The Dangers of Adderall for Weight-Loss

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A growing number of people across the US are suffering from legal, prescription drug addictions straight from doctors and pharmacies, and using them in dressing rooms, gyms, and yoga groups. The truth of addiction is inevitable—it is not a moral failing ‘nor a character flaw. It’s a serious, medical condition that is tearing through the US. With the wide variety of drugs on the market, both legal and illicit, it’s important that detox centers in Orange County are prepared and aware of the trends in addiction that could be shaping the lives of our community. One such trend is the growing use of Adderall as a weight loss drug. Originally prescribed to ease the symptoms of ADHD and other disorders, the weight loss side-effects of Adderall quickly gained recognition and it became used in unhealthy ways as a diet drug.

Adderall uses and side-effects

Adderall is FDA-Approved strictly in cases of ADHD and Narcolepsy. The side effects of Adderall include raised blood pressure, loss of appetite, weight loss, increased heart rate, anorexia, mood swings, insomnia and more. It’s particularly dangerous for people with heart problems or high blood pressure.

Children have often been prescribed Adderall as a way to calm them down and help them focus. While it can be vital to some children who are otherwise disruptive or inattentive in class, it can have some physiological side-effects. Children who used Adderall showed lower BMI in earlier years followed by above-normal weight gain as they grew older.

Adderall directly affects the brain and can be addictive if used frequently. While it can cause weight loss through side effects, like loss of appetite, it poses the risk of addiction and overdose if used in excess. Overdose symptoms of amphetamines like Adderall can include seizures, trouble breathing, twitches, vomiting, and psychosis.

Why is Adderall used in weight loss?

Adderall is a common prescription used throughout the US. Because it’s so ubiquitous, people have noticed the “weight loss” side effect of the drug, especially among teenagers and young adults who are often sensitive about their own weight. Although the drug is only FDA approved as a treatment to specific disorders, off-market versions have been prescribed for weight loss. As the growing trends of reality tv, social media, and celebrity worship continue to promote unrealistic body expectations, many people are turning to dangerous ways to modify their body as quickly as possible. It’s largely for this reason that Adderall prescriptions have doubled in a 5-year time frame.

How to treat Adderall addiction or dependency

Because Adderall’s most common illicit use is weight loss, it goes hand-in-hand to say that Adderall addiction is often tied to disorders or anxiety about weight or body image. Quitting any drug cold-turkey, without assistance, support, or systems often results in relapses that are worse than the initial addiction. The mentality, social pressure, and other conditions that originally caused the addiction don’t go away when you try to quit. Therefore, a big part of overcoming addiction revolves around being prepared to adjust to the very circumstances that fueled the addiction, to begin with.

A successful recovery program would not only ease the patient off the drug, but would also focus on training, dieting, therapies, and social support networks that would help the patient feel comfortable and confident in their own skin. Group and individual therapies help patients overcome their own stigmas and fears about body image and give them the fortitude to make healthier self-reflections.

If you know someone who is coping with stress, body image anxieties, or other illness with an addictive substance, please seek help immediately. Experience recovery can help you from addressing the addiction to treating it and developing healthy habits. Call us at (714) 782-3973 to set up a consultation.

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