In recent years, blue Adderall pills have become increasingly common on college campuses. However, Adderall abuse is dangerous and can lead to health problems, addiction, and dependence.
If you are struggling with Adderall abuse, you're not alone. Professional support can help you overcome drug abuse and reclaim your future.
Blue Adderall is a type of Adderall pill that doctors use to treat narcolepsy and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Adderall is a stimulant prescription medication containing dextroamphetamine amphetamine that works by increasing communication in the brain. Adderall is classified by the Drug Enforcement Administration as a Schedule II controlled substance.
Some people misuse Adderall for its recreational effects or to try and improve their performance at school or college. However, Adderall abuse is dangerous and risks dependence, addiction, and long-term health problems.
Different doses of Adderall come in different colors:
Adderall pills come as Adderall XR (extended-release) or Adderall IR (immediate-release). Adderall XR is often preferred as it can last 12 hours, requiring only one administration at the start of each day.
Our brains have many different regions communicating through chemical and electrical signals. Chemical signaling involves chemical messengers known as neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters carry messages by traveling between cells and binding to certain receptors on target cells. Every neurotransmitter binds to a different receptor. When they bind, they trigger an action in the target cell.
Dopamine and norepinephrine are two types of neurotransmitters. Changing levels of these chemicals can affect certain cognitive functions, such as concentration and memory. Scientists think that people with ADHD may have unbalanced levels of these chemicals, making it harder to focus or concentrate on tasks.
Adderall increases the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain, facilitating communications between cells and improving cognitive symptoms of ADHD. For some people, it is a life-changing drug, helping them manage symptoms and fulfill their full potential.
It's generally safe to take Adderall according to a prescription. However, if you misuse the substance you can experience unpleasant, dangerous, and serious side effects.
Adderall abuse is when you take a blue Adderall pill in a way other than what your doctor prescribes. This may include taking it in higher doses, for longer, obtaining multiple prescriptions, or taking it without a prescription.
Side effects of Adderall abuse include:
Adderall overdose is when you take more Adderall than your body can process. The amount of the substance your body can process depends on various factors, including your metabolism, tolerance, and age.
Adderall overdose is a serious and potentially fatal condition - if you suspect you or someone else may have overdosed on Adderall, seek emergency medical help by calling 911 or contacting a poison control center immediately.
Symptoms of Adderall overdose include:
Some people with certain medical conditions shouldn't take Adderall. Make sure you inform your doctor or healthcare provider if you:
A blue Adderall pill can also interact with other prescription drugs and over-the-counter medicines. Sometimes, these drug interactions can be dangerous. You should always inform your doctor if you are taking any other medication.
Some examples of dangerous drug interactions include:
Please note that none of the above lists are exhaustive and you should always inform your doctor of your full medical history and fully check a medicine's drug information.
Adderall dependence happens when your body gets used to the presence of the substance in your body and begins to adjust its functions in response. You begin to need more of the substance to experience the same effect and eventually become tolerant of the drug to feel normal. If you stop taking Adderall, you may experience symptoms of withdrawal as your body readjusts.
Adderall withdrawal symptoms are stimulant amphetamine withdrawal symptoms. Amphetamine withdrawal isn't usually fatal but the symptoms can be severe. Acute stimulant withdrawal typically lasts between several days and a few weeks. Some people experience post-acute withdrawal symptoms that can last for several months, but these are usually mild.
Some symptoms may include:
Some people may experience serious psychological symptoms, including suicidal thoughts and ideations. Because of this, you should never undergo detox alone. Professional medical help can guide you through the detox process safely and help you manage symptoms and cravings.
If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, ideations, or emotional distress, you can contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for free and confidential support. If you think your or someone else's life is in immediate danger, call 911.
Adderall addiction is when you can't stop taking Adderall despite any negative consequences. Addiction is a chronic disease characterized by physical changes in the brain that cause strong urges to seek and use the substance. These urges are incredibly hard to resist without proper support; however, addiction treatment can go some way to reversing these changes while providing people with the tools to cope with cravings.
Adderall addiction develops through its interactions with our bodies' dopaminergic reward system. The reward system is a natural part of how our brains work, helping to reinforce life-preserving behaviors such as eating and having sex.
When we engage in these activities, our bodies release a small amount of the chemical dopamine. This alters neuronal pathways in our brains, making it more likely we will repeat the activity.
Taking Adderall floods your brain with dopamine. Repeated use causes dramatic changes to neuronal networks that create strong urges to use the substance, despite any negative consequences.
Mixing Adderall with any other substance is extremely dangerous. In some cases, the effects of drugs can compound, strengthening their effects and increasing the chance of overdose from either substance.
When people drink so-called "Adderall cocktails" - which include Adderall and alcohol - the effects of Adderall and alcohol can work against each other, reducing the apparent effects of the drug. This can cause people to take more of the substances, unaware of the quantity they have taken already, again increasing the chance of overdose.
Narcolepsy is a chronic neurological disorder that impacts the body's control over sleep-wake cycles. People with narcolepsy may feel very sleepy throughout the day and struggle to stay awake.
Adderall, FDA-approved for the treatment of narcolepsy, can help people manage symptoms by making them more alert during the day. However, it can also cause unwanted side effects such as fatigue and sexual dysfunction and may not work for everyone.
While Adderall is only FDA-approved for the treatment of ADHD and narcolepsy, some medical providers may prescribe it for off-label purposes. For example, they may use it to treat:
However, while some doctors prescribe Adderall to help stimulate brain activity in people experiencing depressive episodes, research suggests that using stimulants to treat bipolar disorder comes with the risk of inducing manic episodes and exacerbating mood destabilization. Because of this, Adderall isn't usually the best treatment option for the condition. Instead, doctors may treat depressive episodes with antidepressant medications, psychotherapy, and other treatment approaches.
Addiction can be scary, but there is help available. Professional addiction treatment programs can support you to overcome Adderall addiction and live a fulfilling and productive life.
Decades of research into addiction science have uncovered a range of treatment options proven to support long-term recovery. Effective recovery programs offer individualized programs, tailored to suit each client's needs. They often combine traditional therapies with holistic treatments to promote mind-body healing and long-lasting recovery.
Treatment options may include:
Effective addiction treatment addresses the underlying causes of addiction. Dual diagnosis programs identify and treat any co-occurring disorders that may drive addictive behavior, preventing substance abuse from re-starting if symptoms re-emerge.
Addiction recovery requires continued commitment and dedication. Treatment plans typically offer comprehensive and individualized aftercare that links clients with local sources of support and recovery meetings, while offering guidance for overcoming any challenges ahead.
Cirque Lodge is a private and exclusive drug rehabilitation in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. Our spectacular and tranquil surroundings are the perfect place to begin your recovery journey and rediscover your love of life.
We offer an unrivaled program of experiential activities including high ropes, equine-assisted treatment, and 10,000-foot helicopter rides into the depths of nature. Cirque Lodge is a place to reconnect with your inner self, with your passions, and know what it means to be human.
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, contact us today. With us, you can open the door to a new life.
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