1 | STUDYING THE STUDY DRUG: ADDERALL
iAddiction.com | 877.547.6191
Societal Impact of the Drug A stimulant often prescribed for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy, Adderall has become a drug of choice for those who suffer from neither condition but desire its energizing effects. Adderall joins the ranks of other prescription drugs that are increasingly being abused throughout the country. A 2010 National Survey on Drug Use and Health estimated the total number of Americans who abuse prescription drugs at 2.4 million, which calculates to about 6,600 people in the U.S. abusing some type of prescription drug per day. Prescription drug abuse is slightly higher among women than men, the survey said, and about 33 percent of those who abuse Adderall and other prescription medications were in the 12 to 17 year-old age range.
Abuse of Adderall The highest risk for prescription drug abuse falls on the shoulders of women, the younger set and older adults, although Adderall has a high potential for abuse and addiction for anyone who desires the effects for non-medical reasons.
1 IN 3
ADDERALL ABUSERS
AND OTHER PRESCRIPTION DRUGS
are between 12 and 17 years old
Data from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) show the marked increase in prescriptions for Adderall and other stimulants from 1991 to 2010. Adderall contains amphetamine and dextroamphetamine, and the statistics show a steady and dramatic increase in amphetamine prescriptions. About 1 million prescriptions were dispensed for amphetamines in 1991, with that number growing to about 15 million in 2010.
2 | STUDYING THE STUDY DRUG: ADDERALL
iAddiction.com | 877.547.6191
High School and Younger Prescription drugs take a top slot on the list of the most commonly abused substances by high school seniors, only trailing behind alcohol, marijuana and tobacco. The abuse of Adderall and other stimulants continues to grow, despite the decline of tranquilizer and sedative use, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. The 2012 Monitoring the Future study of eighth grade, 10th grade and 12th grade students showed the abuse of Adderall and other prescription amphetamines. Eighth graders who abused prescription amphetamines at least once over their lifetime clocked in a 4.5 percent, with 2.9 percent using them over the past year and 1.3 over the past month. Abuse by 10th graders over their lifetime was 8.9 percent, with 6.5 abusing prescription amphetamines over the past year and 2.8 percent over the past month. High school 12th graders had the highest prescription amphetamine abuse of the three groups, with 12 percent abuse the prescription drug at least once in their life, 7.9 percent abusing them over the past year and 3.3 abusing them over the past month.
3 | STUDYING THE STUDY DRUG: ADDERALL
iAddiction.com | 877.547.6191
1 IN 5
SUICIDE DEATHS AMONG THE 15-24 AGE GROUP in which the person exhibited evidence of prescription drug abuse
The Risk of Suicide and Mental Disorders Adderall abuse can lead to death, and not necessarily in the form of an overdose. Suicide risk increases with amphetamine abuse, according to studies out of UCLA, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirms that fact. CDC says suicides account for 12 percent of the annual deaths among 15 to 24 year-olds, making it the third leading cause of death in that age group. Of those who commit suicide in that age range, about 33 percent test positive for alcohol use and about 20 percent exhibit evidence of prescription drug use. Those who abuse amphetamines additionally show higher rates of aggression and psychosis, according to ABC News. Adderall may also trigger irreversible bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.
4 | STUDYING THE STUDY DRUG: ADDERALL
iAddiction.com | 877.547.6191
Recreational Value of Adderall Adderall is a powerful stimulant, which gives it a high recreational value. With its ability to increase alertness and energy levels, it is often seen as a boon for those in the hard-partying crowd who find the drug increases their capacity for alcohol and other drugs. Some enjoy the speededup high all stimulants can bring while others use Adderall to increase their overall performance levels. Adderall can also be helpful for losing weight, thanks to its ability to increase heart rate, blood pressure and respiration. NIDA reports that stimulants had long been used to: • Treat obesity • Alleviate asthma and other respiratory issues • Soothe neurological disorders • Contribute to the treatment of an array of other ailments Their popularity for medical use had since waned, however, as their potential for addiction and abuse became more evident.
5 | STUDYING THE STUDY DRUG: ADDERALL
iAddiction.com | 877.547.6191
Adderall Abuse among College Students Adderall remains on the market as a drug for treating narcolepsy and ADHD, but its benefits for recreational use has not gone unnoticed, especially among the college crowd. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration data from its 2006 to 2007 National Survey on Drug Use and Health indicates just how alluring Adderall can be for full-time college students. A total of 6.4 percent of full-time students aged 18 to 22 had used Adderall non-medically over the past year. Full-time college students in that age range were more than twice as likely to use Adderall as people of the same age who were not attending college full time.
6 | STUDYING THE STUDY DRUG: ADDERALL
Combining Adderall with alcohol is common, as is using Adderall with other drugs. Of the students who admitted to non-medical Adderall use, 79.9 percent said they used marijuana in the past year, 24.5 percent had abused prescription tranquilizers in the past year and 44.9 percent admitted to abusing prescription pain relievers. Cocaine use was also higher in the Adderall-abusing students, with 28.9 percent saying they had used cocaine over the past year. Because it’s a stimulant, Adderall can be especially dangerous when mixed with other stimulants, such as cocaine. The combination can significantly increase the risk of stroke or heart attack.
iAddiction.com | 877.547.6191
Adderall as a Party Drug An article in The Dartmouth outlined how college students abused the drug by crushing the pill and then snorting the powder. One student admitted to consuming up to 70 milligrams of Adderall throughout the all-night party, usually by initially snorting half of the drug and then waiting 30 minutes before snorting the other half. The particular student said he purchases the prescription drug from friends diagnosed with ADHD who have been prescribed the drug for medical use. He said the cost ranges from $5 to $15 per pill, with a single pill containing 10 to 20 milligrams of the medication. People who use Adderall recreationally prefer the fast-acting version of the drug for an instant and powerful high, although a slow-acting, 12-hour formula is also on the market to help deter Adderall abuse.
