The Dangers & Effects of Snorting Adderall

Adderall is a prescription drug meant to help people with ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) stay focused and alert. However, snorting or otherwise misusing Adderall can cause lasting harm.  Snorting the drug sends crushed Adderall particles quickly into the bloodstream, creating a fast and intense effect. While some people may misuse it to feel more energetic or focused, this dangerous practice can trigger severe health problems, including addiction.

This guide addresses questions like, “What happens if you snort Adderall?”, “Does snorting Adderall work?” and “Why do people snort Adderall?”

Additionally, discover how to get compassionate and effective treatment for substance abuse if you have been misusing prescription drugs.

What Is Adderall?

Adderall is a prescription medication used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy [1]. It is a stimulant that affects the CNS (central nervous system) by increasing levels of certain chemicals in the brain, like dopamine and norepinephrine. These chemicals help improve focus, attention, and impulse control, which is why it’s helpful for people with ADHD.

Adderall comes in two forms: IR (immediate-release), which works for a few hours, and XR (extended-release), which can last all day. Even though it can be effective when used correctly, Adderall has a high potential for abuse because it can create feelings of energy and euphoria when taken in higher doses or misused [2].

What Are the Different Ways of Taking Adderall?

Adderall is usually taken by mouth as a pill or capsule. When prescribed, the capsule should be swallowed to ensure the drug is released slowly into the body. This is the usual method of ingestion for immediate or extended-release Adderall. 

However, some people misuse Adderall by crushing the pills and snorting, injecting, or even mixing them with water and drinking it. These methods are dangerous and not how the drug is intended to be used, increasing the risk of harmful side effects.

Snorting Adderall

Snorting Adderall involves crushing the pill into a fine powder and inhaling crushed Adderall through the nose. People may do this to feel the effects quicker and more intensely. While swallowing Adderall allows the body to absorb it slowly, snorting sends it into the bloodstream through the nasal tissues. This method increases the risk of addiction, overdose, and severe health issues because the drug hits the brain much faster than it would when taken by mouth. 

How Does Snorting Adderall Affect Your Body and Brain?

When snorted, Adderall quickly boosts dopamine levels in the brain, causing a rush of energy, euphoria, and alertness [3]. That said, this rapid onset of action also strains the body. The sudden surge of chemicals can lead to an increased heart rate, high blood pressure, and overstimulation of the CNS. Over time, snorting Adderall can damage the nose, sinuses, and respiratory system. The brain also starts to rely on the drug, which can lead to dependence and addiction, making it hard to feel good without it [4].

Why Is Snorting Adderall So Dangerous?

Snorting Adderall is dangerous because it bypasses the body’s natural way of processing the drug, making the effects stronger and faster. This sudden rush can increase the risk of heart problems like high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, and even heart attack. It also damages the nasal tissues, leading to nosebleeds, infections, and possibly a hole in the nasal septum. Additionally, snorting makes it easier to develop dependence on the drug, leading to addiction. The combination of intense effects and the damage it causes to the body makes snorting Adderall very risky. 

 What Are the Effects of Snorting Adderall vs. Ingesting It?

Adderall is meant to be taken orally, allowing the body to absorb it at a controlled rate through the digestive system. When you take Adderall as prescribed – by swallowing a pill – the effects come on slower and last longer, providing steady relief from ADHD symptoms.

 Snorting Adderall, on the other hand, delivers the drug rapidly into the bloodstream through the nasal tissues, triggering an almost immediate high. While this might intensify its stimulant effects, it also greatly increases the risk of harmful side effects.

• Ingesting Adderall: When Adderall is taken by mouth, its effects are gradual. For those with ADHD, it helps improve focus, concentration, and impulse control. The slow release also reduces the intensity of side effects. Adderall IR lasts 4 to 6 hours, while Adderall XR provides symptom relief throughout the day, lasting up to 12 hours. By taking it as prescribed, the drug stays in the system longer and is less likely to cause extreme highs and lows, making it safer and more predictable.
• Snorting Adderall: Snorting Adderall bypasses the body’s natural processing systems. Instead of slowly releasing into the bloodstream, the crushed powder enters the nasal passages, quickly absorbing into the blood. This leads to an intense burst of energy and euphoria. However, the rapid delivery of the drug also overstimulates the brain, causing a much higher risk of addiction and other health issues. Snorting can also cause damage to the nose and sinuses, leading to chronic problems like nosebleeds, sinus infections, and even a breakdown of the nasal tissues. 

