Smoking Adderall | Dangers & Effects

The stimulant prescription drug Adderall consists of both dextroamphetamine and amphetamine. This prescription stimulant targets the central nervous system (CNS) and may be prescribed to those who live with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or narcolepsy.

Adderall works by increasing motivation and focus. Unfortunately, this prescription drug can be abused in a variety of ways, including snorting and smoking.

Smoking Adderall allows the drug to enter your bloodstream faster, causing a more intense feeling than just taking the drug as prescribed by your doctor.

Dangers Of Smoking Adderall

When a person participates in this form of drug use, they may underestimate the dangers. Adderall abuse in the form of smoking may be a casual activity for college students who want to stay up all night to study for a test. Others abuse the drug to help with weight loss concerns.

Physical & Mental Health Concerns

Adderall works by increasing the activity of the brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine. When these are increased, the neurotransmitters cause a person to feel an increased feeling of motivation and pleasure.

Because norepinephrine affects heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing, there can be serious dangers if a person abuses this prescription stimulant.

In addition to these health concerns, abusing Adderall can lead to an increased risk of developing a heart attack or other life-threatening concerns.

Adderall Addiction

Drug abuse occurs when you use Adderall in a way that’s not prescribed, which includes smoking it. When this occurs, a person who becomes addicted to prescription stimulants may turn to other types of stimulant drugs and increase their risk of addiction.

Polydrug Use

When a person smokes Adderall, they may begin to develop cravings for a more euphoric “rush” or a stronger high. This can lead to a person experimenting with other drugs.

Other forms of drug abuse include using methamphetamine, amphetamine salts, or opioids. Medications should only be taken with Adderall if prescribed by your doctor and illegal drugs should never be combined with Adderall.

Adderall Withdrawal 

Abusing the prescription stimulant Adderall can lead to other dangers such as withdrawal symptoms. Depending on the severity of addiction, the amount of the drug taken, and if other drugs are being taken with it, withdrawal can be quite serious.

Serious withdrawal concerns may require detox and assistance at a treatment center or medical facility.

Effects Of Smoking Adderall

When a person smokes Adderall, they may experience a wide range of effects. According to the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), common effects can include:

• headaches
• nervousness
• dizziness
• difficulty sleeping
• loss of appetite
• stomach cramping

In addition to these, more serious effects can occur.

Short-Term Side Effects 

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, short-term side effects of adderall can include:

• increased heart rate
• ​increased blood pressure
• ​dry mouth
• euphoric sensation or “rush”
• increased blood sugar
• increased breathing

Long-Term Side Effects

In addition to short-term effects, there are serious side effects that can be long-term and caused by Adderall abuse. Some of these symptoms include:

• cardiovascular effects
• lung problems
• heart attack
• ​psychosis
• seizures
• changes in body temperature

Adderall Addiction Treatment

​If you or a loved one live with a substance use disorder, substance abuse treatment options are available. Treatment services for prescription drug abuse can include:

• outpatient programs
• group therapy
• cognitive behavioral therapy
• aftercare services
• dual diagnosis treatment

To learn more about our recovery options, please contact Northeast Addictions Treatment Center today.