5 Organs Damaged by Long-Term Adderall Abuse

What Is Adderall?

Adderall is the brand name for amphetamine-dextroamphetamine. It is commonly prescribed for those who have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) due to its ability to increase focus and attention.

The drug may also be prescribed to treat narcolepsy and daytime sleepiness. Adderall is a federally controlled substance due to its abuse and dependence potential.

How Is Adderall Abused?

Adderall’s ability to increase focus and attention span has made it a widely abused “smart drug” on college campuses. Many teens abusing Adderall use it to:

• Get more things done.
• Stay up late to study for exams.
• Remain focused for extended periods.
• Manage the pressures and demands of higher education.

In a 2023 study published in the JAMA Network Open, one in four students reported misusing prescription drugs.

Other common ways Adderall is abused include:

• Weight loss:  Adderall suppresses the appetite, making it a popular diet aid.
• Mixing with alcohol or other drugs: Using Adderall recreationally to get high. This is extremely dangerous and increases the risk of a potentially fatal overdose and harmful drug interactions.
• Addiction risk: Like other stimulant drugs, Adderall is addictive. Recreational use can lead to physical and psychological dependence on them.

Signs and Symptoms of Adderall Abuse

Physical Symptoms

• Increased heart rate.
• Increased blood pressure.
• Difficulty sleeping (insomnia).

Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms

• Mood swings.
• Irritability or agitation.
• Anxiety or panic attacks.
• Restlessness.

Cognitive and Social Symptoms

• Difficulty concentrating without Adderall.
• Secretive behavior about Adderall use.
• Doctor shopping (to get several prescriptions).

Organs Damaged by Long-Term Adderall Abuse

Adderall helps those with ADHD when used exactly as prescribed. Unfortunately, its popularity as a study aid, weight loss drug, and recreational high has led to widespread misuse. The longer and heavier the use, the greater the risk of serious, long-term Adderall abuse effects that can progressively get worse.

Key organs negatively affected by long-term Adderall abuse include:

• Brain.
• Heart and cardiovascular system.
• Liver.
• Kidneys.
• Lungs.

For a detailed breakdown, check out our Adderall Side Effects Guide.

Brain

The ability to focus with pinpoint accuracy, stay awake longer, and suppress the appetite may seem beneficial (especially for college students), but long-term Adderall abuse comes with serious consequences:

• Tolerance builds, requiring higher doses to maintain the same effect.
• Adderall withdrawal symptoms and drug cravings develop when stopping use (indicating dependence).
• Method of use (e.g., crushing, snorting, or injecting) creates a faster, more intense rush but also increases the risk of Adderall overdose and addiction.
• Psychiatric effects (e.g., psychosis, hallucinations, paranoia, mood disturbances, panic attacks, anxiety, etc.) have been linked to Adderall substance abuse.
• Seizures and hypothermia, leading to overheating, fatigue, nausea, coma, or even permanent brain damage.
• Internal bleeding, causing confusion, loss of consciousness, or paralysis on one side of the body.

Heart and Cardiovascular System

Long-term and excessive use of Adderall puts significant strain on critical life-support organs, including the heart and cardiovascular system, causing:

• High blood pressure (hypertension).
• Irregular heart rate (tachycardia).
• Weakened heart muscle, increasing the risk of heart failure.
• Heart complications.
• Sudden cardiac death.

Liver

Liver damage is a serious consequence of long-term Adderall abuse. Signs of liver disease include:

• Yellowing of the eyes (jaundice).
• Loss of appetite, fatigue, and confusion.
• Itching.

Signs of severe liver disease (cirrhosis) include fluid buildup in the abdomen and legs (edema), gastrointestinal bleeding, vulnerability to bacterial infections, and coma.

Kidneys

Along with the liver, another major bodily organ susceptible to severe damage from Adderall abuse is the kidneys. They are crucial in filtering and removing waste and extra water from the blood to create urine. They also produce essential hormones:

• Erythropoietin stimulates the production of red blood cells from the bones.
• Renin regulates blood pressure.
• Vitamin D maintains bone calcium and normal body chemical balance.

Long-term abuse of Adderall can cause:

• Increased risk of kidney failure.
• Pain in the abdomen, bruising, or foul breath.
• Swelling in the feet, ankles, or legs.

Lungs

Snort or injecting crushed Adderall can increase the risk of lung damage. Here’s why.

Pills may contain fillers, which can block blood flow in tiny blood vessels, causing pulmonary hypertension and permanent lung damage.

How to Stop Abusing Adderall With Beach House Center for Recovery

With so many risks associated with prolonged Adderall abuse, why would anyone continue to abuse Adderall?

Dependence can develop quickly, especially when it’s used for recreational purposes. Overcoming Adderall addiction requires professional rehab and treatment programs, including:

• Tapering drug usage in a medically supervised detox program to minimize symptoms of Adderall abuse and withdrawal.
• After detoxification from Adderall, behavioral therapies—like those used for cocaine and methamphetamine addiction—may be part of the treatment program.
• Currently, no FDA-approved medications exist for stimulant addiction, making professional treatment even more critical to recovery and wellness.

If you’re ready to get started on your path toward recovery or want more information, contact us today.