While snorting Adderall produces faster and stronger effects than ingesting it, it also carries significantly more risk. The body is not designed to handle drugs this way, making snorting much more dangerous. Avoid this form of use at all times. 

What Are the Effects of Adderall?

Adderall is a powerful stimulant that affects the brain and body by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine [5]. These chemicals help regulate attention, mood, and energy. When taken as prescribed, Adderall can help people with ADHD manage symptoms such as distractibility, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness. It allows them to stay focused, complete tasks, and maintain better self-control. For those with narcolepsy, Adderall helps keep them awake and alert during the day.

Adderall doesn’t only affect the brain – it also impacts the body. The drug increases heart rate and blood pressure and boosts energy levels. Some people feel more confident, talkative, and driven while on Adderall, which can lead to its misuse as a study aid or to remain awake for long periods. While the effects may feel beneficial at first, they can quickly turn harmful if the drug is misused.

Negative Effects

Even when taken correctly, Adderall can cause unwanted side effects. Some people experience mild issues, while others may have more severe reactions. The most common side effects include: 

• Increased heart rate: Adderall makes the heart pump faster, which can lead to feelings of heart palpitations or an irregular heartbeat.
• Elevated blood pressure: The stimulant effects raise blood pressure, which can be risky for those with pre-existing heart conditions.
• Decreased appetite: Adderall suppresses hunger, which can lead to unhealthy weight loss and poor nutrition.
• Insomnia: Since Adderall is a stimulant, taking it too late in the day can make it difficult to fall asleep.
• Anxiety and restlessness: Some people may feel jittery or anxious while taking Adderall, especially if the dose is too high.
• Dry mouth and dehydration: Stimulants can reduce saliva production, leading to dry mouth and an increased risk of dental problems.
• Headaches: Changes in blood flow and pressure can cause headaches or migraines.

When misused – whether by taking too much, using without a prescription, or snorting the drug – these side effects become even more severe. Misusing Adderall can provoke dangerous health complications like heart attacks, strokes, and seizures.

Long-Term Effects

Long-term misuse of Adderall can have serious implications for physical and mental health. Over time, the body may build a tolerance to the drug, meaning you need more and more to achieve the same effects. This can quickly lead to addiction, as your body starts to rely on the drug to function.

Long-term physical effects include:

• Heart problems: Chronic use of Adderall can put a strain on the cardiovascular system, leading to high blood pressure, arrhythmias – irregular heartbeat – and an increased risk of heart attack or stroke.
• Weight loss and malnutrition: The appetite-suppressing effects of Adderall can lead to unhealthy, rapid weight loss. Over time, this can result in malnutrition, weakened immune function, and other health problems.
• Respiratory issues: Snorting Adderall can cause permanent damage to the nose and sinuses, leading to chronic infections, a loss of smell, and difficulty breathing.
• Liver and kidney damage: Misuse of stimulants like Adderall can put a strain on the liver and kidneys, potentially leading to long-term damage [6].

Long-term mental effects include:

• Anxiety and depression: Long-term Adderall use can lead to changes in brain chemistry, making it harder for the brain to produce dopamine naturally. This can result in feelings of anxiety, depression, and mood swings when not on the drug.
• Psychosis: In extreme cases, long-term misuse of Adderall can lead to symptoms of psychosis, including hallucinations, paranoia, and delusions.
• Memory problems: Chronic stimulant use can affect cognitive function, leading to difficulties with memory, concentration, and decision-making [7].

