Can You Smoke Adderall: Dangers of Abuse

Follow us:

Can You Smoke Adderall

Drug abuse and addiction have long been a nationwide issue. However, contrary to what some may believe, the fastest-growing drug problem isn’t drugs like cocaine, crystal meth, or heroin — it’s prescription drugs.

 

Drugs that are prescribed for legitimate health concerns and conditions are widely misused and abused, especially among the younger crowd. One of these prescription drugs is Adderall.

 

This is because of the belief that Adderall’s stimulant effects can help boost concentration on studying, weight loss, or sports performance. As a result, people not only take Adderall without proper prescriptions but also try to smoke the drug to intensify its effects.

 

Can you smoke Adderall? Yes, it is possible to smoke Adderall, but the dangers associated with doing so can cause serious damage to the lungs and increase risk of addiction to the drug. In this blog, we’ll go through the dangers of abusing Adderall, trying to smoke it, and how to overcome Adderall abuse.

 

Adderall

What Is Adderall?

Adderall is a medication primarily prescribed for individuals with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or narcolepsy. It is a stimulant drug containing both amphetamine and dextroamphetamine.

 

When taken as prescribed, Adderall helps increase focus, attention, and alertness by increasing the levels of two neurotransmitters in the brain, dopamine, and norepinephrine. These neurotransmitters play a crucial role in the brain’s reward and motivation systems, and their increase can improve cognitive function.

 

Due to its high potential for abuse despite its medical use, the U.S. Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) classifies it as a Schedule II controlled substance.

Can You Smoke Adderall

Can You Smoke Adderall?

Yes, it is possible to smoke Adderall. In fact, some people already do so outside of doctors’ advice in hopes of greatly intensifying the drug’s effects.

 

This is because smoking any drug allows it to enter your bloodstream quickly and more directly. As such, you will feel the drug take effect faster. 

 

Moreover, inhaling the drug allows it to bypass metabolization in the digestive system, which reduces the drug’s overall concentration. This is why the effects of smoking Adderall can be more intense.

 

While smoking Adderall is technically possible, it often comes at a heavy cost. 

What Happens If You Smoke Adderall?

As discussed above, when someone smokes Adderall, the drug’s active ingredients are rapidly introduced to the bloodstream through the lungs, bypassing the normal metabolic process that occurs with oral ingestion. This immediate and direct delivery to the brain significantly amplifies Adderall’s stimulant effects, but also introduces a myriad of acute risks. 

 

Smoking Adderall can lead to an abrupt increase in dopamine levels, creating an intense but short-lived euphoria that can be dangerous. This method of intake not only escalates the likelihood of developing a dependency, but also exposes the user to immediate health risks, including severe respiratory distress and potential cardiovascular complications. Unlike oral administration, which offers a controlled release of the drug’s effects, smoking Adderall delivers a concentrated dose that can overwhelm the body’s systems, presenting dangers not encountered with traditional consumption methods.

DANGERS OF SMOKING ADDERALL

The danger of smoking Adderal mainly lies in the increased intensity or potency of the drug. Aside from that, there are also potential respiratory risks tied to smoking a drug — particularly one that is not originally meant to be smoked.

 

Damage to The Lungs

Smoking Adderall can take a severe toll on your lung health. The heat from the smoke can cause significant damage to the delicate tissues in your lungs, leading to respiratory problems such as bronchitis and pneumonia.

 

Over time, this can even result in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a progressive condition that makes it increasingly difficult to breathe.

 

Damage to The Heart 

When you smoke Adderall, your blood pressure and heart rate can increase, which can put a lot of strain on your cardiovascular system.

 

This can increase your risk of heart disease, heart attacks, and stroke over time. Smoking Adderall can also damage the inner lining of your blood vessels, which can lead to the development of atherosclerosis – a condition where the arteries become narrow and hardened due to the buildup of fatty deposits.

 

Increased Risk of Overdose

Smoking Adderall can exacerbate the side effects of the drug, leading to an increase in heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature. 

