Reader Question: Addressing Girlfriend’s Adderall Use

From Our Readers: I think my girlfriend might be addicted to Adderall, but I’m not sure how to bring it up without sounding accusatory. What’s the best way to approach this situation?

Talking to someone about their addiction can be difficult and probably stressful. But it’s an important task that can help them get the support they need.

Fortunately, there are various ways to approach someone about a substance use problem. You can do this without sounding judgemental or accusatory.

How to Bring Up the Conversation of Addiction

When talking to someone about their addiction, it’s important to be sincere, empathetic, and understanding. Try to understand why they started using Adderall and tell them you’re concerned.

Here are some other tips that might help:

• Create a safe space: Talk to them when both of you are calm, comfortable, and in a safe place. Reassure them that you want to support them no matter what.
• Focus on concerns: Frame the conversation around your genuine worry about her well-being, and avoid focusing on bad behavior.
• Active listening: Avoid interrupting or offering immediate solutions while you’re talking. Just listening can be incredibly healing, so let her share her feelings. 
• Don’t enable her: Emphasize that you want to support her in getting help, but also clarify you won’t enable her continued use of Adderall.
• Prepare ahead of time: Do your research on Adderall addiction and learn about different treatment plans. Educating yourself on addiction and treatment can help you understand what she’s going through.
• Talk about getting help: Gently encourage her to consider talking to an addiction specialist. You can even offer to help her find resources or go with her to appointments.
• Be patient: Don’t be discouraged if she refuses help immediately. Change doesn’t happen overnight, so just be there for support.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you might want to consider talking to an addiction specialist or interventionist who can walk you through the process of getting help for a loved one.

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Why is Adderall so Addictive?

Adderall is a prescription stimulant that contains amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. It enhances dopamine and norepinephrine production, leading to increased alertness, focus, and energy. 

This medication can help manage ADHD, narcolepsy, and other conditions effectively, but some of its side effects can be attractive for non-medical use. Other reasons for developing an Adderall addiction include:

• Euphoria and heightened energy: Adderall can make you feel good and energetic, making people crave more.
• Enhanced performance: Many people wrongfully believe that Adderall can boost work or academic performance, leading to abuse and potentially dependence.
• Dependence: When you take Adderall for a long time, your body might not function properly without it.
• Withdrawal: When you suddenly stop using Adderall, you might experience withdrawal symptoms, which can make it even harder to quit.

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Signs of Adderal addiction

Before talking to your partner about having an addiction, you might want to confirm if she really has it. Here are some signs of addiction that you may want to look out for:

• Obsession about Adderall
• Taking higher doses or using it for longer than prescribed
• Using Adderall without a prescription
• Going to multiple doctors to get more Adderall
• Isolating from loved ones
• Inability to cut back or stop using Adderall

Only a healthcare professional can diagnose someone with an addiction, but familiarizing yourself with these signs can help you determine if there’s a problem to address.

Additional Resources

If you need additional help, consider contacting the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). It provides referrals to local treatment options, support groups, and other resources.

Various websites also offer a great resource for understanding addiction. Sites like drugfree.org have a lot of helpful information for families and partners of those struggling with addiction.

Additionally, you might want to join a support group. There are support groups like Nar-Anon that are designed to help the loved ones of people struggling with substance abuse.

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