What Are Healthier Ways To Boost Motivation
There are many natural ways to build motivation without resorting to using Adderall, and youll find that your drive to accomplish things lasts longer when it isnt dependent upon a chemical. Healthier alternatives to Adderall motivation include the following:
- Reward your brain by meeting small, actionable goals
- Develop a new routine with the help of a mentor
- Spend time engaging in physical activity that naturally stimulates endorphins
- Increase dopamine levels in the brain by having fun with a sober companion
Key Points To Understand The Brain And Addiction:
1. Some characteristics of addiction are similar to other chronic diseases.
Just as cardiovascular disease damages the heart and changes its functioning, addiction changes the brain and impairs the way it works. Below is an image of the brain and the heart .
These images show how scientists can use imaging technology to measure functioning of the brain and heart. Greater activity is shown in reds and yellows, and reduced activity is shown in blues and purples. Both the healthy brain and the healthy heart show greater activity than the diseased brain and heart, because both addiction and heart disease cause changes in function. In drug addiction, the frontal cortex in particular shows less activity. This is the part of the brain associated with judgment and decision-making .
Addiction is similar to other chronic diseases in the following ways:
- It is preventable
- If untreated, it can last a lifetime
2. Substances of misuse trick the brains reward system.
Below is a picture of the brain and the nucleus accumbens, in addition to some other brain regions that are affected by addition.
The brains nucleus accumbens activated by alcohol
Addictive drugs can provide a shortcut to the brains reward system by flooding the nucleus accumbens with dopamine. Additionally, addictive drugs can release 2 to 10 times the amount of dopamine that natural rewards do, and they do it more quickly and reliably.
3. The brain can recover but it takes time!
Antidepressants Rapidly Alter Brain Architecture Study Finds
- Copy Link URLCopied!
A single dose of a popular class of psychiatric drug used to treat depression can alter the brains architecture within hours, even though most patients usually dont report improvement for weeks, a new study suggests.
More than 1 in 10 adults in the U.S. use these drugs, which adjust the availability of a chemical transmitter in the brain, serotonin, by blocking the way it is reabsorbed. The so-called Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors, or SSRIs, include Prozac, Lexapro, Celexa, Paxil and Zoloft.
————
FOR THE RECORD: A previous version of this post and a photograph identified Effexor as an SSRI category antidepressant. It is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, or SNRI.
————
The findings could be a first step toward figuring out whether a relatively simple brain scan might one day help psychiatrists distinguish between those who respond to such drugs and those who dont, an area of mystery and controversy in depression treatment.
Researchers at the Max Planck Institute in Leipzig, Germany, used a magnetic resonance imaging machine to compare connections in the gray matter of those who took SSRIs and those who did not. They were particularly interested in what goes on when the brain is doing nothing in particular.
But there was a two-fold shock: Some areas of the brain appeared to buck the trend and become more interdependent. And all the changes were evident only three hours after the single dosage.
Recommended Reading: Big Ideas Math Geometry Book
What Is Adderall Used For
As we mentioned before, Adderall is most commonly prescribed for the treatment of ADHD. Individuals diagnosed with ADHD are unable to focus on tasks, often cannot sit still, and may be impulsive. Adderall offers relief from these symptoms, helping those with ADHD to focus their minds and bodies and control impulsivity. The only other FDA-approved indication of Adderall is for the treatment of narcolepsy.
Since college and high school students under intense pressure are often looking to increase attention and wakefulness so that they can cram for exams or pull an all-nighter, many turn to Adderall, which can be very dangerous when it is not prescribed for a medical condition. Those interested in weight loss may also misuse Adderall, as it can cause a decrease in appetite.
Side Effects Of Adderall
Mild or extreme side effects can be caused by Adderall. Some of the main side effects that can occur when taking Adderall are found in the following list. Not all potential side effects are included in this list.
Speak to your doctor or pharmacist for more information about potential side effects of Adderall, or advice about how to cope with an upsetting side effect.
