Prescription medication always comes with warning labels and instructions from your primary doctor regarding the best way to take the medication to reduce negative side effects. Especially for prescription medications known for creating dependence and forming addictive habits, close adherence to these instructions is key.
Unfortunately, several prescriptions are abused by many, including those who were prescribed the medications and those who obtained them from others. One such example is Adderall – this medication not only has a high potential for abuse but is often abused by young individuals who seek the dopamine rush snorting Adderall is known to elicit.
What is Adderall for?
Adderall is classified by the DEA as a Schedule II drug as it has an approved medical usage but also a high potential for abuse. Adderall is often prescribed for the treatment of narcolepsy and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) but is regularly abused for its stimulant effects.
It increases energy and focus but also stimulates feelings of pleasure at high doses. Adderall contains amphetamine and dextroamphetamine, stimulants that impact the central nervous system and work on the chemicals in the brain and body responsible for impulse control and hyperactivity.
Adderall is prescribed in two forms – immediate-release and extended-release oral tablets. They help individuals to keep their symptoms of ADHD or narcolepsy at bay by working effectively on the central nervous system. However, because of the drug’s chemical makeup, it can lead to tolerance and dependency if not consumed as prescribed.
What happens if you snort Adderall?
According to the American Addiction Centers, “While many Adderall users take the drug as prescribed, others misuse it by taking more than the recommended dose or taking it without a prescription. Some users will snort Adderall, smoke it, or inject the drug to achieve a faster, more intense high. Snorting stimulants are the second most common route of administration, after swallowing, among college students.”
For those seeking the drug for the sake of obtaining a high or feeling its euphoric effects, snorting the extended-release version of Adderall is most often done. This is because the extended-release (XR) pills can produce a more intense high as a result of crushing the medication, which affects the slow-release mechanism of the XR drug.
By consuming the medication in this way, and not as prescribed, the high is not only more intense and immediate but is more likely to cause addiction if this practice is continued.
What are the negative effects of snorting Adderall?
The main negative effect of snorting Adderall is the increased chance of dependency and addiction which can lead to lifelong physical illness and mental health complications. In addition, snorting Adderall, or taking Adderall in any way not as prescribed, can lead to significant problems, such as:
- Damage to the nose, including frequent nose bleeds, impaired sense of smell, runny nose or congestion and chronic sinus infections
- Paranoia
- Changes in behavior, including increased anger and hostility
- Insomnia
- Decreased appetite and poor dietary habits, which may result in significant weight loss
- High blood pressure
- Irregular heartbeat
- Psychosis
- Stroke
- Seizures
Overdose may also occur as a result of improper consumption of Adderall. Signs of Adderall overdose to look out for include:
- Increased respiratory rate
- Irregular heartbeat
- Dizziness or fainting
- Disorientation
- Aggression
- Hallucinations
- Blurry vision
- Loss of consciousness
To avoid these unpleasant effects of Adderall, it is important to use the drug in the way it was prescribed at the proper dose. Additionally, do not take medication that is not yours, nor should you share your medicines with anyone due to the risks.
Signs of snorting Adderall
If you suspect a loved one may be struggling with drug misuse/abuse, certain signs may indicate these behaviors, including:
- Complaints of nasal problems, including nose bleeds and frequent runny nose/sniffling
- Changes in mood or behavior, including increased hostility or irritability
- Increased symptoms of anxiety or depression
- Weight loss as a result of changes in appetite due to Adderall’s effects
- Trouble sleeping
- Comments about muscle weakness or overall fatigue
When you notice potential signs of drug abuse, including misuse of Adderall, consider having a conversation with your loved one out of interest for their wellbeing. Or, consider talking with them about their daily habits and recommend the benefits of mental health counseling to help them navigate the choices and behavioral patterns they are following.
Seeking drug abuse treatment services?
If you or a loved one have been struggling with Adderall addiction or addiction of any kind, help is available. Reach out to Silvermist Recovery to learn more about our treatment programs and get started on your recovery today.
Contact us online anytime to learn more.