DISCLAIMER: The following article intended to be a primer in a conversation. It is not medical advice. I’m not a doctor and this is not medical or psychiatric advice.
Short answer: Amphetamines are central nervous system stimulants that work by modifying chemical levels in the brain.
I took Adderall and other amphetamines intermittently from ages seven to twenty-three. Now clean for over a decade, I’m fascinated by how these chemicals affect people with ADHD and their efforts to conform to societal expectations placed upon them due to their diagnosis. I’ve written a book exploring this in detail.
Adderall is simply a brand name for a mixture of amphetamines (dextroamphetamine and levoamphetamine, mixed amphetamine sulfate and dextroamphetamine sulfate). If you take Adderall, you take amphetamines. If your child takes Adderall, they take amphetamines. If you are addicted to Adderall, you are addicted to amphetamines, etc.
Adderall works by elevating the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, both of which play crucial roles in impulse control, attention, and hyperactivity. And I can attest to their effectiveness – having consumed thousands throughout my life. Their potency often skirts the edge of enjoyable, to be honest.
The drug is revered for its ability to sharpen focus, enhance concentration, and even induce laser-like tunnel vision for tackling projects. Fueled by its boost, I’ve navigated overwhelming workloads with surprising ease. Adderall seems to possess a unique talent for taking individuals mired in ADHD-induced slumps and empowering them to manage their lives effectively within the demands of society.
Adderall, a controlled substance known for its significant abuse potential, ranks around the eighth in most addictive drug most addictive drug available to humanity.
Now, let’s delve into its mechanism:
Adderall comes in pill form, and upon ingestion, the body absorbs amphetamines from the intestines into the bloodstream. In the brain, it works by blocking the reuptake of both dopamine and norepinephrine. This process increases their availability, leading to the response observed in ADHD treatment.
Increased dopamine enhances focus and concentration, enabling users to better attend to tasks and reduce distractions. The rise in norepinephrine boosts alertness. This unique combination of effects on these neurotransmitters results in a surge of energy distinct to amphetamines.
Additionally, the elevated dopamine fosters a sense of well-being and a positive mood. While initially appealing, this pleasant side effect contributes significantly to the drug’s addictive nature.
After prolonged use, the body begins to rely on Adderall for norepinephrine and dopamine production. Withdrawal can make even the simplest daily tasks feel impossible as users struggle with fatigue and depression. However, there are more than just drugs to regulate these neurotransmitters. Exercise, sleep, meditation, sunlight, and a healthy diet may be hard to implement at times, but the rewards are plentiful and long-lasting.
Everyone’s body reacts differently to drugs based on numerous factors, but these chemical responses are the basic mechanisms of action when Adderall is ingested. Do you think Adderall’s benefits outweigh its risks? Let me know below.
I know my opinion on Adderall changed dramatically before and after I stopped taking it. It became almost intertwined with my identity, and quitting forced me to rediscover myself anew. If you’re interested in hearing about my diagnosis, use, abuse, withdrawal, and recovery, I’ve written a book about it: Hocus Focus: Coming of Age with ADD and its Medicines.
R.L. Kramer 
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