Don’t Miss: How To Solve Matrix Algebra
Health Issues Linked To Long Term Abuse Of Adderall
Long-term abuse of Adderall can lead to various health problems, ranging from mild to deadly. Adderall abuse can produce both physiological and psychological effectsâwhich will vary in severity depending on the duration of use, the frequency and intensity of use, and the age of the given user. In general, long-term abusers of Adderall may experience mood and emotional problems including depression, anxiety, irritability, and difficulty concentratingâas well as serious physical issues ranging from heart disease, to weight loss, to difficulty sleeping, and other issues, according to American Addiction Centers.
While Adderall addiction is treatable and can be overcome, the process becomes increasingly difficult as the intensity and duration of dependency increase. If you or a loved one is struggling with Adderall addiction, it is important to understand both the signs of abuse and the consequences of long-term abuse. Here are five of the most significant health issues linked to long-term abuse of Adderall.
La Hacienda Treatment Center
La Hacienda has been treating prescription drug addictions and other SUDs successfully for 50 years.
We understand the challenges that each new patient brings to treatment, and we prepare individualized plans of therapy following a thorough assessment upon admission. Treatment plans consider the type of drug used, the patients medical record, their family history, and co-occurring disorders, if any.
Successful drug or alcohol addiction treatment includes medically supervised detoxification (if needed, and individual, group and family counseling.
For more information about addiction treatment, phone and talk with one of our helpful admission specialists.
Also Check: How To Find Biological Grandparents Uk
Brain And Personality Changes
In line with Adderallâs effects on mental health and mood, long-term abuse of the drug can induce lastingâand potentially irreversibleâchanges in brain functioning. âResearch suggests that long-term abuse can cause brain damage and personality changes,â Michael J. McGrath, MD and Medical Director of the Ohana Luxury Alcohol Rehab, tells WebMD Connect to Care. âAbuse of Adderall can lead to effects on the brain that may not be completely reversible. This depends, of course, on how long the drug is abused as well as other factors. This is why itâs essential to get help for Adderall misuse even if it doesnât seem to be a problem.â
According to the American Addiction Centers, Adderallâs primary mode of functioning is on receptors in the brain: the drug binds to norepinephrine and dopamine receptors . The release of these hormones throughout the body produces both the euphoric feelings associated with Adderall, and the sense of focus and concentration that can initially develop when taking the drug.
Initial perceived “benefits” of taking Adderall, however, cannot be sustained indefinitely. Over the long-term, persistent Adderall abuse can paradoxically lead to poor concentration, withdrawal, and a lack of interest in one’s surroundingsâthe very states it is often initially taken to regulate.
Psychiatric Problems And Libido Changes
Long term use of Adderall can contribute to the escalation of mental health issues in rare circumstances.
Reports of behavioral changes such as hostility and aggression can occur, and some patients have reported developing symptoms of bipolar disorder.
The FDA warns that central nervous system stimulants like Adderall can contribute to symptoms of psychosis, including hallucinations and paranoia, as well as mood swings.
People with existing mental health problems may be more likely to experience psychiatric problems when using Adderall long term.
Adderall is also known to cause changes in libido when taken long term.
Men who use Adderall long term may feel less sexual desire or experience difficulty getting or keeping an erection, a condition known as erectile dysfunction, particularly when the drug is taken at high doses.
Difficulty engaging in sexual activity can cause psychological issues and problems with self-esteem, which can further compound the problem.
Recommended Reading: What Is Conscientiousness In Psychology
Undesirable Short Term Effects Of Adderall
For all of Adderalls short term benefits, the medication is also associated with a number of undesirable short term effects or side effects.
Adderall should only be taken with a valid prescription from a doctor because your doctor will be able to document any side effects and reduce or otherwise adjust your dose accordingly.
Common undesirable short term effects of Adderall include:
- Appetite loss
- Digestive problems such as nausea and constipation
- Heart palpitations
- Mood changes, including irritability, anxiety, or agitation
- Sleep issues
- Mood changes
People experience the undesirable short term effects of Adderall differently.
Side effects vary from person to person and can be influenced by a persons age or underlying medical conditions.
Many patients will find that their side effects disappear after a week or two as their body adjusts to the medication, and some people may not experience any side effects at all.
