The Dangers of Snorting Adderall
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What Happens If You Snort Adderall?
It is well known that Adderall is addictive, but the dangers of snorting Adderall only increase the risks of this drug.
It may have started as an innocent attempt to do better in school. The news got out that Adderall, the drug used for treating kids with ADHD, could keep you going through the night. It was not a surprise that students found plenty of ways to access the drug, and called it the “study drug.” The drug is also misused as a tool to lose weight.
The problem is that Adderall is speed. It is an amphetamine-based drug that can cause very severe side effects when abused. Can you snort adderall? One of the ways the drug is abused is by crushing and snorting it. If you find yourself abusing this drug, its time to consider looking for help. Reach out to our treatment team for a confidential assessment (877) 328-1968.
Keep reading to learn more about the dangers of snorting Adderall, and how to get help for an Adderall addiction.
More About Adderall
Adderall is a Schedule II controlled substance and is highly addictive. It is a combo of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine and comes in doses ranging from 5 mg-30 mg strengths. The drug is prescribed for the treatment of ADHD and narcolepsy. It works by stimulating the central nervous system, which speeds up certain bodily processes, like heart rate and blood pressure.
The huge increase in Adderall scripts is due to college students seeking the drug. According to this NYT article, sales of the drug have sharply risen since it was introduced in 1996.
A student may feign the symptoms of ADHD to obtain Adderall from a doctor, or purchase it off the street. Students also sell the drug to fellow students, and some will buy it online. Many people are still not aware that meds prescribed by a doctor can be harmful, especially when used recreationally.
Signs of Adderall Abuse and Addiction
At first, people may not notice Adderall abuse at first. It may seem that the person is in a great mood all the time. They seem full of energy and super engaged in life.
But as the drug use goes on, they may start showing weight loss, mood swings, and agitation. This may be the point when you realize the individual is abusing a drug, and that drug is Adderall.
Signs and symptoms of Adderall abuse include:
- Euphoria
- Nervousness
- Extra energy.
- More social than before.
- Marked loss of appetite, weight loss.
- Angry or hostile behavior.
- Foggy thinking.
- Jittery
- Overly talkative.
- Mood swings.
- Financial troubles.
- Dizziness
- Decreased sleep.
- Aggressive behavior.
- Nosebleeds
- Frequent headaches.
- Signs of IV use, track marks, abscesses.
- Hallucinations
As the drug’s effects wane over time, the person may ramp up their dosage even more. This is a sign of addiction. You can become addicted to Adderall in as little as two weeks. The effects are very similar to those of cocaine addiction or even meth.
The Dangers of Snorting Adderall
Those who aim to enhance the Adderall high may crush the drug and snort it. They will seek out the extended-release version of the drug. This form of the drug is more potent. Taking it orally, as designed, allows for a gradual release in the system. When crushed and snorted, the full impact of the drug hits the bloodstream all at once.
When the drug is abused in this manner, the brain cannot process it and serious adverse effects can happen. These include seizures, racing heart rate, severe confusion, high blood pressure, fever, and even psychosis. It can also lead to an overdose, which could result in a heart attack, stroke, coma, or death.
Taking Adderall with Alcohol
Another way that Adderall becomes very risky is by taking the drug along with drinking alcohol. Mixing these two substances can have very severe effects.
Some of the negative effects of mixing Adderall and alcohol include:
- Overdose. This can happen when the person no longer perceives the effects of the substances. They may not feel the full effect of the Adderall or the alcohol and continue to use them. This can lead to an overdose.
- Seizures. One adverse effect of combining the two substances is having a seizure.
- Damage to the central nervous system. This can be a result of long-term Adderall and alcohol abuse.
- Injury. Being impaired by the alcohol without being aware of how impaired due to the Adderall’s effects, can lead to an accident or injury.
- Heart problems. Adderall and alcohol use can lead to serious heart problems. These include heart rhythm issues, rapid heart rate, increased blood pressure, and increased risk of stroke or heart attack.
- High-risk behaviors. While under the effect of both substances it is harder to reason or make judgment calls. This can result in impulsive or risky actions.
- Psychosis. Abusing both substances may cause psychotic symptoms.
- Poly-substance addiction. The more these two substances are abused, the better the chance of addiction.
Adderall Overdose
Snorting Adderall can lead to an overdose, which can have fatal consequences. An Adderall overdose is considered a medical emergency, so swift attention is needed. Signs of Adderall overdose include:
- Profound mental confusion.
- Severe panic attack.
- Vertigo
- Hyperventilation
- Hallucinations
- Heart arrhythmia.
- Loss of consciousness.
- Coma
Help for Adderall Addiction
Treating an individual with an Adderall addiction or dependency will involve a multi-pronged approach, including:
- Detox. During medical detox, a detox team will closely monitor vital signs and symptoms throughout the process. Adderall detox can take from one to three weeks.
- Individual therapy. These one-on-one sessions allow you to explore the underlying reasons for leaning on Adderall.
- Group sessions. Small group therapy sessions with peers offer a safe, supportive space to discuss struggles and fears.
- 12-step groups. A.A.’s 12-step program provides a structured, step-by-step process to achieve lasting sobriety.
- Holistic tools. The goal of rehab is to equip you with the skills and tools needed to sustain recovery. This includes learning how to better manage stress through deep breathing, mindfulness, and yoga.
- Relapse prevention planning. Making a relapse prevention plan is a key recovery tool. You list your triggers, and then which steps to take when confronted with the triggers.
If you are addicted to this drug, you may also be at risk of the dangers of snorting the Adderall. If this is the case, you will need expert care. A treatment program can safely guide you through the detox process and therapy that can break the grip of addiction.
Bodhi Addiction Centers Offers Treatment for Adderall Addiction
When Adderall addiction has latched on tight and controls your days, Bodhi Addiction Centers is here to help you break free. To learn more about our program, please contact the Bodhi team today at (877) 328-1968.