Isabel Johnson: Overcoming Adderall Addiction Objective: To share insights and inspire others through my personal journey of overcoming Adderall addiction, fostering awareness and understanding of the challenges associated with substance dependency. Experience: Speaker & Advocate Self-Employed | [Year] - Present Developed and delivered impactful presentations on the realities of Adderall addiction, emphasizing personal experiences and recovery strategies. Engaged with diverse audiences,...
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At the age of twelve, Isabel Johnson was prescribed Vyvanse for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Marketed as a less addictive option, it aimed to enhance focus and reduce hyperactivity. However, what began as an academic support led to a debilitating fifteen-year struggle with a different medication: Adderall.
Now operating a hair salon in Florida, Johnson’s past is marked by a serious dependency on amphetamines. This addiction strained her relationships with friends, family, and partners. In a recent podcast, she described the chaos of her life while using Adderall, stating, “When you’re on Adderall, you’re like in a constant state of fight or flight.
Your nervous system is just chaos whether you know it or not.”
The descent into addiction
Isabel’s relationship with Adderall began at eighteen, influenced by a partner who supplied her with the pills. During this time, she endured extreme sleep deprivation, often going days without rest. She described herself as “a shell of a person, just getting through the days.” Although she eventually left that partner, her dependence on Adderall persisted.
The duality of success and struggle
On the surface, Isabel appeared successful, excelling in cosmetology school and her career as a stylist. Internally, however, she battled an escalating addiction. She maintained her prescription but frequently sought additional pills from others, recognizing her reliance on Adderall as unhealthy. Despite this, she felt the medication kept her alert and functional.
Adderall, prescribed primarily for ADHD and narcolepsy, increases dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain—neurotransmitters crucial for attention, motivation, and impulse control. Those diagnosed with ADHD naturally have lower levels of these chemicals, finding a sense of control when using the medication. Yet, the potential for abuse is significant, as it is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance, alongside drugs like cocaine and oxycodone.
Confronting the reality of addiction
Adults with ADHD are typically prescribed a starting dose of Adderall between five and ten milligrams, with a maximum of forty milligrams per day. However, Isabel found herself consuming up to sixty milligrams daily at the height of her addiction. During this turbulent period, she experienced intense emotional outbursts, notably a moment when she punched a hole in her mother’s wall.
A turning point
With the impending Adderall shortage announced by the FDA, Isabel’s desperation became a catalyst for change. She recalls the frantic calls to pharmacies, realizing the extent of her addiction. Rather than tapering her dose—a common healthcare recommendation—Isabel made the bold decision to quit cold turkey. “I decided I’m never going to pick up another script again,” she stated.
In her recovery journey, she also quit smoking and abstained from alcohol for six weeks, despite knowing her doctor might not support such drastic measures. The withdrawal process was severe, characterized by migraines, night sweats, fatigue, and vivid dreams. As the weeks passed, Isabel began to rediscover life without the influence of Adderall.
The light at the end of the tunnel
Now, over two years into her recovery, Isabel describes a profound transformation. “I feel so lighthearted and I cry laughing sometimes,” she shares, highlighting her newfound ability to experience joy and engage in fulfilling activities like reading. Her experience reflects a growing trend, as experts like Dr. Auriel Willette at Rutgers University report an increase in Adderall addiction, particularly among young adults and students.
Dr. Willette underscores the importance of addressing this public health issue, noting the surge in misuse of stimulant medications in recent years. As Isabel continues to share her story, it serves as a critical reminder of the complexities surrounding ADHD treatments and the potential for addiction.
