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Adderall Street Names, Slang Terms, and Nicknames

Adderall is a prescription medication that is prescribed to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).[1] Adderall contains amphetamine and dextroamphetamine, two central nervous system stimulants that improve focus and soothe impulsivity by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine in your brain. While this medication is highly effective in treating ADHD, it is also habit-forming and extremely addictive.

People who become addicted to Adderall usually begin using the drug for recreational purposes rather than medicinal reasons. When abused, Adderall can provide high levels of energy and focus for individuals who do not struggle with ADHD. The drug’s effects can be compared to cocaine or methamphetamine.

In 2022, An estimated 2.3% of 8th graders, 2.9% of 10th graders, and 3.4% of 12th graders reported misusing Adderall.[2]

If you are worried that your loved one is addicted to Adderall, being aware of the street names and slang terms for the drug can help you determine whether they are abusing it. The most popular Adderall street name is “Addies” or “Addys,” which are both plays on the word “Adderall.”

What Does Adderall Look Like?

There are two types of Adderall: instant-release and extended-release. Instant-release Adderall works faster and lasts between 4 to 6 hours. People who take instant-release Adderall for ADHD will take the medication multiple times a day, whereas extended-release Adderall is only taken once a day.[3]

What Adderall looks like will depend on the dosage and whether it’s generic or a name brand. However, Adderall always comes in the form of a pill.

The most common types of Adderall include:

5 mg instant-release Adderall is often a white oval with AD imprinted on the pills
7.5 mg instant release Adderall is blue in an oval shape with AD 7.5 printed on the pills
10 mg Adderall is blue and round with AD 10 on the pills
20 mg Adderall is round and orange with AD 20 printed on the pills

Knowing what Adderall looks like can help you determine whether your loved one is abusing the drug. If you notice these pills in your loved one’s belongings without a prescription bottle, they may be abusing the substance. It is most common for college students to abuse Adderall as a study aid drug because it encourages increased focus and wakefulness.

What are the Effects of Adderall?

When used for short periods under the direction of a doctor, Adderall can counteract the symptoms of ADHD by increasing the availability of dopamine and norepinephrine in your brain, boosting alertness, attention, and energy levels. Adderall also increases heart rate, decreases blood flow, and opens up breathing passages, causing feelings of energy and invigoration similar to the effects cocaine users experience.

Even when Adderall is taken as prescribed, the substance can cause adverse effects. The common effects of short-term Adderall use include:[4]

Appetite suppression and unhealthy weight loss
Irritability and hostility
Dry mouth
Feelings of restlessness
Heart palpitations
Potentially dangerous cardiac issues
Fatigue
Feelings of depression
Increased anxiety
Cravings for Adderall

Long-term Adderall abuse comes with a number of risks, including:[5]

Erratic behavior
Paranoia
Malnutrition
Vitamin deficiencies
Physiological disorders
Irregular heartbeat and increased heart attack risk
Abnormal blood pressure levels
Physical dependence and withdrawal
Addiction

Adderall Street Names and Slang Terms

When people are abusing drugs, they tend to use slang terms or nicknames to refer to the substance they are using in an attempt to conceal their drug abuse from people who may see their text messages or hear their conversations. If you are worried that your loved one is abusing Adderall, being aware of its street names and nicknames can help you determine whether they need professional help.

The common street names for Adderall include:

Addies or Addys
Beans
Bennies
Black Beauties
Blue pill
Copilots
Crank
Crosses
Dexes
Hearts
Ice
LA Turnaround
Speed
Truck Drivers
Uppers
Red dexes
Red pep
Smarties
Smart pills
Speed
Study buddies
Pep pills
A-Train
Zing

Many of the nicknames for Adderall also refer to other amphetamine or stimulant drugs. For example, the terms “ice” and “crank” are also used as street terms for methamphetamine.

Oftentimes, people who abuse Adderall mix it with other drugs. It is extremely common for people to mix Adderall with “downers,” which are drugs that cause depressant effects. When someone mixes Adderall with a depressant drug like opioids, this is referred to as a “speedball” or a “powerball.”

If you hear your loved one using these slang terms for Adderall, they may be abusing or addicted to the drug.

Find Help for Adderall Abuse and Addiction

If you or a loved one suffer from Adderall abuse or addiction, it’s time to seek help. Long-term Adderall abuse can lead to serious heart complications and potentially fatal overdoses, making it vital that you seek professional help. Reputable stimulant rehab centers like Mandala Healing Center can provide you with the support and tools you need to overcome an addiction to Adderall.

At Mandala Healing Center, clients are taken on a journey of healing through complete immersion into evidence-based clinical modalities, multifaceted alternative therapies, and expert medical management, allowing them to detox and recover from drug and alcohol addictions fully. Through a program of care designed to encourage change, a foundation is created that allows clients to find their higher purpose and reclaim their lives. Call now to get started.

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