Adderall is a common prescription for adolescents, leading some to assume that the medication is harmless. This assumption is common and woefully misguided. Doctors prescribe Adderall, the brand name for a prescription amphetamine, to both children and adults to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, it is a severe drug that requires medical oversight. Over two million Americans use stimulant drugs as prescribed to treat their ADHD. Yet this medication can be addictive. If you or a loved one is struggling with Adderall abuse or addiction, a prescription drug addiction treatment program can help.
As with any prescription medication taken without a doctor’s supervision or sanction, Adderall can become dangerous. Just because it is FDA-approved does not mean it is safe for everyone. Adderall abuse on college campuses is on the rise. Increasing numbers of students are desperate to improve their academic performance and mistakenly believe that it can’t hurt them because children can take it. If you are concerned about your use of Adderall or other stimulant ADHD medications, learn more by calling Summit Estate Recovery Center today at 800.701.6997 or using our online form.
Common Signs of Adderall Abuse
The colloquially named study drug stimulates the parts of the brain that control focus and attention. Unfortunately, time-release Adderall is particularly popular among college students as it stays active in the system for hours. It interferes with the functioning of a normal brain, and those who use it can become dependent quickly.
You can tell that Adderall and similar stimulants are being abused whenever someone uses the medication without a prescription for unauthorized use or to get high. They may combine it with alcohol or other drugs or take a prescription intended for someone else. In addition, some Adderall users snort, smoke, or inject crushed tablets.
Adderall abuse manifests similarly to abuse of other strong stimulant drugs. Symptoms can include:
- Anxiety and panic
- Racing thoughts
- Pressured speech
- Disproportionate or uncharacteristic extroversion or excitability
- Nausea
- Excessive focus and time spent acquiring the drug.
Adderall Abuse on College Campuses
Experts estimate that between 10 and 15% of college students abuse Adderall, with almost twice as many men as women suffering from abuse. Among non-college abusers of the drug, those percentages reverse, with women using at twice the rate of men.
Emergency room visits of people overdosing on Adderall and similar drugs have risen steeply over the last decade. Even as prescriptions for Adderall are declining, abuse of these drugs is still rising. Because young people erroneously assume the drug is safe, they are unaware of its side effects or risks to their health.
Side effects of Adderall abuse can be severe and include:
- Heartbeat irregularity
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Dizziness
- Insomnia
- Increased blood pressure
- Headaches
- Impotence
Long-term health consequences include cardiovascular problems, addiction, and psychiatric comorbidities. If you are a college student or live or work on a college campus, please be aware of the prevalence of prescription stimulant abuse and its health risks. These can be scary, but they are treatable with appropriate professional addiction care.
Summit Estate Recovery Center Can Help
Summit Estate Recovery Center can guide you or your loved one safely to wellness. We understand that college students experience tremendous academic, social, and financial stressors. If you or a loved one have turned to Adderall or another prescription stimulant or study drug to help cope, we can help. It’s never the wrong time to reach out to us to learn more about our prescription drug addiction treatment center.
Let the Summit Estate Recovery Center staff answer your questions about our compassionate, evidence-based professional care. Reach out today via our online form or by calling us at 800.701.6997.