Focalin vs. Adderall Abuse: 3 Reasons to Consider Getting Treatment Help

Prescription amphetamine drugs offer a range of treatment benefits for people struggling with ADHD, narcolepsy and obesity. In cases where certain brain chemical irregularities exist, these drugs work well at stabilizing chemical processes.

While effective in their own right, prescription amphetamines tend to carry high risks for abuse and addiction. Focalin and Adderall, two commonly used ADHD medication treatments, are no different.

When considering Focalin vs. Adderall abuse risks, these two drugs share many similarities. For someone who’s been on either drug for a prolonged period of time, certain unexpected effects will likely develop along the way.

Focalin vs. Adderall effects differ just enough to be noticeable, but ultimately lead users down the same bad road when abused. For these reasons, knowing what to watch for can help you take steps towards getting needed treatment help.

Please don’t hesitate to call our toll-free helpline at 800-768-8728 to ask about drub rehab treatment options.

Focalin vs. Adderall: Similarities & Differences

Focalin vs. Adderall

Both Focalin and Adderall have a high abuse and addiction potential.

According to the journal of Neuorpsychopharmacology, most ADHD medications work by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine neurotransmitter levels in the brain, Focalin and Adderall included. The two drugs differ in terms of how they do this.

Focalin works directly on the brain’s recycling mechanisms, preventing the re-uptake of excess neurotransmitter materials. Adderall does this too. Adderall also stimulates neurotransmitter production from certain key brain cell groups.

Overall, Focalin produces longer-lasting effects, while Adderall produces slightly more powerful effects.

3 Reasons to Consider Drug Rehab

1. Frequent Withdrawal Episodes

If you’ve reached the point where regular Focalin or Adderall use causes frequent withdrawal episodes, the brain has developed an unhealthy dependence on the drug’s effects. Withdrawal episodes aptly reflect the state of decline in the brain in terms of chemical imbalance, according to the Office of National Drug Control Policy.

Likewise, if you’ve made multiple attempts to stop using only to end up using again, there’s a very real need for some form of treatment help.

2. Bingeing Practices

It doesn’t take very long at all before the usual dose of Focalin vs. Adderall no longer produces the expected effects. When this happens, many people opt to increase their dosage levels accordingly.

The brain quickly develops a tolerance for amphetamines, so the need to increase dosage levels will continue. Before long, a person will have to start bingeing or taking incredibly large doses at a time in order to experience the desired drug effect.

When bingeing practices become the norm, it’s time to seek out treatment help.

3. Compulsive Drug Use

Compulsive drug-using behaviors inevitably take over a person’s daily life. Likewise, the effects from chronic amphetamine abuse compromises a person’s sense of judgment and ability to make sound decisions.

If drug abuse practices have reached the point where your job, relationships or finances are in trouble, there’s a definite need for treatment help.


When it comes to Focalin vs. Adderall, Adderall abuse poses a higher risk for addiction, though Focalin’s effects can be just as harmful when used on a regular basis. In either case, it’s important to read the signs and take action as soon as you suspect a developing addiction problem.

If you have questions about how amphetamine rehab works, call our helpline at 800-768-8728 to speak with one of our addiction counselors.