Patients experiencing any of the potentially serious side effects of Adderall, including symptoms of psychosis, heart problems, and mood changes should seek medical attention immediately, even if the symptoms disappear after a short period of time.
The Brain On Adderall
When drugs like Adderall are abused, the brain is tricked into believing that its making enough serotonin, epinephrine and dopamine. According to the American Addiction Centers website, The brain senses that there are enough neurotransmitters present, due to Adderalls influence, and stops producing them, changing some of the brains natural reward circuitry. The more often Adderall is taken, the more ingrained these changes become. As a result, your brain on Adderall thinks its cruising along pretty nicely. But take away the Adderall and everything begins to crash. This is why users experience withdrawal as the drug leaves their system, naturally prompting them to take more to alleviate the feelings of depression, irritability and fatigue, which are all common symptoms of Adderall withdrawal.
Also Check: Why Is Geography Important In The Study Of History
Parents Kept Out Of The Loop
Kyle had only two sessions with a therapist, and was told to stay away from alcohol, but his parents never heard that warning.
On May 21, the night of his sister’s senior prom, Kyle joined a flock of friends home from college at the local bars. He talked with friends about his upcoming internship, dancing, buying celebratory drinks.
“It ended up going too long and at some point a few beers moved to too many beers, and the depression from the alcohol came on to that psyche,” said his father. “Unfortunately that night his best friends weren’t around to watch him.”
Kyle ended up by himself, refusing a ride home and stepping onto nearby railroad tracks, just a few miles from the spot where several other local youths had taken their lives. Just minutes before taking his life, Kyle text-messaged his siblings, parents and a few close friends, “I love you.”
Only after his suicide, did the therapist tell the Craigs that she had “multiple concerns” about Kyle and intended to include the Craigs in a third session, which never took place.
“It was probably the early stage of paranoia when he was alone wondering, ‘What’s happening to me?'” speculated his father. “It comes in a wave — a tsunami that you can’t see over. A darkness. And if you don’t have real adult skills when it comes, you probably don’t make it over it.”
After his death, the Craigs wondered why neither the doctor nor Kyle’s counselors had shared their concerns about his deteriorating mental health.
What Are The Long
Heavy Adderall use consists of taking more than the recommended dose of either instant release or extended release Adderall. The drug is prescribed in doses of 2.5 to 60 mg per day, but doses over 40mg per day qualify as heavy usage and are addicting.
Over time, heavy use can cause chemical changes in the brain, physical damage to the brain, and organ and gastrointestinal damage.
Heavy Adderall Use and the Brain Adderall increases concentration and energy levels by increasing the levels of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine in the brain. These chemicals are part of the brains reward system, and over time, as the brain becomes accustomed to receiving them from an outside source, it may stop producing them in enough quantities to maintain normal energy and happiness levels when not on the drug. Prolonged heavy Adderall use also damages the dopaminergic nerve endings, making it more difficult for the brain to produce dopamine. This damage can be permanent, or can take years to heal.
The most common mental side effects are:
- Depression
Also Check: What Are Physical Features In Geography
Adderall Can Be Addictive
A surge of dopamine and other neurotransmitters in the brain is triggered by medications including Adderall and Ritalin, bringing a feeling of euphoria to many people.
They help people feel alert, awake, and concentrated, but they also make it difficult to sleep, making it more tempting when youre tired the next day to take another pill.
People also develop a tolerance for these medications, causing the same result to be achieved more and more over time. As it can be easy to become reliant on them, stimulants are considered habit-forming or addictive.
Prolonged Adderall Use And The Brain
With a 40 percent rise in stimulant prescriptions such as Adderall since 2007, its crucial to pay attention to the long-term effects of these drugs before giving them to our children. Stimulants are designed to increase concentration and energy levels while decreasing the need for sleep and suppressing the appetite. Adderall increases the activity of several neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. The changes in dopamine activity begin to impact the brains reward center and alter the ability to experience pleasure without the chemical support of the drug.
