The Dangers of Snorting Adderall

Adderall is a prescription stimulant medication used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and other conditions. About one-third of adults with ADHD in the United States take Adderall and other prescription stimulants. These drugs have the potential for misuse and physical dependence.

Using Adderall differently than prescribed increases the risk of dangerous side effects and substance use disorder. This article will explore the risk of snorting Adderall and other forms of misuse. You will learn:

• The effects and risks of Adderall misuse
• The dangerous effects of snorting Adderall
• How to recognize Adderall misuse
• What to expect in Adderall misuse treatment
• Where to find treatment and recovery support

If you or someone you love struggles with stimulant misuse, you are not alone. Find treatment and recovery support at Blue Star Recovery. Our holistic approach to treatment empowers people as they work toward long-term recovery. Contact our intake specialists to learn about our programs or to schedule an intake appointment.

What is Adderall?

Adderall is an FDA-approved prescription stimulant medication. It contains amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. These active ingredients increase central nervous system (CNS) activity, which can decrease the symptoms of ADHD and other conditions.

The Effects and Risks of Adderall Misuse

People may misuse Adderall for its stimulant effects. Surveys show that adolescents and young adults are the groups most likely to misuse Adderall and other stimulants. Some studies suggest as much as 60% of recreational stimulant use occurs among people between 18 and 25.

People may misuse Adderall in several ways, including:

• Taking larger doses than prescribed
• Taking doses of Adderall more often than prescribed
• Using Adderall for longer than prescribed
• Taking Adderall recreationally (without a prescription)

People may also ingest the drug differently than prescribed, such as crushing and snorting their pills.

Adderall misuse increases the risk of overdose and other serious complications. People who misuse Adderall must seek treatment to stop using it and develop the skills to prevent relapse.

Can You Snort Adderall?

Snorting Adderall is one form of misuse. Ingesting Adderall by crushing and snorting tablets allows more of this stimulant drug to reach the bloodstream. This can cause quicker and more intense stimulant effects.

Snorting Adderall puts people at higher risk of an overdose. Symptoms of an Adderall overdose include:

• Dangerously high blood pressure
• Confusion
• Panic
• Rapid breathing
• Increased energy and agitation
• Hallucinations
• Irregular heart rhythm
• Chest pain
• Paranoia
• Seizures
• Tremors
• Aggression

Some symptoms of an overdose can be life-threatening. People may lose consciousness or slip into a coma. If you or someone near you is exhibiting symptoms of an overdose, call 911 immediately.

All Adderall misuse has the potential to cause health problems. However, snorting Adderall has some unique risks, including:

• Dangerous weight loss
• New or worsening mental health symptoms
• Damage to the sinuses, septum, or nasal passages
• Increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular issues

People may also develop symptoms of physical dependence, including:

• Withdrawal symptoms when they stop taking it
• Needing to use larger doses to get the desired effects (tolerance)
• Cravings for Adderall
• A loss of control over Adderall use

People who misuse Adderall or develop dependence typically require comprehensive treatment and ongoing support to quit using it.

The Signs of Adderall Misuse

Recognizing Adderall misuse is the first step in getting help to address it. Some common signs of Adderall misuse include:

• Snorting Adderall
• Taking Adderall without a prescription
• Running out of prescription Adderall sooner than they should
• Needing to take higher doses to get the effects they want
• Doing dishonest or illegal things to get money or Adderall
• Falling behind in responsibilities at home, work, or school
• Having withdrawal symptoms if they stop taking it
• Experiencing new or worsening anxiety, panic, paranoia, or other mental health symptoms
• Quick weight loss
• Increased isolation
• Noticeable changes in appetite, energy level, sleep patterns, and other behaviors

People who become dependent on Adderall may continue to use it, even when it causes significant harm. People may not be able to choose to stop using it. Many require comprehensive treatment to stop and ongoing support to prevent a relapse.

Treating Adderall Misuse and Dependence

It can be challenging to overcome Adderall misuse or dependence. However, comprehensive treatment programs and ongoing recovery support can help people stop using Adderall and move forward.

Treatment for stimulant dependence may include:

• Assessments and screenings
• Behavioral therapies
• Individual, family, and group counseling
• Relapse prevention education
• Holistic therapies, such as nutrition counseling, creative expression, exercise, yoga, and more
• Aftercare planning

People receive comprehensive treatment to address the physical, emotional, and behavioral aspects of substance use. Contact Blue Star Recovery to learn more about what happens in treatment programs or to explore our programs.

Find Treatment Now

If you or someone you love lives with substance use disorder (SUD), you are not alone. Find the compassionate, comprehensive treatment you need at Blue Star Recovery. Contact our treatment specialists to learn about our programs or to schedule an intake appointment.

References:

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Diagnosis, Treatment, and Telehealth Use in Adults — National Center for Health Statistics Rapid Surveys System, United States, October–November 2023
2. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA): Adderall
3. National Institute of Health (NIH): Amphetamine
4. Oxford Academic: Efficacy of Adderall and methylphenidate in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: a drug–placebo and drug–drug response curve analysis of a naturalistic study 
5. NIH: Comparison of the behavioral and cardiovascular effects of intranasal and oral d-amphetamine in healthy human subjects