Beans, black beauties, dexies, pep pills, speed, and uppers. What do these six things have in common? According to Indiana University, they are all common street names for a prescription drug called Adderall.
Adderall is most commonly used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. It is a substance made from a combination of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine, both of which work to decrease hyperactivity and increase impulse control through a controlled chemical reaction in the brain and nerves. In its simplest terms, it is a stimulant. In its most complex terms, it is an addictive substance that can cause serious physical and psychological harm if misused or abused.
When Adderall is taken for longer than prescribed, the dosage is increased without consulting a medical professional, or it is taken more frequently than recommended, the user risks developing a dependency. Anyone who uses the drug without a prescription also risks triggering an addiction.
Who Abuses Adderall?
The most common Adderall abusers are students because the drug is misconceived to be a major study aid. The National Survey on Drug Use and Heath conducted a study published in 2009 that found over 6 percent of college students confessed to using Adderall. Most students try and score a pill or two when they have a paper due thinking it will be the difference between a D and an A.
Spotting Adderall Abuse
For people who have ADHD, Adderall helps them achieve a level or normality so that they can successfully focus to complete daily tasks. For people who don’t have ADHD, the drug causes overstimulation. It speeds up the body, and the result can be visible. Signs that may indicate abuse include:
- An odd rash
- Inability to sleep
- Dry mouth
- Decrease in appetite
- Hyperactive behavior
- Irritability
Long-term effects can manifest as extreme weight loss, stunted growth, periods of depression, and bouts of anger. For long-term users, withdrawals will ignite when use is interrupted or halted. Symptoms of withdrawal can include:
- Depression
- Excessive tiredness and sleeping
- Irritability
The same indications can hit a person who takes Adderall for legitimate medical reasons. Anyone can develop a dependency to the drug, no matter their reason for taking it. But people who use it for non-medical reasons have a higher risk factor of becoming addicted.
Getting Help for Adderall Dependency
What if you or someone you know is addicted to Adderall? The first step to getting help is asking for it. Talk to a medical professional since it is a prescription drug. They may be able to help, especially in weaning off the drug.
Adderall addiction is usually treated with a combination of therapy sessions, relapse prevention training, and drug education. Hopefully, help can be obtained before addiction leads to criminal activity. But if you or someone you know lands in trouble with the law because of their addiction, we may be able to help through our drug education school program. Contact us today for more information. And remember, prescription drugs like Adderall are dangerous, addictive substances. Never use them for recreational purposes or without the oversight of a trained medical professional.