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Many people abuse Adderall despite it only being approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. The substance can be used to improve cognitive function, curb impulsive behavior, and promote mental stamina. But what does Adderall do if you don’t have ADHD?1
Antidepressants are the primary medications that help treat depression. Adderall is not an antidepressant, but some doctors might still prescribe it for those struggling with depression. This is because the drug affects various neurotransmitters like norepinephrine, which causes a calming effect.
There is a range of uses that Adderall can be prescribed for. For people with ADHD, Adderall helps them focus, increase memory and productivity, and control impulses and behavioral problems. Many people diagnosed with ADHD report feeling more “in control” when they take Adderall, and the medication helps to level their temperament or increase their concentration.
Adderall also promotes wakefulness and boosts energy, motivation, and confidence in people who suffer from narcolepsy and chronic daytime sleepiness. Doctors can prescribe Adderall to help with weight loss, though it’s very important to adhere to the doctor’s prescription to avoid dangerous side effects. Some people also take Adderall off-label in order to lift their moods and reduce various depression symptoms.
People rarely use Adderall to treat anxiety, but some people with ADHD and narcolepsy find that the drug helps reduce fear and worry. Since Adderall is a stimulant, doctors prescribe it to curb some symptoms of bipolar disorder as well, which can also help enhance cognition.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD, Adderall can make you stay focused, slow down, and feel “normal.” So, what does Adderall do for children and adults with ADHD?
Children with ADHD tend to be more hyperactive, and prescribing them a stimulant drug may seem counterintuitive. However, Adderall gives positive results when prescribed. Children with ADHD also tend to find it hard to make and keep friends because they lack the right social skills.
Children who are prescribed Adderall show reduced impulsive behavior, often have better communication skills, and find it easier to pay attention and focus on class. They often find it easier to make and keep friends, due to being able to focus and listen when they need to.
Adults with ADHD may use Adderall to improve focus and concentration because it works directly on the centric nervous system. The substance also produces the same effect on adults without ADHD, although to a much different degree. It is, therefore, crucial to note that Adderall may have side effects like headaches, nervousness, restlessness, sleep problems, and more in both those with and without ADHD.
Adderall withdrawal also poses serious effects such as stroke, seizures, and heart problems. Therefore, taking Adderall under your doctor’s supervision and following the drug’s prescriptions is important.
People with ADHD have low dopamine levels that Adderall helps to boost. However, if you don’t have ADHD, your dopamine level should be otherwise normal, meaning that if you take Adderall, the dopamine level could greatly increase. This excessive dopamine level produces increased energy levels and intense euphoric feelings.
For those who take Adderall and don’t have ADHD, Adderall can quickly become something they rely on because they like the increased energy and productivity boost. However, this can be very dangerous, as their brain’s dopamine levels might get used to the additional chemical increase, meaning that many become addicted or reliant on Adderall.
Despite Adderall’s proven success in treating ADHD, the drug can produce risky emotional and physical side effects. Since Adderall flags your brain systems with excess dopamine, you feel sluggish and have a terrible crash once the effects are over. Some other side effects of using Adderall for people without ADHD include:
The FDA categorizes Adderall as a Level II drug, meaning it is highly addictive. When you take unprescribed Adderall or a higher dosage than that prescribed by your doctor, you are likely to develop a dependence on the substance.
You may also experience withdrawal symptoms when you try to stop or reduce the dosage of Adderall. These can include:
Living a sober life is a lifelong process but taking the first step is one call away. Schedule a call or visit Iris Healing® to get help if you or a loved one have started abusing Adderall. Our team of professional doctors usually utilize the following treatment plans for Adderall addiction:
Detox is often the initial stage of rehabilitating Adderall addiction. This process slowly removes the drug from your system.
The detox stage is almost always accompanied by withdrawal symptoms that may last a few weeks or months, depending on your drug use history. We place our patients in a controlled environment to closely monitor them and offer the best support.
We use medication-assisted treatments (MAT) to reduce the effects of Adderall withdrawal, abuse, and other underlying health issues such as anxiety. Our medical professionals develop a diet plan for our patients to ensure they get the nutrition and energy needed for long-term rehabilitation.4
We recommend inpatient treatment care for severe cases of Adderall addiction or if you have relapsed after attending outpatient treatment. Our inpatient programs typically range between one to three months. Our doctors monitor your progress and engage you in recreational therapies, group meetings, counseling sessions, 12-step meetings, and more.
Our outpatient programs address cases of less severe Adderall addiction within three to six months. You attend programs at our center during the day and return to your daily routines once done. These programs include group counseling, drug abuse education, individual therapy, and others.
If you or a loved one are struggling with Adderall substance abuse, please contact us today at Iris Healing®. We are here to help you every step of the way during recovery.
Iris Healing® strives to be diligent and prompt in updating the information available on our website. Please note, however, that our treatment modalities and protocols are subject to change at any time. For the most up-to-date details regarding our treatment offerings or other protocols, please contact us: (844)663-4747
At Iris Healing®, we offer a free and confidential verification of benefits with no commitment required. For our in-network insurance partners, Iris Healing® accepts PPO, EPO, and HMO plans. For out-of-network insurance, we accept most PPO policies. We are happy to answer any questions you have related to insurance coverage for mental health and addiction treatment.
Licensed by the State Department of Health Care Services.
Iris Healing Center
Certification: 190056AP
Expiration Date: 12/31/2025
Iris Healing Retreat
License Number: 190943AP
Expiration Date: 1/31/2025
Licensed by the State Department of Health Care Services.
Iris Healing Center
Certification: 190056AP
Expiration Date: 12/31/2025
Iris Healing Retreat
License Number: 190943AP
Expiration Date: 1/31/2025
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