 

Moreover, smoking Adderall can also make it difficult to accurately measure how much of the drug you are consuming. Unlike taking the drug in pill form, which has a specific dosage, smoking Adderall can be unpredictable and vary in potency, leading to a higher risk of overdose.

 

An overdose of Adderall can lead to a range of serious health problems, such as seizures, heart attacks, strokes, and even death. Therefore, it’s important to use the drug only as prescribed by a doctor and avoid smoking or inhaling it in any other way.

 

Increased Risk Of Addiction

Adderall’s increased potency when smoked or inhaled makes the user more susceptible to abuse, physical dependence, addiction, withdrawal, and even fatal overdose. Smoking Adderall causes the drug to be rapidly absorbed into your bloodstream, quickly making its way to your brain.

 

This rapid onset  can create a surge of dopamine. This dopamine rush can make you feel euphoric, alert, and focused. It can be a highly pleasurable experience that you may seek out again and again.

Effects of Smoking Adderall

Comparing Adderall Administration Methods: Risks & Effects

Different methods of Adderall administration—oral ingestion, smoking, and snorting—each carries unique risks and effects on the user. 

 

  • Oral ingestion, as prescribed, ensures a controlled release of the drug into the bloodstream, minimizing potential abuse and side effects.
  • Snorting Adderall leads to a quicker onset of effects as the drug bypasses the digestive system and enters the bloodstream through nasal tissues. This can damage the nasal and respiratory tract over time. 
  • Smoking Adderall introduces the drug directly to the lungs, offering an immediate and intense effect, but at the expense of significant lung and cardiovascular risks. 

 

Each non-prescribed method of administration (snorting or smoking Adderall) not only heightens the risk of addiction due to the rapid delivery and intense effects but also exposes the user to a range of physical health issues. While the answer to the question, “Can you smoke Adderall?” is yes, it’s very risky and comes with a variety of side effects.

SIDE EFFECTS OF USING ADDERALL

Even when taken with proper prescriptions, Adderall comes with certain health risks due to its potential adverse effects. In such situations, the side effects are typically not serious enough to warrant not taking the drug.

 

However, when misused or taken without a doctor’s prescription, Adderall’s side effects can worsen and pose greater risks to your overall health and well-being.

 

Short-term Effects of Smoking Adderall

Adderall has several common mild and serious side effects. These commonly last for only a couple of days up to a few weeks. Smoking the drug may also intensify these mild side effects, resulting in a longer duration.

 

Mild short-term side effects of Adderall include:

  • Dry mouth
  • Headaches
  • Dizziness or nausea
  • Sleeping problems
  • Loss of appetite
  • Weight loss
  • Anxiety

More serious but generally still short-term side effects of Adderall include:

 

  • Irregular heartbeat
  • High blood pressure
  • Impaired thinking
  • Aggressive behavior

LONG-TERM EFFECTS OF SMOKING ADDERALL

Aside from short-term adverse effects, misusing Adderall may also lead to long-term effects or cause permanent changes to your body. The most common long-term effect of smoking Adderall is physical and psychological dependence on the drug.

 

Constant inappropriate use of Adderall may also negatively affect the brain. In particular, taking high doses constantly and over an extended period can cause the brain to produce less dopamine instead. This can result in low moods, mood swings, and lethargy.

 

Other possible long-term effects of smoking Adderall are:

  • Depression
  • Severe insomnia
  • Heart damage
  • Anorexia
  • Psychosis 
  • Paranoia 
  • Seizures 
  • Respiratory damage
  • Lung cancer

Additionally, long-term use of Adderall can lead to changes in the brain’s structure and function. Studies have shown that prolonged exposure to amphetamine-like drugs can cause neurotoxicity, or damage to nerve cells in the brain. This can lead to long-term changes in the brain’s chemistry and can result in decreased cognitive function and mood disorders.

Adderall Withdrawal Symptoms

Misusing Adderall — especially at high doses — can lead to dependence and addiction. Your body becomes so used to the drug that it becomes dependent on it for your day to day functions. Even simply delaying your intake of the Adderall can cause withdrawal symptoms — and you feel even more if you stop taking the medication altogether. 

