Students adjusting to college life do not always find it easy. College life is very different from high school. Many people have abused prescription stimulants such as Adderall due to pressures of academics and socializing. Adderall is being used by more students than ever to study. Adderall is no different than other substances in that it can lead to addiction. It’s more alarming that the majority of students use Adderall without a prescription. This article will examine the effects of Adderall, the reasons it is used as a study drug, and the dangers that can be associated with repeated abuse. Adderall is addictive. That’s the most important question.
Adderall: What is it and does it cause addiction?
Adderall, a prescription drug that contains amphetamines as well as dextroamphetamines, is available only by prescription. Adderall is a stimulant used to treat ADHD, narcolepsy and other conditions. Adderall, when used correctly, can improve focus and attention. It also reduces impulsivity. When used as prescribed, Adderall can improve symptoms in 75-80% youths with ADHD.
What factors contribute to these outcomes, then?
Adderall binds to dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, and also to epinephrine in the adrenal gland. These receptors are what cause the increase in “feel-good” chemicals in the brain. This is the cause of many Adderall-related problems. Dopamine is a natural substance in our body and healthy levels are okay. Adderall produces unnaturally high receptor levels, which causes many users to continue misusing the drug in order to re-create those “feel good” feelings. Adderall is addictive, right? Adderall’s increased levels of dopamine can certainly make it addictive.
Adderall is a prescription drug that can be misused by people who have never been prescribed it. However, recent research indicates that college students with ADHD are also using Adderall to enhance their cognitive function. Adderall misuse can be caused by a variety of factors, but parental or peer pressure is the most common. Parents put a lot of pressure on their children to achieve high grades in every class. Students may resort to all means to meet the expectations of their parents due to constant pressure. In an effort to be accepted, students will use Adderall in order to fit in. These aren’t the only factors that lead to misuse.
The following are other reasons why students may misuse substances:
Keep your mind sharp for exams
How to maintain energy levels and concentration for schoolwork
This helps them to stay awake during parties
It reduces the negative effects of other substances
Adderall and Studying: Does it Work?
Adderall, also known as “study drugs” on many U.S. college campuses, is used by students and young professionals to increase their productivity and focus. Many university campuses are becoming more concerned about this issue. Adderall is used by 1/5 of students to study, as they believe it will aid them. Also, they are using it under false pretenses that prescription drugs are less harmful than illegal drugs. But as we all know, nothing could be further from truth. Before they began using Adderall and increased their usage, many students would have benefitted from asking the question “is Adderall addicting?” Adderall abuse can have the same effects and consequences as illicit street drugs. Even though Adderall may temporarily help with studying, it is not without risks.
Stimulant abusers claim that the drug keeps them awake and engaged during an exam. The effects of Adderall begin to fade, and individuals begin to feel a similar comedown to other drugs. During these moments, one may begin to experience the negative effects of anxiety and depression that counteract the effectiveness of Adderall. Adderall tolerance and dependence can develop quickly. Tolerance to a drug means that you will need higher doses to get the same effect. The drug’s effect may diminish or stop working after a while.
Adderall Addiction: Is it Real? Adderall Addiction and Misuse Signs
Adderall addiction is a sign that you’re using the drug for a purpose other than intended! Many students take Adderall in error, believing that it’s no more harmful than other substances (such as coffee) that produce similar effects. Its potency is so high that comparing it to other stimulants would be absurd, even if the effects were similar.
Look for these signs to determine if someone has been misusing Adderall:
When a person uses another’s prescription
The dose is higher than prescribed
The pills can be smoked, snorted, or injected
Mixing with other substances
You can use them to stay intoxicated, or to meet school requirements
Risking everything to obtain the drug
Lack of appetite
Heartbeat irregular
Feeling Uneasy
Adderall Side Effects on the Body
Adderall, or other stimulants, can cause an increase in blood pressure, temperature and heart rate when misused. High doses can cause seizures and heart attacks. With prolonged stimulant abuse the muscles of the heart may be weakened, increasing the risk of complications. It is also possible that brain changes will occur.
Adderall is addictive? Adderall is addictive when used outside its intended purpose
Adderall, a powerful stimulant, is used to treat conditions such as ADHD and Narcolepsy. Many people who don’t require the medication believe that they can get the same benefits as those who need it. As the points above show, misuse will have the opposite effect. By its widespread use, the drug that is widely prescribed is de-stigmatized. It is still a prescription medication.
You should not attempt to overcome your Adderall addiction on your own. Encore Outpatient Services provides a variety of evidence-based treatments that address all aspects of addiction. Contact us to learn more about our team of compassionate addiction professionals and how they can help you.