What is Adderall?
Adderall is one of the most prescribed and widely used medicine to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy (a sleep disorder). DEA has listed Adderall as a List II substance, indicating a high potential for abuse and addiction. Patients who consume the drug for the long term are susceptible to side effects.
What are the effective ways to avoid Adderall and get back to life without chemicals? Let us look for the best Adderall alternatives. It is essential to find other natural supplements for Adderall recovery for patients as long term usage of Adderall is considered harmful.
Adderall is a combination of two medications – Dexamphetamine and dextroamphetamine. It is usually prescribed to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD, but it can also be used to treat narcolepsy, enlarged heart valves, and weight loss. It is also known as Island Time because of the time difference between eastern and western time zones.
Reasons to look for the Best Natural Alternatives for Adderall?
This drug acts as a stimulant by increasing the activity of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. By increasing neurotransmitter activity, Adderall improves alertness, and concentration, enhancing memory
and energy.
It is effective as a prescription drug. However, it can cause various physical and mental side effects, including anxiety, headaches, hallucinations, nausea, and weakness. The addictive behavior of the patients towards this pill is dangerous.
Adderall works by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. It does this by blocking the reuptake of serotonin, which is found in a brain cell and spinal cord, and therefore has an effect on the brain’s reward pathways.
There have been unfortunately a few cases where Patients could not come out of the effects of Adderall.
Hence the best Adderall alternative is suggested as it is safe and non-addictive. The effects of these drugs are small and unlikely to cause serious side effects or addiction.
Let us understand about addiction now :
Addiction- be it chemical or behavioral addiction, entails similar neurological processing, which craves for pleasure which is artificial and has harmful consequences.
People indulge into addictive substances or behaviour for various reasons. Some believe that these would help them feel relaxed, to feel livelier and more euphoric, to abstain inhibition, and to experience pleasure.
People find the effects of addiction being helpful to cope with stress.
Nobody would prefer to get addicted or experience addiction. People usually think they will indulge into addiction only when they want; but it is only over the time they realize it is not that simple.
Pattern of addictive behaviour- be it substance/chemical or behaviour, usually begins with experimentation or out of curiosity.
Gradually when the loop of repeated use sets in, what causes the problem is the repeated use inspite of the harm caused; it’s risky pattern of usage and the loss of self-control over it.
All aspects involved in the paradigm of addiction – be it alcohol, gambling, internet usage, gaming, porn- when used under strict limits and till the time they are under the self- control of the individual, it is not likely to cause any harm.
Addiction is a serious physiological and psychological condition, which draws serious medical attention.
When it comes to substance addiction, it impacts both internal functioning of the brain- causing impact on neurological and cognitive functioning, cardiovascular, respiratory as well as gastro-intestinal problems; along with severe psychiatric problems.
Whereas, in case of behavioural addiction, since there is an absence of ingestion of a foreign element, the internal physiological effects are negligible. The physiological troubles caused are psycho-somatic in nature- meaning, impact of mental health.
But both substance/chemical addiction and behavioral addiction cause host of socio- occupational difficulties.
The side effects of taking Adderall :
Adderall belongs to the class of drugs called stimulants. Stimulants can increase concentration and energy levels, reduce sleep requirements, and suppress appetite. Adderall increases the activity of many neurotransmitters (such as norepinephrine, serotonin, and especially dopamine).
Basically, the addiction is largely due to its stimulant properties. The drug works by increasing dopamine. It is a hormone which makes you feel good and norepinephrine levels in the central nervous system and brain.
There are specific indications that you may be addicted to it. Those may include taking more than the recommended dose, mixing it with other drugs (such as alcohol or marijuana), or injecting the drug directly into a vein.
The prolonged use of a drug changes the dopamine activity can cause damage to the heart and cardiovascular system. Additionally, studies show that prescription medications like Adderall can lead to long-term nutrient depletion, such as vitamin B12 deficiency.
The side effects of the long-term usage of the drug depend on the age factor. (Kindly consider the mental health of the person also) .
