Adderall abuse

[BMR85]

I have been abusing my Adderall prescription for the last two months. Last month I took my 30-day script in 10 days. I had horrible withdrawls for 2 weeks. I immediately realized what I had done and have tried to keep myself in check this month, but have still taken more than prescribed most days. I've taken a few days off here and there to help my script last most of the month. Today I will go back to taking my prescribed dose (20mg XR) I have 7 pills left. So I will be out for only a week before I get my refill. I began abusing it because I didn't feel like it was working anymore, but now I fear I was chasing the "high" that I confused as knowing it was working. My doc will be increasing my dosage to 25mg on my next refill, but after reading a lot of info on these forums, I'm scared I have screwed up my tolerance and that even 25mg won't feel like it's working. I guess my question is, does that euphoric feeling go away but not mean that I'm not at the ideal therapeutic dose? And any tips to prevent me from abusing it in the future? Both of my parents have been hard core addicts all my life (heroine & meth) so I'm desperately afraid of going down that path. I need my Adderall, but it seems like such a slippery slope.

[Junip]

Typically someone who needs Adderal for ADHD will not become addicted and as mentioned above it slows the brain rather than create that speed-like high. I was prescribed it by my sub doc when i was taking Suboxone and I ended up abusing it. I would go through my script in two weeks and then later a week. I never experienced withdrawals but while taking it I had more anxiety than normal and once had a massive panic attack (I have suffered them for 20 years) but thought i had overdosed on the Adderal. It is a dangerous drug to abuse so if you feel you are abusing it, I would discuss with doc if it is prescribed for legit reason.

[asailorswife]

i didn't read the above comments, but i will tell you this......adderall addiction caused me to live with severe panic disorder for [what seems like] the rest of my life. it isn't worth it. if i were you, i would seek out the help of a medical professional on ways to detach yourself from this addiction. i was also addicted to vicodin for a few years, but if i had to say in my heart of hearts, adderall was my DOC. i used to crave the "fast speed" i would get with the pills, and now i hide under the covers when i have to go up the stairs and my heart races a little. getting sober changed my life, and i have almost.......5-6 years under my belt now? i lost count. i may have panic attacks and panic disorder now, but it was worth it. [not saying you will have the same thing - please keep in mind that everyone is different when it comes to their recovery]

[2timequitter]

My son has been on these types of meds all his life for bi polar disorder and adhd and even though these drugs are technically speed they definitely work the opposite on him and slow down his thinking. On the other hand my niece was prescribed them and got addicted and started stealing my sons and then went on to anything she could get her hands on and is now 30 and has had her kids taken away, has been to prison, her hisband was murdered for stealing from a dealer, and she lives on the street hustling every day. If these pills make you feel good then you don't need them. That's not what they are supposed to do if you really need them. My son hates to take them still to this day and he is 19. Please stop

[Carriebearlyda]

I've been it for 6 years. Recently I've found it to be unmanageable. I finish my script in a matter of days. I've tried to control it but I know that I can't. Over & over I abuse it. What could change? How could I just stop abusing it? I don't think there is an answer other then I'm an addict

[jifmoc]

Hi there. You wrote:

" does that euphoric feeling go away but not mean that I'm not at the ideal therapeutic dose? And any tips to prevent me from abusing it in the future?"

I believe you answered your own question in those questions. If you are taking anything and euphoria is involved, that is a HUGE red flag. Feeling euphoric from pills? Danger. And the magic question about prevention for abuse in the future. If only there was such a thing. If you are on a prescription, and you are abusing it, it doesn't go backwards, we can't "unabuse" something. Our behavior is telling us that we are addicts.

You don't want to go down the same path as your parents, but you already are. No one starts as a hardcore addict. Gotta get there somewhere. I am an opiate girl, I don't know much about adderall But I do wonder why is it prescribed. Why are you on it?

Good luck and keep posting.

[10356]

Hi BMR85. Welcome to the forum, You are on a slippery slope this is for sure. Getting a Euphoric feeling when you first start a drug at a therapeutic dose is a normal reaction for your body and brain adjusting to it then it goes away in just days and you do not feel any different just more directed calmer as i take it you have add our adhd. You are chasing the high and to go back to taking as directed is almost impossible Once we cross the threshold into addiction. Now you are increasing your dose with this addiction on your back nagging you too take more so you can get the buzz.. I suggest you speak with your parents about this. If you honestly NEED this med then you may have to have it doled out too you as someone you trust would hold the script.. This is the only way I know of for a addict to take a med, We are terrible at self regulation.. It is really good that you caught yourself doing this so early as you have witnessed active addiction destroys so much and it begins on our Spirit and Brain.. I hope you speak with your parents Our seek outside support thru NA our your Dr. as it would be good to nip this in the bud.. I wish you well, lesa