Today, people everywhere are looking for a fast and easy
way to lose weight. Unfortunately, many people, especially women, are turning
to the prescription medication Adderall for weight loss. Adderall is an
amphetamine drug, classified as a stimulant, which decreases appetite and
speeds up metabolism, among other things. Though amphetamine drug abuse has
many outlets in the United States, stimulant use and abuse is highest among
women between the ages of 20 and 44.
Since 2002, the number of prescriptions for all
amphetamine-based drugs used to treat ADD have skyrocketed. Sales for extended
release Adderall more than doubled from 4.2 million in 2002 to 9.5 million in
2007, according to IMS Health, a health-care information enterprise. Data shows
a continued increases in sales in the decade since these statistics were
published. In online, Adderall ranks next to Viagra in terms of black market
pharmaceutical sales on the Internet.
Women trying out the “Adderall
diet” typically do not fit the standard description of drug
abuser. With so many people being prescribed Adderall to combat symptoms of
ADD/ADHD, it is not surprising to find that many people who abuse it for
non-medical reasons typically obtain it from friends and family members. It can
easily be bought on the street or online venues and some people even obtain it
through prescription by faking symptoms. However, like other amphetamines,
there are significant risks to using Adderall for weight loss, which include
depression, withdrawal, paranoia and much more.
In this article, we will take a deeper look at what
Adderall does to the body and why those who abuse it are at an increased risk
for a dangerous addiction.
What is Adderall and Why Does it Cause Weight Loss?
Adderall is a particularly controversial prescription drug,
which is classified as a stimulant, meaning it stimulates chemicals in the
brain and the central nervous system. It affects neurotransmitters in the brain
like dopamine and norepinephrine to speed up processes in the body, specifically
metabolism. It is most often prescribed to treat attention deficit
hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. For those with ADHD, it can help
to improve concentration, behavioral control and focus when prescribed
appropriately.
Because Adderall increases dopamine concentrations in the
brain, it can induce feelings of euphoria and energy, making it highly
addictive. Physical effects often include increased heart rate and blood
pressure, increased blood sugar, opened breathing passages and constricted blood
vessels. Adderall also suppresses
appetite, which may result in eating less. People who take Adderall for ADHD
may experience some weight loss, but typically most do not see significant loss
at normal prescribed levels.
Most often, those seeking weight loss by taking Adderall
must do so at a higher dosage than prescribed to see results. When taken at a
higher dosage, Adderall can be both psychologically and physically addictive.
Additionally, long term abuse can lead to tolerance and a need for increasing
amounts for the same appetite suppression.
High dosage leads to bigger and more immediate effects, which increases
the risk of addiction. Abuse may eventually lead to malnutrition, feelings of
hostility, and paranoia. Chronic abusers will experience serious symptoms of
withdrawal as well if they stop using them. Many users have to get treatment
for their addictions once they stop taking it. Also, once users stop taking
Adderall, they tend to gain back as much or more weight than they lost due to rebound
hunger.
Risks
Associated with Adderall Weight Loss
Even when used as directed, Adderall can cause
irritability, anxiety, headaches and nausea. When used at higher dosages, side
effects can be much more severe, which is an excellent reason not to abuse it.
A few possible side effects of Adderall use include:
•
High blood pressure
•
Anorexia
•
Mood swings
•
Elevated blood pressure
•
Insomnia
•
Increased heart rate
Some people may even experience dangerously severe
reactions to high doses of Adderall, including hallucinations, hives, blurred
vision, difficulty breathing, seizures and even coma. In rare cases it can be
deadly.
Adderall, like crystal meth, is an amphetamine with similar
physiological effects. It is also a powerful stimulant, and like other
stimulants—morphine, cocaine and meth— it has a high potential for both addiction and abuse. This risk for dependency increases dramatically when
people take Adderall without medical supervision or a prescription. Ultimately,
taking Adderall for weight loss is both unwise and dangerous, presenting
significant health risks.
Addiction and Options
For
most people, especially women, if taking Adderall for weight loss, the effects
will often diminish with time. When one dose stops being effective, they need
to take more to maintain results. This increased dosage puts women at an
increased risk of dangerous side effects and potential risk for addiction.
If you
are interested in losing weight, know that there are many other safe options
available for you. You do not have to resort to Adderall or other stimulants.
Contact your doctor or weight loss specialist to discuss your options about
which, if any, drugs intended for weight loss are available for you.
If
you have already tried the Adderall diet and find yourself struggling with
addiction, know that there is also help for you. Do not hesitate to reach out
to others who are in recovery from similar addictions and who can share their
own Adderall addiction stories with you. Our facilities and programs at Blu by
the Sea are designed to help those suffering from addiction, including Adderall
addiction. Contact us today to find out more about our rehabilitation programs.
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