Plugging Adderall & The Risks Of Rectal Use

Adderall consists of a combination of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine and is a stimulant prescription drug typically used in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. 

Adderall and Adderall XR primarily come in pills and tablets that should be taken orally. Unfortunately, when Adderall is abused, people take the drug in ways that aren’t recommended like snorting, injecting, and plugging.

Plugging Adderall

Plugging Adderall means taking the drug through the rectum. The drug is often crushed or dissolved in water and then inserted into the rectum with a syringe.

This leads to the drug entering the bloodstream faster. When taken as directed, the drug moves throughout the body and is broken down and metabolized. This allows for a more gradual release and is a much safer route of administration.

With plugging, the full dose goes from the bloodstream directly to the brain and central nervous system, which can lead to dangerous consequences.

Why Do People Take Adderall Rectally?

People may “plug” Adderall for a number of reasons. They may be looking for more energy or more alertness or simply want a more intense high.

People may also choose plugging because it comes with less visible signs compared to snorting or injecting.

Some may even think rectal administration is a safer method than, but that is not the case. With plugging, it can be very difficult to know the exact dose you’re taking and potentially lead to an overdose.

Side Effects Of Plugging Adderall

Plugging Adderall also comes with a variety of side effects that can range in intensity from mild to severe. The effects of plugging Adderall may include:

• intense euphoria
• increased energy
• dry mouth
• twitching
• mania
• pain or numbness in limbs
• dizziness
• insomnia
• increase in blood pressure
• loss of appetite
• weight loss
• bleeding, pain, or discomfort in the rectum
  

Risks Of Rectal Adderall Use

Using Adderall rectally can increase the risk of many different health problems including overdose, heart issues, and addiction.

Adderall Overdose

One of the biggest risks of taking Adderall rectally is an overdose. With this method, it can be very difficult to determine the dose you’re using. If you take a higher dose than your body can handle, an unintentional overdose can occur.

Some of the signs of an Adderall overdose can include:

• rapid breathing
• difficulty breathing
• irregular heart rate
• aggression
• confusion
• tremors
• fever
• blurred vision
• loss of consciousness
• psychosis
  

The risk of overdose can be even greater if you buy Adderall from a drug dealer and it ends up being cut with other substances. Although plugging wasn’t the issue, fake Adderall containing fentanyl led to the death of two students in Ohio in 2022.

If you or a loved one are experiencing any overdose signs, call 911 immediately.

Heart Problems

The brain and the rectum are not the only parts of the body that are affected by plugging Adderall.

Adderall increases blood pressure and heart rate when taken as directed. Abusing it over long periods of time, especially like this, can increase the risk of serious heart issues. This can include stroke, heart attack, chest pain, and even sudden death. 

Infections

Plugging Adderall can also increase the risk of an infection, especially in the tissue in and around the rectum. 

Inserting anything in the rectum can tear sensitive tissue and lead to pain and bleeding, making it more likely for infections to occur than if the rectal tissue was completely healthy.

Damaging the rectum can also increase the risk of transmitting or contracting bloodborne diseases and sexually transmitted infections like HIV. This can especially be the case if you’re sharing drugs with someone and not washing hands or equipment (syringe) after plugging.

Substance Use Disorder

Since plugging Adderall is a form of drug abuse, it also increases your chances of substance use disorder or addiction. Adderall is habit-forming when taken as directed. Abusing it increases the likelihood of addiction even more.

Adderall can also change the balance of the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin in your brain. With long-term substance abuse, that change in chemical balance can also increase your risk of addiction. 

Treating Adderall Abuse

Those struggling with Adderall abuse can get help from addiction treatment programs. These programs give you access to healthcare providers who can help you come off the drug and assist you in changing your mindset around using and abusing Adderall.

Some of the Adderall addiction treatment options available include:

• medical detox
• inpatient/residential treatment
• outpatient treatment
• aftercare support

If you or a loved one are struggling with Adderall abuse, contact Ohio Recovery Center today to learn about our treatment options.