The Use of Adderall Among Teenagers and Adderall Treatment

Adderall is a prescription medication for treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Teenagers who are diagnosed with ADHD are often prescribed Adderall by their doctors to help them focus and manage their symptoms. However, teenagers without a prescription and the care of a medical professional can misuse or abuse this medication, leading to addiction and the need for Adderall treatment plans.

Teenagers with ADHD often struggle in school, not because of their intelligence, but because their ADHD symptoms interfere with their ability to learn as their classmates do. Symptoms of ADHD may include fidgeting or an inability to stay still, forgetfulness, difficulty paying attention for longer periods of time, and struggles staying organized and orderly.

During middle and high school, the increasing academic expectations, pressure, and responsibilities can create challenges for teenagers with ADHD. With an increased workload, the need for effective organization and time management also increases and may cause their symptoms to worsen.

Is Adderall Addictive?

Teenagers turn to Adderall to combat academic pressure and competition among their classmates. They tend to misuse this medication, believing that it enhances concentration and the ability to learn, which can then help them improve their academic performance. Adolescents may perceive it as a means to stay alert and do better in school, but the burst of energy and stimulation is an unsustainable illusion for those who misuse it and can lead to Adderall addiction.

Although teenagers may believe that Adderall provides a competitive edge in sports or their classes, it can also exacerbate mental health problems. Despite the intention of taking Adderall as an aid, teenagers who misuse it still experience symptoms associated with substance use disorder, according to the American Addiction Centers.

The stimulant properties of Adderall can lead to addiction. Individuals may experience psychological and physical dependence on the medication, which may lead to withdrawal if they are deprived of it or decide to stop taking it. Withdrawal symptoms look different for each individual, but a general disruption and decline in mental health is expected from misuse.

At our substance use facility, our therapists find that it is common for teenagers who use Adderall without a prescription or medical supervision to be under the impression they are in control. This belief is associated with addiction. As an addiction-specialist program, Lotus Behavioral Health takes Adderall addiction treatment seriously. For those who have not been prescribed Adderall, the risks of taking it without medical supervision run large. If teenagers take it at their discretion, they may be confronted with serious side effects that can lead to the development of substance use and eating or sleeping disorders.

Eating Disorders

Adderall can contribute to the development or worsening of eating disorders such as anorexia for teenagers who misuse it. Adolescents may begin to take Adderall as a way to lose weight by suppressing their appetite. Teenagers who have an existing eating disorder may turn to Adderall as an attempt to control their hunger and curb their cravings. Eating disorders often are associated with compulsions, secrecy, and manipulation. This behavior is similar to that of addiction, according to the APA.

Insomnia

As a stimulant, Adderall increases alertness, but when it is not taken appropriately under medical supervision, teenagers may develop sleeping disorders such as insomnia. Adderall's effects on the brain and body can make it hard to fall asleep. Even if someone intends to go to bed at a certain time, Adderall may make it challenging for them to fall asleep, or they may lay awake at night. For those in high school, misusing this medication can create irregular sleeping times, and the interruption of regular sleeping patterns will inevitably affect their performance in school.

Substance Use Disorder

Adderall increases the level of certain neurotransmitters that play a behavioral role in the brain.  If someone has ADHD and uses Adderall as prescribed, it calms them and helps them focus. The medication acts like naturally occurring neurotransmitters norepinephrine and epinephrine, thus increasing focus and alertness.

However, any drug that affects feel-good neurotransmitters like dopamine has the potential to become addictive since it activates reward centers in the brain. The activation of those reward centers can trigger the brain to compulsively seek out the stimulus that led to that activation, which in this case is Adderall. Other examples of stimulants include cocaine, amphetamine, methamphetamine, and MDMA.

Adderall Treatment Programs for Teenagers

It is important to note that the compulsive misuse of substances or non-prescribed use of prescription medications is illegal and can lead to serious health risks. Disorders like substance use require professional help and treatment. It is crucial for individuals struggling with addiction to seek support from healthcare professionals and addiction specialists who can provide appropriate interventions and support for recovery.

Addiction is a disease that must be treated as such. Lotus Behavioral Health is an adolescent residential treatment and substance use rehab facility that serves teenagers ages 12 to 17 who struggle with drugs and alcohol.

The staff at Lotus Behavioral Health creates personalized programs for each teenager, focusing on their individual needs and other co-occurring mental health disorders. Our facility is located in Winter Springs, serving the entire state of Florida, including but not limited to cities such as Orlando, Winter Park, Windermere, Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and Tallahassee. Additionally, our drug and alcohol rehab center is open to patients from the rest of the country for those in need of healing from substance use.

While Adderall can be an effective medication when used appropriately, its misuse and potential addiction among teenagers cannot be overlooked. As parents, educators, and healthcare professionals, it is our responsibility to educate teenagers about the dangers of Adderall abuse and provide the support they need to navigate the pressures they face without the use of drugs and alcohol. By having open and honest conversations and promoting healthy coping mechanisms, we can help steer teenagers away from the dangers of substance misuse and give them hope and love for a future of healing.

Hope Is Here

If you are a parent of a teenager with a substance use disorder, reach out to the Lotus Behavioral Health team for additional information on our services and the different levels of care we offer at our adolescent treatment facility. You can start the process by visiting our Admissions page, where you can view more information about a complimentary brief assessment to determine eligibility.

For more information about our adolescent programs, contact Lotus Behavioral Health Center for an intake consultation at (833) 948-2273 or visit our website.