Is Adderall Addictive?

Understanding Adderall

So, is Adderall addictive? It can be—especially because of how it stimulates your brain. When you take an Adderall pill, it increases the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in your brain. Dopamine is also known as the “feel-good” chemical—it’s a neurotransmitter that makes you feel happy and motivated. Norepinephrine is also a neurotransmitter, and it helps your body respond to stress, concentrate on a task, and be energized throughout the day. 

So, when you take Adderall, your brain releases these two transmitters that make you feel happy, calm, and ready to take on any challenge that life throws at you. At first, Adderall may seem like a miracle pill that helps focus for a stressful test or presentation, but it can be an intense drug to which you can easily develop an addiction. 

Risk Factors for Adderall Addiction

Since a lot of people are prescribed Adderall by a doctor, it can be hard to figure out if you or a loved one are suffering from an Adderall addiction. Though an Adderall addiction can look different to everyone, it’s important to know the common risk factors for developing a dependence on it:

Dosage and Frequency of Use

Are you using your Adderall more often than a doctor told you to? Are you doubling up on pills to get you through the day? The more you take Adderall, the more addictive it can get. If you need high dosages or more pills to get through a stressful day, then you may have a dependence on it. 

Non-Medical Use: 

Did you start taking Adderall with friends or at a social setting like a party? How about using it before a stressful test or to get you through work? If you were never prescribed Adderall by a doctor but use it to self-medicate or as a recreational drug, then you are at risk of developing an addiction to it. 

Personal and Family History

Certain genetic factors can influence your ability to get addicted to Adderall. It’s important to look at your family history and how you were raised. If you have a history of substance abuse or if it runs in your family, then it could increase your chances of developing a dependency on it. 

Co-occurring Mental Health Disorders

People who suffer from other mental health disorders like anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder may use Adderall to self-soothe in times of distress. If you find yourself using Adderall to self-medicate, please know that you are not alone. These mental issues are very common, and it’s important to get help if you are suffering. 

Polydrug Use

Using Adderall with other substances like alcohol can enhance its addictive effects and make it much harder to quit.