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Adderall Abuse

Adderall abuse has become a prevalent problem since the medication’s debut in 1996. Although it is usually prescribed to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy, many people, including college students, have been using it recreationally. Adderall is an amphetamine, a central nervous stimulant, in the phenethylamine class, and it has been in and out of popular consciousness for over 20 years.

Recreational users

Recreational users generally take more than the recommended dose and enjoy abusing it because of the drug’s physical and mental effects, which include cognitive focus, euphoria, aphrodisiac, and enhanced athletic performance. However, drug abuse is dangerous, and recreational use over a long period will undoubtedly take its toll on the body’s overall health and well-being.

The most common method to take Adderall is to ingest it in tablet form. It’s also not uncommon for people using it for non-medical reasons to crush the tablets and then snort the powder or “cook” down the tablets for intravenous use. Using Adderall in combination with other substances, including alcohol, is also dangerous.

  • Adderall boosts levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which increases alertness and concentration.

However, getting high on this drug doesn’t come without consequences.

There are possible side effects, including:

  • abnormal heart rate
  • high or low blood pressure
  • rapid breathing
  • agitation
  • confusion
  • mood swings
  • tremors
  • sweats
  • elevated body temperature
  • dry mouth
  • pain during urination
  • erectile dysfunction
  • muscle pain
  • depression
  • anxiety
  • paranoia

Data points

Adderall abuse and addiction have spiked, especially among college students. HuffPost contributors Dr. Ronald Ricker and Dr. Venus Nicolino report that it’s misused mainly by college students, and estimates are that somewhere between 20-30 percent of college students regularly abuse Adderall. Data from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) back this up. For example, an NIH study published in the Journal of American College Health found that 34 percent of 1,811 undergraduates admit to the illegal use of ADHD stimulants.

Adderall comes in two variations: instant-release pills, which can have effects that last four to six hours, and extended-release can have effects lasting up to 12 hours, writes PSYCOM contributor Kathleen Smith, Ph.D. These numbers, however, are for medicinal purposes. There’s no reliable guideline for how much a recreational user can take safely. First-time non-medical users have little to no tolerance built up to the drug yet, and for long-term recreational users, gradually take higher doses.

Author Lian-Yu Chen, MD, who received her Ph.D. in 2014 from the Bloomberg School, writes, “The number of prescriptions has fallen, and yet we see more medical problems from its use. It suggests that the main driver of misuse and emergency room visits related to the drug is the result of the diversion, people taking someone else’s medication. Physicians need to be much more aware of what is happening and take steps to prevent it from continuing.”

Adderall abuse can lead to addiction, which can have severe consequences. It can also lead to long-term health problems, including heart disease, seizures, and stroke. If you or someone you know is struggling with Adderall abuse, seek help immediately. Treatment options include counseling, medication-assisted treatment, and support groups.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Adderall abuse is a serious medical issue that can have severe consequences. It’s important to raise awareness about the dangers of Adderall abuse and to encourage people

 to seek help if they or someone they know is struggling with addiction. By implementing changes in prescribing practices and educating the public about the dangers of Adderall abuse, we can work towards reducing its prevalence and the harm it causes.