When determining whether women are more affected by Adderall addiction than men, the answer is not easy. Data shows that while more men may abuse Adderall, millions of women across the United States are even more affected by Adderall use and abuse. An addictive stimulant, Adderall creates a feeling of focus and is misused by many young people between the ages of 18-24 looking to help with study habits. Adderall abuse has serious side effects, particularly in women, including stress on the heart and eating disorders. At Crossroads, we offer women’s Adderall addiction treatment in a comfortable, home-like setting. We are dedicated to helping women recover and live a life free of addiction. Let us help you put an end to your Adderall addiction.
What Is Adderall?
Doctors may prescribe Adderall to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. The medication combines both amphetamine and dextroamphetamine, which makes the user feel more focused and alert. Unfortunately, while Adderall can be an effective drug, it is also very addictive. Signs of abuse and addiction, especially in women, include:
- Irregular heartbeat
- A spike in blood pressure
- Over alertness
- Feelings of agitation
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Poor appetite
- Teeth grinding
- Gastrointestinal (GI) issues
- Fatigue
Adderall Addiction in Women
Since Adderall is a central nervous system stimulant, it affects the areas of the brain related to focus, impulse control, and movement. Some women may start taking Adderall for ADHD or narcolepsy. However, the improved focus can lead them to try larger and more frequent doses of the medication than prescribed to heighten the drug’s effect. It can become a vicious cycle of chasing the high and experimenting with how to take it to get the most extreme impact. For instance, instead of ingesting the Adderall tablet orally, some crush and snort the pill, risking irreparable damage to nasal tissue and a greater chance of overdose.
The Food And Drug Administration (FDA) outlines that the effects of Adderall are directly linked to a person’s body mass index (BMI). Since most women have a lower BMI than most men (on average), they process Adderall up to 30 percent faster than men. When doses are adjusted based on weight, Adderall has a similar effect on both males and females. However, the reaction women have to the drug can be more severe without that adjustment.
For many women, Adderall can adversely affect their appetite. In fact, many women have taken it specifically as an appetite suppressant, leading to dangerous cases of eating disorders like anorexia. This usage can put stress on the lungs, heart, and digestive system, placing women at risk for more severe health conditions. Because this addiction and mental health combination is so prevalent, the substance use treatment programs at Crossroads offer dual diagnosis treatment to treat both addiction and an eating disorder simultaneously.
Seek Treatment at Crossroads
At Crossroads, we understand that many women struggling with addiction have the added challenge of caring for their own families when seeking treatment for themselves. Our goal is simple. We support all women through their treatment and recovery, so they can return to a life that’s easier and healthier to manage. Our holistic approach treats the person, not just the addiction and the symptoms that come along with it. Crossroads offers different types of treatment programs to accommodate each woman and their individual needs, including:
- Residential women’s treatment program
- Rehab for women with children
- Intensive outpatient program
- Dual diagnosis programs
In addition to 24/7 support, those undergoing treatment participate in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), psychotherapy, and trauma therapy. Contact our caring and compassionate team today at 877.978.1667 or reach out online to learn more about women’s treatment options for Adderall addiction.
