Signs and Symptoms of Prescription Stimulant Abuse: Adderall, Vyvanse & More

Many people believe that abuse and addiction only occur with illegal drugs like cocaine, methamphetamine, and heroin. But abuse is also very common with prescription medications like Adderall, Vyvanse, Ritalin, etc. With extended use, people become dependent on these drugs that were initially supposed to help them. If you or someone you care about is showing signs and symptoms of prescription stimulant abuse, Pride Detox provides an LGBTQ-affirming stimulant detox to get you back your life.

What Are Prescription Stimulants and How Do They Work?

Prescription stimulants are commonly prescribed medications that treat conditions like Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. They work by increasing the amount of stimulating chemicals (e.g., dopamine and norepinephrine) the brain produces. This surge of chemicals helps improve attention, focus, and energy levels. 

Although prescription stimulants are chemically similar to illegal ones, like methamphetamine and molly, they can offer benefits when taken under medical supervision. However, because they enhance alertness, decrease appetite, and even elicit euphoria, they are often abused for non-medical reasons like improving academic or athletic performance or just to get “high.”

Prescription stimulant abuse causes serious mental and physical health risks, including paranoia, psychosis, cardiovascular disease, and even addiction. The 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health reported that of the 10.3 million people in the US who abused a stimulant in the past year, a third of them abused a prescription stimulant. Statistics like this are why these medications are classified as Schedule I by the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Why Do People Get Addicted to Prescription Stimulants?

People get addicted to prescription stimulants because these drugs change how the brain works, especially the parts that make us feel happy and motivated. When someone takes stimulants like Adderall or Ritalin, their brain releases a lot of dopamine. This chemical makes them feel euphoric, and this strong feeling can make them want to keep taking the drug again and again. Over time, the brain starts to rely on the drug to feel pleasure, and normal things like eating or hanging out with friends do not feel as good anymore.

Addiction also affects how a person thinks, controls their mood, and makes decisions, which makes stopping really hard. When someone uses stimulants a lot, they might need more of the drug to get the same good feeling, and if they try to stop, they can feel bad or have cravings. Some people are more likely to get addicted because of their genes, in the case of LGBTQ people, because of the bias, discrimination, and increased risk of trauma they face. Understanding addiction as a long-term brain condition helps us be kinder and support people in getting over the disorder.

Signs and Symptoms of Prescription Stimulant Abuse

People who misuse prescription stimulants often show changes in their behavior and physical health. They often gradually take higher doses than prescribed and use the medication more often. They may also try to get extra prescriptions by visiting multiple doctors.

They may have the following physical symptoms:

• Significant weight loss or poor appetite
• Frequent headaches
• Fatigue
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat
• High blood pressure
• Bloodshot eyes 
• Excessive sweating
• Dangerously high body temperatures (hyperthermia)

People abusing stimulants may be irritable, have trouble sleeping, have sudden and frequent mood swings, and have constant anxiety and paranoia. They may also take risks they normally would not, such as stealing, lying, unsafe sex, or putting themselves in unsafe situations. These signs and symptoms of prescription stimulant abuse can affect relationships, school, or work.

Pride Detox Can Help You Overcome Prescription Stimulant Abuse

If you think you have a prescription stimulant addiction, that is enough reason to seek professional help. Pride Detox offers LGBTQ people a haven where they can go through prescription stimulant detox with utmost care and supervision. In our residential treatment programs, we apply the principles of trauma-informed care and use evidence-based therapies to support your recovery. Wherever you are, we can meet you there and help you move forward. Call us now at 866-381-8221 to talk to someone who is very happy to assist.