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Sixteen million1https://www.drugabuse.gov/news-events/news-releases/2018/04/five-million-american-adults-misusing-prescription-stimulants U.S. adults use prescription stimulants like Adderall. But abuse of these drugs is on the rise. Many people, especially teenagers and young adults, take Adderall to lose weight, study for exams, or increase their energy levels.Adderall abuse comes with a range of health risks, including heart-related problems like cardiovascular damage. The facts:

  • Adderall can cause damage to the heart and cardiovascular system when someone uses it for a long time.
  • The most common problems reported with excessive Adderall usage are high blood pressure and irregular heart rate.
  • Someone who takes too much Adderall or uses it for too long can damage their heart and even risk their life.

Windward Way Recovery knows all about these health complications. Our team of counselors, therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists, and support workers help people overcome their Adderall addiction so they can lead healthier lives. Our California rehab treatment center provides patients with the resources and techniques they need to overcome addiction and complete a successful recovery journey. With over 150 years of combined recovery experience, our team of specialists can help you or a loved one conquer addiction before Adderall causes serious heart problems. Windward Way Recovery, part of the Zinnia family of brands, uses evidence-based treatments based on an individual’s circumstances and experiences. We believe no two patients are the same.This guide tells you everything you should know about Adderall and heart problems.

What Is Adderall?

Adderall is a drug that treats attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adults. It’s one of the most prescribed drugs for this condition in the United States. You can’t buy Adderall over the counter at a pharmacy. It requires a prescription. However, many people, especially young adults, take Adderall without consulting a doctor. Because of its stimulant effect, people use this amphetamine drug to stay up all night and prepare for exams. Or to increase their energy in the gym.Adderall comes with various side effects, ranging from mild to severe. These side effects, which include heart problems, increase with continued use of the drug or when someone increases the suggested dosage. Doctors typically only prescribe Adderall for 7-14 days, but some users take the drug for much longer, resulting in dependency and addiction. Windward Way Recovery can help people addicted to Adderall manage withdrawal, prevent relapse, and lead healthier lives. Our treatment programs include medication-assisted therapies, counseling techniques, and coping methods for more successful recovery outcomes. If you worry about Adderall and heart problems and want to receive impartial advice from a qualified team of professionals, contact our California drug and alcohol rehab center for a 15-minute assessment. Email Windward Way Recovery or call (855) 491-7694 now.

What Is Adderall Abuse?

Adderall abuse happens when someone takes this drug:

  • For longer than recommended.
  • At a higher dosage than prescribed.
  • Without a prescription.

These scenarios can be extremely dangerous and lead to side effects like heart problems. That’s because Adderall increases blood pressure and heart rate, putting users at risk of cardiovascular damage.Unfortunately, few people realize the dangers of excessive Adderall usage until it’s too late. Even young adults with no previous cardiovascular problems can experience heart-related issues when taking this drug for long periods or at a higher dose than suggested.We have seen many young adults here at Windward Way Recovery seek help with Adderall abuse because of the effect it has on their day-to-day lives. Many of these users have developed habit-forming behaviors around the drug, resulting in dependency and addiction.If you have an addiction to Adderall or want to help a loved one withdraw from this medication, Windward Way Recovery can help. Email us or phone (855) 491-7694 for a 15-minute assessment.

What You Should Know About Adderall and Heart Problems

Adderall is a stimulant, and it increases body temperature, blood pressure, and heart rate. Repeated use of the drug can cause a heart attack or other cardiovascular problems. Many users of the drug report problems like a tight chest, irregular heartbeat, and heart palpations. These symptoms increase when users take Adderall at a higher dosage than the one suggested by their doctor. Other physical symptoms of excessive Adderall usage include dizziness, abdominal pain, insomnia, tremors, constipation, and hyperactivity. Some users have trouble breathing. Others might experience psychological symptoms such as paranoia or mood swings. “Because stimulants such as Adderall can increase heart rate and blood pressure, they may cause cardiovascular problems such as heart attack and stroke, especially in people with preexisting heart issues or high blood pressure,” says Drugwatch. “Strokes, heart attacks, and sudden death have been reported with stimulant drugs, including Adderall, according to the prescribing information.”Adults are at greater risk of heart-related problems than young people. However, there are concerns that even children2https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2690554/ might experience cardiovascular damage after taking Adderall for ADHD. Healthcare experts recommend3https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4992783/ more systematic heart monitoring in clinical trials of Adderall users with ADHD to investigate the short- and long-term effects of the drug on the cardiovascular system. There is no evidence that Adderall causes long-term damage to the heart, and withdrawing from the drug might reduce any cardiovascular issues experienced by the user. However, withdrawal can bring other unwanted symptoms, and the user should reduce Adderall intake under the supervision of a professional. For the most successful results, Adderall users should combine detox with treatments like counseling and medical evaluations. Otherwise, the person might relapse.

How Windward Way Recovery Helps

Our treatment therapies support those who have a dependency or addiction to Adderall and other prescription stimulants. Our personalized programs address the root cause of addiction, helping patients start the recovery process. Our excellent standards of care ensure everyone who walks through our doors has the tools and knowledge to overcome addiction for good. Plus, we work with all major healthcare providers so substance users and their loved ones can manage treatment costs. Verify your insurance plan here. The three goals of our treatment programs are to:

  1. Address the control Adderall dependency or addiction has over a person.
  2. Identify destructive attitudes and harmful behaviors that stem from Adderall dependency or addiction.
  3. Help someone abstain from Adderall and develop a treatment plan.

If you worry about Adderall and heart problems, speak to the team at Windward Way Recovery. With over 150 years of combined recovery experience, we can provide you with the support and resources you need. Email us or call (855) 491-7694 for a 15-minute consultation.

  • 1
    https://www.drugabuse.gov/news-events/news-releases/2018/04/five-million-american-adults-misusing-prescription-stimulants
  • 2
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2690554/
  • 3
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4992783/