Risks

The risks of using Adderall increase drastically when the drug is misused. Taking more than prescribed or using it without a prescription puts extra strain on the body and brain, increasing the likelihood of dangerous side effects. Some of the most serious risks include:

• Addiction: Misusing Adderall can lead to physical and psychological dependence. Over time, the brain comes to rely on the drug to produce feelings of focus, energy, or happiness. Addiction can take over your life, making it difficult to function without the drug.
• Overdose: Taking too much Adderall can cause a life-threatening overdose. Symptoms of an overdose include confusion, rapid heart rate, high fever, seizures, and loss of consciousness. In extreme cases, overdose can lead to death.
• Heart problems: Because Adderall increases heart rate and blood pressure, misuse of the drug significantly raises the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular issues.
• Respiratory failure: Snorting Adderall can damage the lungs and nasal passages, potentially resulting in respiratory infections or respiratory failure.
• Mental health problems: Misusing Adderall can worsen symptoms of anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions. In some cases, long-term misuse can even lead to psychotic episodes or suicidal thoughts.

What Class of Drug Is Adderall?

Adderall is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance by the DEA (U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration)[8]. This means that while the drug has accepted medical uses, it also has a high potential for abuse and addiction. Other Schedule II drugs include opioids like oxycodone and morphine, as well as stimulants like meth and cocaine.

Because Adderall has a high potential for misuse, it is only legally available with a prescription. Doctors prescribe it to treat conditions like ADHD and narcolepsy, but even then, it must be used carefully to avoid the risk of dependence. When taken as prescribed, Adderall can be safe and effective for managing symptoms. However, using it in any way not approved by a doctor – such as snorting, injecting, or taking higher doses than prescribed – puts people at serious risk of addiction and health problems. 

Adderall | FAQs

Is Adderall like cocaine?

Adderall and cocaine are both stimulants, but they work differently. While both can increase energy and focus, Adderall is a prescription drug used to treat ADHD, and cocaine is illegal with no medical use. Misusing either can lead to addiction and dangerous side effects.

Does Adderall make you poop?

Yes, Adderall can affect digestion and may make some people poop more often. This happens because it speeds up your body’s systems, including how quickly food moves through your digestive system. 

Can you snort Adderall?

You can snort Adderall, but it is very dangerous and can cause serious health problems, including damage to your nose, heart issues, and a higher risk of addiction.

Adderall Abuse Statistics

Adderall abuse has seen a dramatic rise in the United States in recent years, drawing concern from medical professionals and researchers. Legal amphetamines like Adderall, prescribed for ADHD, are leaving a trail of misuse, addiction, and even death. Since 2013, over 19,000 reports have been made to the FDA about complications related to ADHD medications, with adults experiencing the most severe effects, including hospitalizations and fatalities [9].

Between 2006 and 2014, recreational use of Adderall among adults aged 26 and older increased significantly, from 345,000 to 1.4 million. Emergency room visits related to ADHD medications have also surged, nearly quadrupling during seven years. Experts are now drawing comparisons between the rise in stimulant misuse and the opioid crisis, pointing out similar patterns of addiction, loose diagnostic criteria, and widespread availability of the drugs.

The growing trend of adult ADHD diagnoses and the corresponding rise in Adderall prescriptions have contributed to the problem. In just five years, from 2010 to 2015, sales of ADHD medications jumped from $7.9 billion to $11.2 billion, while the number of prescriptions rose from 67 million to 87 million. With easy access and increasing misuse, Adderall abuse continues to be a public health concern, highlighting the need for greater awareness and stricter controls on prescription stimulants.

Get Insurance-Covered Addiction Treatment at Renaissance Recovery

Do you need help getting back on track from misusing prescription drugs like Adderall? If so, contact Renaissance Recovery for help today. 

We treat all prescription drug addictions in an outpatient setting at our California and Florida rehabs. We offer inpatient and intensive outpatient treatment programs. When you choose a Renaissance outpatient program, you can meet your everyday commitments while getting effective addiction treatment at the same time.

We account for the unique aspect of all addictions by providing personalized treatment plans at Renaissance. Therapies include:

• Counseling
• Motivational therapy
• Group therapy
• Talk therapy (CBT and DBT)
• Family therapy
• Medication-assisted treatment
• Holistic treatments
• Aftercare

Start your recovery from prescription drug addiction by calling 866-330-9449

Sources

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK556103/
2. https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/schedules/schedules.html
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8063758/
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8583742/
5. https://scholarspace.jccc.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1021&context=honors_journa
6. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000226.htm
7. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK576548/
8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537318/
9. https://eu.jsonline.com/story/news/investigations/2016/09/10/abuse-adhd-drugs-following-path-opioids/89939590/