Children Aged 6-12
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Fever
- Loss of Appetite
Teenagers Aged 13-17
- Insomnia
- Nervousness
- Mood Swings
- Weight Loss
- Loss of Appetite
Adults Over 18
- Dry mouth
- Agitation
- Tachycardia
- Dizziness
- Diarrhoea
Let us learn about the physical and psychological effects of long-term usage of Adderall:
Need for Best Natural Alternatives for Adderall
As we have learned about the ill effects of the usage of Adderall, we need to understand and adopt the best Adderall alternative, also best supplement for Adderall recovery and Adderall withdrawal.
So what is the best alternative to Adderall?
Let us look at a few:
- Caffeine
- Tea
- Chocolate
- Genseng
- Methionine
#1 Caffeine :
Natural stimulants can change brain chemicals such as dopamine, but this effect is negligible and is unlikely to cause serious side effects or addiction.
An example is caffeine.
As you may know, caffeine is present in many sources. You can find it in minimal quantities in beverages like coffee and slighter higher amounts in energy drinks like Monster Energy.
People can become physically dependent on caffeine. However, it does not cause the release of dopamine high enough to disrupt the brain’s reward circuit and cause severe addiction.
Remember that you can only consume a certain “safe” level of caffeine in a single day.
#2 Tea
Tea is considered to be one of the healthiest beverages on the planet and has been one of the favorite drinks.
It is more than a hydrated beverage. Particularly, Green Tea is loaded with anti-oxidants, and these anti-oxidants have beneficial effects on health.
Green Tea can improve brain functions when anxious , it also protects your brain as you age!
It is considered as a natural substitute for Adderall. Using tea you can become more productive at work. It is the best booster of creativity.
#3 Chocolate
What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you want to give a sweet treat? Don’t you all think it is Chocolate?
Chocolate is often referred as ‘Food of Gods’ , we all will feel good after you eat chocolate. It stimulates Serotonin and Melatonin, both are believed to induce sleep.
Dark chocolate is believed to help people sleep because of tryptophan. This helps the body to create melatonin which is important for regulating sleep cycle.
Dark chocolates also contain serotonin which relaxes your body and mind.
However , do check your sugar level/intake before you start using chocolate as an Adderall alternative.
#4. Ginseng
Very recently Ginseng was chosen as an option that induces sleep in mammals. This comes as a traditional opinion. History shows that it is traditionally accepted that American Ginseng can be used to treat insomnia.
A study shows that Ginseng’s restorative effects on the nervous system and has explanation for its better sleep benefits.
Ginseng has been closely linked to REM sleep the time taken to fall asleep, sleep quality and morning alertness.
A lot of research is going on regarding Red Ginseng. It’s extract has been proven to improve sleep quality.
#5 Methionine
An amino acid that our body requires to build the chemicals that are very much needed in the brain.
The active form of this drug has been used as a supplement to help treat ADHD and Depression.
It is however suggested to seek professional help before the intake of any medicines.
A word of caution about Adderall Alternatives:
Natural supplements can sometimes cause side effects when they interact with other drugs. However, consult your doctor before trying any supplements or changing the dosage of prescription drugs.
Like synthetic medications, natural stimulants can improve concentration and calmness, stimulate learning, stabilize emotions, and help control impulses. As a result, Adderall’s natural alternatives are generally considered safe and not addictive.
So, which natural alternative do you plan to use? Let us know in the comments below!
FAQs
1. How can you naturally improve your memory without resorting to prescription medications like Adderall?
Well, improved memory can result from undertaking any of these methods, including practicing mindfulness, getting regular exercise, maintaining a balanced diet rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids, and ensuring you have adequate levels of essential nutrients like vitamin B12. These approaches can help enhance cognitive performance without the need for prescription medications.
2. Are herbal supplements safe and effective natural alternatives for Adderall?
According to research, some herbal supplements like ginkgo biloba and rhodiola have shown promise, but their safety and efficacy can vary. Therefore, it is absolutely important to consult with a healthcare professional before use.
