomes recreational or simply starts as a recreational drug.
In these cases, the tolerance aspect is still there, but eventually, this leads to dependence. That dependence is when you are physically or psychologically dependent on Adderall. For some people, this might be a dependence on Adderall to cope with symptoms of a legitimate mental health disorder like ADHD, while for others, it might be dependence on Adderall for high energy and focus during work meetings.
At this stage, individuals might start to experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop using Adderall, run out of a legitimate prescription much sooner than intended, and start to display compulsive and uncontrollable behaviors that center on obtaining more Adderall
But how long does it take to get addicted to Adderall if you are using it recreationally?
This comes down to how much you use, how often, your physical and psychological well-being, and whether you have a history of addiction. It looks different for everyone but can range from a few weeks to several months.
Finding Help for Adderall Addiction with Sequoia Recovery Centers
At Sequoia Recovery Centers, we provide all levels of care so that individuals can step down gradually as they move through their recovery. If you have a prescription for Adderall and have developed an addiction, we can help.
Our prescription drug detox program is the first step in recovery. Professional detox can ensure that your withdrawal symptoms are managed in a safe and secure environment. This keeps you informed with medical supervision throughout your detox timeline.
From there we can help you with the most appropriate level of care including full inpatient care, partial hospitalization programs, or intensive outpatient programs. We work with each of our clients to ensure that they get the help they need with the schedule that works. Our flexible outpatient programs can provide care akin to residential programs without the demanding timelines or the need to live at our facility full-time.
So, how long does it take to get addicted to Adderall? Overall, it doesn’t take long for someone to develop an addiction to Adderall, especially if they have a history of addictive behaviors.
Call Sequoia Recovery Centers at 1-866-824-0709 for help with Adderall addiction.