Adderall is a prescription medication that contains two active ingredients: amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. These substances are central nervous system (CNS) stimulants that affect chemicals in the brain and nerves contributing to hyperactivity and impulse control.
Adderall is primarily prescribed for treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).[1] It helps improve focus, attention, and impulse control in individuals with ADHD by increasing the levels of certain neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and norepinephrine, in the brain. However, it is often abused by college students and young adults who use it as a study drug or party aid.[2]
Misusing Adderall is dangerous for a number of reasons, but snorting it can amplify many of the risks. This article explores the dangers and risks of snorting Adderall. You will learn:
- Why people snort Adderall
- What happens when Adderall is snorted
- The short and long-term risks
- The signs of Adderall abuse and addiction
If you or a loved one are struggling with Adderall addiction, please reach out to our team at First Step Behavioral Health today to learn about your treatment options.
Can You Snort Adderall? Understanding Adderall Abuse
Some people crush and snort Adderall, but that doesn’t mean you should. Snorting, also known as insufflation, can cause significant damage to the nasal passages, airway, lungs, and other areas of the body. It can also increase the risk of overdose.
When people snort Adderall or other prescription drugs, they often do so with the intention of intensifying the drug’s effects by delivering it more quickly to the brain. Snorting Adderall causes the drug to enter the bloodstream rapidly, leading to a quick and intense “high.” This rush of euphoria can significantly increase the risk of developing a psychological dependence or addiction. The more intense the high, the more likely it is that the user will continue to seek out the drug, leading to a cycle of abuse.
Adderall abuse is most common among people ages 18 to 25.[2] Estimates have revealed that up to 20% of college students have abused prescription stimulants, primarily Adderall, that were not prescribed to them.[3]
Side Effects of Snorting Adderall
Snorting delivers drugs to the bloodstream faster, producing effects within just a few minutes.
Some of the immediate side effects of Snorting Adderall are:[1,4]
- Increased energy, focus, and concentration
- Increased talkativity
- Jitters, trembling, or shaking
- Insomnia
- Increased wakefulness
- Loss of appetite
- Pupil dilation
- Dry mouth
- Irregular heartbeat
- High blood pressure
- Rapid breathing
- Anxiety
- Paranoia
Misusing Adderall long-term can lead to a range of health problems, including:[5,6]
- Malnutrition and weight loss
- Increased risk of mental health issues like anxiety and psychosis
- Mood disturbances
- High-risk behaviors
- Cardiovascular damage and failure
The Dangers of Snorting Adderall
Adderall comes in pill or capsule form and is designed to be taken orally; not intranasally. In fact, the powder can actually erode the delicate tissues in the nose, potentially leading to chronic nosebleeds, sinus infections, and in severe cases, a perforated septum. Additionally, inhaling crushed tablets can irritate the lungs, leading to respiratory issues.
Snorting Adderall also comes with a number of cardiovascular risks. Adderall is a stimulant, and when snorted, it can place even greater strain on the heart. The sudden surge of the drug can cause a spike in blood pressure and heart rate, increasing the risk of heart attack, stroke, or other cardiovascular complications, particularly in those with underlying heart conditions.
Other dangers of Adderall insufflation include:
- Psychotic episodes
- Stroke
- Heart attack
- Overdose
Signs of Adderall Abuse
Adderall abuse can quickly lead to dependence and addiction. If you have a prescription for Adderall, you should only take it as directed by your doctor. If you don’t have a prescription, you should not take it at all, as doing so would be considered misuse.
Crushing and snorting Adderall is a clear sign of misuse. Other signs of Adderall abuse include:
- Taking Adderall that is prescribed to someone else
- Mixing Adderall with alcohol or other drugs to amplify the effects
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not using the drug
- Having strong cravings or urges to use Adderall
- Feeling like you have to take Adderall to stay on top of school work or your career
- Insomnia and significant mood changes that get worse over time
- Having drug paraphernalia in the home, such as small-cut drinking straws used for snorting or razor blades with powdered residue on them
Adderall Overdose Symptoms
Since insufflation strengthens the drug’s potency and delivers it to the system faster, snorting Adderall can increase the risk of overdose. Symptoms of Adderall overdose include:[7]
- Rapid breathing
- Mental confusion
- Stomach pains
- Vomiting
- Trembling
- Vertigo
- Panic attacks
- Fever
- Hallucinations
- Hyperventilation
- Arrhythmia
- Seizures
- Heart attack
- Loss of consciousness
- Coma
Overdose is a medical emergency and can be life-threatening. If you suspect someone is overdosing on Adderall or any other substance, contact emergency medical personnel immediately.
Help for Adderall Addiction
First Step Behavioral Health provides comprehensive detox and treatment for Adderall addiction in Pompano Beach, Florida. As a licensed dual-diagnosis long-term addiction treatment facility accredited by the Joint Commission, we’re dedicated to providing comprehensive and individualized care. To learn more about our treatment programs or get started with a confidential, risk-free assessment, please contact us today.
References:
- Food and Drug Administration (FDA): Adderall
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health: Adderall Misuse Rising Among Young Adults
- National Institute of Health (NIH): Raising Awareness About Prescription and Stimulant Abuse in College Students Through On-Campus Community Involvement Projects
- National Institute of Health (NIH): Amphetamine
- NIH: Adverse Effects of Stimulant Interventions for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): A Comprehensive Systematic Review
- NIH: Neurocognitive, Autonomic, and Mood Effects of Adderall: A Pilot Study of Healthy College Students
- Science Direct: Adderall® (Amphetamine-Dextroamphetamine) Toxicity
