When it comes to high school and college students, one of the most misused or abused drugs is Adderall, also called the “study drug”. This medicine is a fusion of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine substances, which makes it a high risk of dependence and addiction.
In this read, we are going to share a substantial overview of Adderall Addiction, its causes, and side effects. With that, we are hoping to give light to your questions and how important it is not to abuse this drug. Continue reading to learn more about it.
What is the Medical Use of Adderall?
If you have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or narcolepsy (being sleepy during daytime), then you will be given a prescription for this medicine. Once you take this drug, it will target your brain by helping it stay focus and alert.
The two brain chemicals altered by this medication is dopamine and norepinephrine. With that, Adderall is a great help for children and adults diagnosed with ADHD.
Typically, this medicine can be in pill or tablet form, which you need to take orally. Be sure to religiously abide by your prescription to avoid getting an overdose then later develop a dependence on it.
Adderall Usage and ADHD in the United States
There is a direct relationship between the increase in stimulant medications and the population of ADHD patients in the United States. The prevalence of ADHD among children in the U.S. increased by 11% in 2011, whereas, adult ADHD rose by 4%. Consequently, it also made a 2.5 times increment for stimulant medications from 2006 to 2016.
Overall, 83.1% of the entire globe’s ADHD medications are accounted for in the U.S., while its total population is just around 5% to 7% of the world’s total population. With that, it is a must that proper supervision from taking Adderall is observed to avoid increasing the incidence of prescription drug abuse.
Adderall Addiction Among High School Students
The high school students in the U.S. are one major population who is abusing this drug to help them focus on their studies, stay late at night to cram for their exams, and finish their school projects. Nevertheless, some of them are also abusing this prescription medicine for recreational purposes, that is, to feel high.
In 2015, around 7.5% of the high school population abused this prescription drug, which is the second-highest incidence next to amphetamine addiction at 7.7%. Drug misuse and abuse typically start in the 8th grade until they reach grade 12.
Furthermore, there is less than 20 percent of grade 12 students who have a legit prescription from buying this medicine, which means the majority of the abusers got it from other people with a prescription.
What Are the Side Effects of Adderall
Whether you obey or go beyond your prescription, you will feel the side effects of this stimulant. The level of these effects increases when you are using this drug for a longer time at large doses. Below are the common side effects of using this medicine:
- Sudden loss of weight
- Stomach aches
- Vomiting
- Feeling dizzy
- Insomnia
- Dryness of mouth
- Fever
- Seizures
- Elevated blood pressure
- Feeling constipated
- Pain in the lower back
When you feel severe side effects, immediately consult your doctor or physician.
Signs of Adderall Addiction
When you want to pass or get a perfect mark on your exam, you don’t need to misuse any stimulant or amphetamine. Proper diet and good study habits will be your best tool for being successful in your academic standing.
For those abusing Adderall, it will be daunting for them to determine if they are dependent or addicted to it. With that, here are some evident telltales you can observe if you or your loved one is addicted to this prescription drug.
- Uncontrolled excitement and being impulsive
- Isolating oneself from the crowd
- Sudden loss of appetite
- Short-term memory loss
- Broken relationships with family and loved ones
- Lack of good hygiene
- Being so workaholic and choleric
- Being so outgoing and talkative to others
Dangers of Abusing Adderall
Looking at the contents of this medicine, it can make your blood vessels contract, thereby, increasing your blood pressure. Alongside this, it will make your heart and lungs work faster which can lead to serious health consequences like stroke, heart attack, inability to breathe properly, losing consciousness, and death.
Likewise, when you are medicating with this drug, you are prohibited from alcohol drinking as it increases your risk for heart-related problems. Also, don’t use other illicit substances like meth and heroin for it can lead to serious adverse effects which can be irreparable.
Intervention and Detox
If you find that a loved one is addicted to Adderall, it is best to get an early intervention with your friends and family. Also, you can call for an addiction specialist, doctor, or counselor to assist you with the intervention.
During an intervention, your loved ones and friends will deliver a message of their observations. In the last part of their message, they will express what they think is best for the person to recover from this disease.
If you have decided to undergo rehab treatment, then go to a reputable treatment facility to get a tailored-fit recovery program from Adderall Addiction. For high school students, they can still be legally enrolled in any rehab program with or without their consent.
It is possible as long as the evidence of the addiction and the need for treatment is greatly necessary. Moreover, detoxification will be your first step towards treatment, where all toxins from your substance abuse will be eliminated from your body.
Seek Treatment Today
If you feel the need for professional treatment is inevitable for your wellness, then consult with a licensed doctor or addiction specialist. They will carefully assess your entire condition, so they can give you a suitable recovery program that matches the severity of your addiction.
Get help as early as today, so you can bring back your happy life and relationship with your loved ones.