Snorting Adderall | Effects & Dangers Of Amphetamine Abuse

Adderall is a prescription stimulant that’s prescribed for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. It’s the brand name for the combination of two central nervous system stimulants, dextroamphetamine, and amphetamine. 

Adderall is often used as a study drug for high school and college students, and some may snort the drug for a quicker and more intense high.

How Adderall Works

When someone takes Adderall, norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine are released. 

For someone with ADHD, this is helpful. But in a person without ADHD, increasing these neurotransmitters can be dangerous and change the structure of the brain. This leads to the brain relying on the drug and increasing the risk of Adderall addiction.

Because of this, the FDA considers Adderall a schedule II controlled substance or a drug that has a high potential of abuse.

Snorting Adderall XR

Adderall in its original form and in the extended-release (Adderall XR) variety shouldn’t be snorted. Snorting is usually only done by people abusing Adderall. 

Those who snort Adderall crush the drug and then snort it through their nose. This allows it to have a more immediate effect as it goes directly into the bloodstream and doesn’t pass through the digestive system. 

Side Effects Of Snorting Adderall

The dangers of snorting Adderall are quite serious. Taking the drug orally doesn’t just delay the effects, but it also allows the drug to lose some of its potency. This is not the case when it’s snorted.

The skin inside the nose can also be affected. It can become irritated leading to soreness, frequent nosebleeds, and flaky skin. Other side effects of Adderall abuse may include:

• increased blood pressure
• accelerated heart rate
• increased risk for heart attack/cardiac arrest
• high body temperature
• aggressive mood swings
• mental health problems
• shortness of breath
• high fever
• toxic shock
• loss of appetite
• weight loss
• stroke in adults
• muscle pains
• psychosis

There is also an increased risk of sinusitis when snorting Adderall, which may involve:

• nasal drainage going down the back of the throat
• swollen cheeks, forehead, nose, and eyes
• inflammation of sinuses
• reduced sense of smell
• nasal congestion

Dangers Of Snorting Adderall

One of the major effects of snorting Adderall is on the nasal cavity. It can cause not only nose bleeds and dry skin, but it can also lead to the septum in the nose to gradually disappear. This could leave a hole in the nose and increase the risk of infection.

The ultimate and most serious danger of snorting Adderall is death. Because it’s not possible to measure the exact dose when the drug is being snorted, an Adderall overdose, including an accidental one, is much easier. This is especially the case with Adderall XR. 

Crushing the tablet tampers with the time-release part of the drug and gives the person snorting it a large dose all at once. This can be life-threatening and even cause sudden overdose or death.

Signs Of Snorting Adderall 

If you’re looking for signs a loved one is snorting Adderall, here are a few behaviors or items to look out for:

• drinking straws or tubes used for snorting
• mirrors or glass with scratch marks or white residue
• paraphernalia used to crush and snort Adderall
• frequent running or stuffy nose
• lots of prescription bottles
• powder on clothes, face, or around the nose and mouth
• drastic changes in sleeping habits, or being awake for long periods of time or sleeping for more than 8 hours at a time

Treating Adderall Addiction

It’s never too late to seek substance abuse treatment to address prescription drug abuse. There are treatment centers and detox options available for Adderall addiction. To learn more about our addiction treatment programs, please call our helpline today.