 

Additionally, forcibly and suddenly stopping your use of Adderall can cause worse symptoms. This is why tapering off Adderall after smoking or misusing it is important.

 

Adderall withdrawal symptoms may include:

  • Strong drug cravings
  • Mood changes
  • Anxiety and irritability
  • Panic attacks
  • Depression
  • Suicidal thoughts
  • Severe sleep issues, either insomnia or oversleeping
  • Intense hunger
  • Fatigue and lethargy

 

Treatment For Adderall Addiction

Treatment Options For Adderall Addiction 

 

Detoxification

In the process of detoxification for Adderall addiction, a team of medical professionals will provide you with care to help manage any symptoms of withdrawal. This may include the use of medications, therapy, and other supportive services to help alleviate any discomfort or difficulties associated with the withdrawal process.

 

Once the drug has been successfully eliminated from your body, the focus can then shift to long-term recovery. This may involve therapy, counseling, and other forms of support to help you identify and address the root causes of your addiction, as well as develop healthy coping mechanisms to sustain long-term sobriety.

 

Medication Assisted Treatment 

If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction to Adderall, medication-assisted treatment (MAT) may be an effective solution to help manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms. MAT is a treatment approach that uses medication to support recovery and has been proven to work for individuals battling an addiction to opioids, alcohol, and other drugs, including Adderall.

 

One medication commonly used in MAT for Adderall addiction is bupropion, an antidepressant that can help reduce cravings and improve overall mood. Bupropion can also help address the depression and anxiety that often accompany Adderall addiction, making it an essential tool in recovery.

 

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy

Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) can be an effective tool in helping you cope with stress and manage your addiction.

 

With DBT, you’ll work closely with a therapist who will help guide you through a range of coping mechanisms, such as mindfulness and emotion regulation. By developing a greater sense of self-awareness and learning to regulate your emotions, you’ll be equipped to face the challenges of addiction.

 

DBT also offers a supportive and understanding environment where you can share your struggles with addiction without fear of judgment or stigma. Your therapist will be there to help you every step of the way, providing guidance and encouragement as you work towards recovery.

Adderall Addiction Treatment at The Ohana 

Can you smoke Adderall? Yes, but it can be extremely addictive and harmful. At The Ohana, we understand that addiction to Adderall can be incredibly challenging to overcome, but with the right support and guidance, it’s possible. Our team of trained professionals is dedicated to helping you beat your addiction to Adderall. We provide a range of evidence-based treatments and therapies, including detoxification, counseling, and group therapy, that are tailored to meet your individual needs. Our luxury rehab features upscale amenities like premium rooms, gourmet dining, spa services, and fitness centers. Our lush location on the Big Island in Hawaii ensures you’re receiving treatment in a uniquely healing environment: the perfect backdrop for improving your well-being and beginning to flourish. If you or a loved one is suffering from Adderall addiction, please contact us. Our admissions team can help you determine whether The Ohana is the right fit for you, and can help you verify your insurance. Reach out today to learn more and start your path to recovery.

Ready to Get Your Recovery Journey Started? Contact us Today!

More to explorer

According to a National Institutes of Health (NIH) study published in 2023, scientists combed through genomic data of over one million people and identified genes
According to a National Institutes of Health (NIH) study published in 2023, scientists combed through genomic data of over one million people and identified genes
According to a National Institutes of Health (NIH) study published in 2023, scientists combed through genomic data of over one million people and identified genes

How can we help?







    Find Freedom From Active Addiction

    Find Out If We Are A Good Fit For You Or A Loved One. Contact Us Today!

    The Ohana Logo

    Thank you For Contacting Us!

    An agent will be contacting you shortly to further discuss your treatment options! Thanks for choosing The Ohana Hawaii!

    Verify Your Insurance

      After pressing the submit button below, please wait up to one minute for your insurance data to be securely transmitted.