Adderall is the brand-name medication for a central nervous system stimulant. It is a combination of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine.
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Adderall for use in the treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in 1996. The way Adderall works is by affecting neurotransmitters (e.g., dopamine and norepinephrine) and altering the chemicals in one’s brain. The United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), has classified Adderall as a Schedule II controlled substance under the Controlled Substance Act (CSA). The CSA provides a mechanism for substances to be controlled, categorized, and regulated as each substance is sorted into one of five schedules, whose placement is based on the substance’s medical use, the potential for abuse, and dependence liability. While there are clear medical benefits for those that use Adderall as prescribed, due to its addictive qualities, Adderall has a high potential for abuse.
Snorting Adderall
Abuse of prescription drugs occurs when an individual takes a medication, such as Adderall, other than the way that was intended by the prescribing doctor. Examples of abuse could include a person that uses Adderall more frequently than prescribed by the medical professional, taking an increased dose of Adderall, taking Adderall when it was not prescribed at all, and/ or ingesting Adderall in a way other than the way it was prescribed (e.g., crushing and snorting a pill, instead of swallowing it). When used exactly as directed, Adderall can effectively help individuals manage symptoms of ADHD, but when abused, Adderall can lead to a plethora of adverse effects. Snorting Adderall can cause extensive damage to one’s nasal mucous membranes. This method of ingestion can also lead to the development of effects like snorting cocaine, such as:
- Recurring nose bleeds
- Difficulty swallowing
- Impaired sense of smell
- Nasal crusting
- Chronic sinusitis and/ or sinus infections
- Nasal septum damage
The half-life, meaning the length of time the substance will remain in one’s system until the concentration in one’s blood has been reduced by half, of Adderall is approximately 10 hours. Snorting Adderall delivers the medication to the brain more quickly than oral administration, which can increase one’s risk of overdose.
Further Information and Support
Navigating the challenges that arise from living with mental illness, struggling with substance abuse, and/ or addiction can not only be all-consuming but are often impossible to effectively handle without proper support. If you are concerned for yourself or a loved one regarding mental illness, substance abuse, and/ or addiction we recommend reaching out for help as soon as possible. Bear in mind that you do not have to be on this journey alone. At {Upwell Advisors}, we offer unique, customized concierge therapeutic services to provide our clients with unparalleled support throughout every step of the recovery process.
Feel free to reach to contact us anytime via email at [email protected] We look forward to supporting you on your journey.
