Long-Term Effects Of Adderall On Your Personality, Body, & Brain

The prescription drug Adderall is a stimulant medication that consists of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. It is primarily used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy.

As is the case with many prescription medications, the use of Adderall has the potential to become addictive. While short-term use can cause issues, the long-term effects of Adderall can have harmful consequences on your personality, body, and brain. 

Effects Of Adderall On Personality

Abusing prescription medications can cause lasting effects to both your physical and mental health. When it comes to Adderall, drug use can even affect your personality. 

Long-term Adderall abuse can cause severe social disability. In fact, those with Adderall addiction who may have abused the drug for an extended period of time may start to develop noticeable personality changes.

This doesn’t mean simply irritability. On the contrary, long-term Adderall abuse can lead to chronic intoxication causing psychosis. When this occurs, it’s clinically indistinguishable from schizophrenia. 

Other long-term personality effects from Adderall abuse may include:

• mood swings
• psychosis 
• lethargy 
• inability to concentrate
• lack of motivation

Effects Of Adderall On The Body

Long-term side effects of Adderall can impact your body as well. Physical symptoms can be just as severe as psychological symptoms. From an irregular heartbeat to stomach issues and dry mouth, abusing Adderall long-term can wreak havoc on your body. 

Although weight loss is a common symptom, it’s important to note that Adderall can appeal to those seeking to lose weight. This is an easy way to become addicted to the stimulant.

People who take high doses of Adderall over a long period of time may also experience the following:

• fatigue 
• cardiovascular issues
• headaches 
• constipation
• heart palpitations
• nerve problems
• muscle pains
• heart disease
• sleep problems
• high blood pressure
• tremors
• heart attack

Effects Of Adderall On The Brain

As a stimulant drug, Adderall raises dopamine levels in the brain to address ADHD or narcolepsy. Although taking Adderall can improve motivation and increase concentration, long-term use can lead to devastating, lasting effects on the brain.

Some of the long-term effects of Adderall abuse on the brain include:

• anxiety 
• hallucinations 
• depression 
• suicidal thoughts and ideations
• panic attacks

While mental health might sometimes be glossed over, it’s important to know that the long-term side effects of Adderall can significantly damage your mental health due to the anxiety and depression that it can cause.

In addition to these issues, abusing prescription stimulants can lead to withdrawal symptoms that can make it difficult to stop use.

Adderall Addiction Treatment

If you or a loved one live with addiction or any type of drug abuse, know that our rehab facilities are here for you. We have highly-trained professionals who can help you detox, manage the cravings you might develop, provide the support you need, and more.

Our qualified healthcare facilities offer both inpatient or outpatient care. We understand that no two situations are the same and that everyone has different needs. Our substance abuse treatment programs are personalized to meet your individual needs. 

To learn more about our treatment centers, please connect with us today.