Someone that becomes dependent on Adderall will feel depressed, have trouble sleeping, or notice a lack of motivation when they run out of the drug. Abusing amphetamines can increase the risk of aggression and suicidal thoughts, and someone who has been abusing it for an extended period will notice the emotional toll it takes the most during withdrawal. Natural production of dopamine is reduced, causing low moods and an inability to feel pleasure without the drug. The longer Adderall is abused, the more pronounced mood swings will be when it is no longer in the body. Most of these changes in the brain will be repaired over time with sustained abstinence.
You May Like: What To Know For The Ap Psychology Exam
Taking Ritalin To Study May Change Brain Chemistry
You are free to share this article under the Attribution 4.0 International license.
For young people who dont have ADHD, recreationally taking Ritalin may lead to changes in brain chemistry associated with risk-taking behavior, sleep disruption, and other undesirable effects, a new study suggests.
Ritalin, the brand name for methylphenidate, a central nervous system stimulant used to treat ADHD , is a growing problem among college students who use it without a prescription as a so-called study enhancer. The drug works by increasing the concentration of certain neurotransmitters in the brain that control reasoning, problem solving, and other behaviors.
Although Ritalins effectiveness in treating ADHD is well-documented, few studies have looked at the drugs effect on non-prescribed illicit use, says Panayotis Thanos, senior research scientist at the Research Institute on Addictions at the University at Buffalo. We wanted to explore the effects of this stimulant drug on the brain, behavior, and development on non-ADHD subjects.
Recent studies put college students nonprescription use of stimulant drugs at rates anywhere between 14 and 38 percent, depending on the type of college and age of student. The common belief is that these drugs can help students to focus and concentrate when studying and perform better on tests. Alarmingly, these drugs are finding their way into high schools, as well, for the same reasons.
Can You Avoid Or Reverse Adderall Neurotoxicity
The active chemicals in Adderall, mixed amphetamine salts, are stimulant drugs similar in mechanisms of action to methamphetamine. Meth has been shown to be significantly neurotoxic, causing damage to brain cells, when used in large amounts for a long period of time. Abuse of Adderall can increase the risk of brain damage and neurotoxicity, which can lead to psychological and physical complications that are not completely reversible. Many of the neurotoxic effects can be reversed with complete abstinence from Adderall.
What is Adderall?
Adderall is a prescription stimulant drug that contains both amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. Amphetamines are often used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and narcolepsy. Its also in a wider category of drugs called central nervous system stimulants. Stimulants work by increasing activity in your brain and nervous system to facilitate wakefulness, alertness, and focus. Amphetamines like Adderall work with a specific chemical in the brain called dopamine, which is one of your brians feel-good chemicals. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that works to create feelings of pleasure and reward. Its thought that people with ADHD have low levels of dopamine in the brain, which causes them to be easily distracted in search of sources of reward.
Recommended Reading: What Is C In Physics
Ritalin And Similar Medications Cause Brain To Focus On Benefits Of Work Not Costs
- Date:
- Brown University
- Summary:
- New research from cognitive neuroscientists has pinpointed how stimulants such as Ritalin and Adderall can change people’s motivation to complete difficult tasks.
Common assumption has long held that Ritalin, Adderall and similar drugs work by helping people focus.
Yet a new study from a team led in part by Brown University researchers shows that these medications — usually prescribed to individuals diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, but often used by otherwise healthy people as a “study aid” — actually work by directing the brain to fix its attention on the benefits, rather than the costs, of completing difficult tasks.
The study, published on Thursday, March 19 in the journal Science, marks the first time that scientists have examined precisely how stimulants such as Ritalin alter cognitive function. Their research could open opportunities for further studies to help medical professionals better understand how to identify and treat ADHD, depression, anxiety and other mental disorders.
What has remained unknown, though, is whether dopamine can have similar motivational effects on cognition — and that’s what a new collaborative project between Frank, Brown postdoctoral researcher Andrew Westbrook and Dutch neuropsychiatry scholar Roshan Cools set out to understand.
Westbrook said the results support the idea that, medication or no medication, dopamine typically acts as a motivation regulator for human brains.