The Physical/Mental/Emotional Impact of the Drug The initial effects of Adderall can be an energized, upbeat and euphoric rush. Adderall and other stimulants produce that initial rush by increasing the brain’s levels of dopamine, which is a neurotransmitter linked to movement, attention and pleasure. When used medically, Adderall can start low and gradually increase the dopamine levels until they create a beneficial therapeutic effect. When taken non-medically, Adderall can often send the dopamine levels skyrocketing, resulting in the surge of euphoria. That surge of euphoria, however, typically comes with an irregular heartbeat and a body temperature high enough to reach dangerous levels. The increased stress on the cardiovascular system can result in heart failure or seizures.
7 | STUDYING THE STUDY DRUG: ADDERALL
iAddiction.com | 877.547.6191
Long-Term Effects of Adderall Abuse Those who continue to abuse Adderall or take it in high doses or in the non-traditional manner of snorting it can suffer from its longer-term effects. These include: Anxiety | Paranoia | Hostility | Psychosis | Restlessness Irritability | Rapid speech | Insomnia | Weight loss Because taking Adderall in combination with alcohol increases people’s capacity for alcohol, they face a higher risk of alcohol poisoning or overdose. They may also find themselves hit with increased blood pressure and a severe case of the jitters. Statistics from the SAMHSA National Survey on Drug Use and Health indicated that 89.5 percent of the full-time college students who abused Adderall also admitted to binge drinking within the past month. More than 50 percent admitted to heavy alcohol use in general.
Signs of Abuse and Addiction Those who cross the line from Adderall abuse to addiction are likely to experience a range of withdrawal symptoms which include: Increased appetite | Drastic changes in sleeping habits | Fatigue Depression | Extreme agitation | Slowing down of their functioning Adderall abuse can eventually lead to addiction, which is marked by the inability to stop using the drug despite the damage it may be causing. Adderall addiction can cause extensive damage, not only to a person’s physical and mental health but also to his or her relationships, performance and quality of life.
8 | STUDYING THE STUDY DRUG: ADDERALL
iAddiction.com | 877.547.6191
Behavioral Changes Those who fall into the trap of Adderall addiction may exhibit behavioral changes, such as a sudden need for money to support a habit or stealing to attain the money. They may become secretive in an attempt to hide the drug or their use of it and obsessive about ensuring they have a steady supply of the drug on hand. As Adderall becomes more important in their life, other things may fall by the wayside. They may no longer indulge in certain hobbies, socialize with friends or otherwise engage in activities they used to enjoy. School work, job performance and overall appearance may begin to suffer. They may fall short on: • Tending to their responsibilities • Keeping appointments • Showing up each day where they’re supposed to be
Students admitted to non-medical use of Adderall or other prescription drugs, by ethnicity:
23% 17% 12 %
of white students of Hispanic students of Black Students
High school seniors were at the highest risk
The Potential for Addiction, and Consequences of Adiction, for the Drug Due to Adderall’s ability to increase the brain’s dopamine levels and disrupt normal transmissions in the brain, even medical use of the drug can be habit forming. As Adderall use increases, its potential for addiction can increase, with the CDC reporting on some of the highest risk groups among high school students.
age-wise, with reports of prescription drug abuse between grades:
26 % 15%
of 12th graders of 9th graders
Statistics from the 2009 National Youth Risk Behavior Survey showed the highest percentage of prescription drug abuse to be among white high school students.
9 | STUDYING THE STUDY DRUG: ADDERALL
iAddiction.com | 877.547.6191
Increased Risk of Addiction Certain characteristics and environmental factors can also increase a person’s potential for developing an addiction to Adderall. Peer pressure can play a role in drug abuse and subsequent addiction, as can genetic factors. Mayo Clinic reports that a family history of addiction to alcohol or drugs can increase the risk of addiction for all family members. The risk is typically highest if a blood relative, such as brother, sister or parent, is the one suffering from addiction. Psychological issues can increase a person’s risk for addiction, especially if someone is suffering from depression or anxiety. Those diagnosed with other disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder or even ADHD, may find it is easier to become addicted to substances than those without any psychological problems. Loneliness can help prompt addiction when people turn to drugs as a way to alleviate uncomfortable or distressing emotions. Lack of family involvement can also play a role. Children who lack parental supervision and are largely left on their own have a higher risk of both encountering and abusing drugs.
10 | STUDYING THE STUDY DRUG: ADDERALL
iAddiction.com | 877.547.6191
The Long-Term Effects and Recovery The consequences of Adderall addiction, or addiction to any drug, can include a wholesale decay of the body, mind and spirit. Physical and mental health can deteriorate, as can any hope for or faith in the future. A person’s world becomes extremely small in the throes of addiction, with the next hit or snort as the only thing that matters. The risk of death and addiction are always intertwined at some level. Death can come from a drug overdose, severe allergic reaction or fatal side effects. It can also occur through suicide when the mental anguish and despair of addiction simply becomes too much to bear. Recovery programs are always an option, with Adderall addiction often responding well to the same type of recovery programs used to treat other stimulants, such as cocaine and methamphetamine. NIDA reports that a number of behavioral therapies have been effective as part of an Adderall treatment plan, inclusive of cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, motivational management and 12-step facilitation.
11 | STUDYING THE STUDY DRUG: ADDERALL
iAddiction.com | 877.547.6191