Adderall - The Study Drug

1 | STUDYING THE STUDY DRUG: ADDERALL

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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.



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.



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.



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.



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.


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.


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.



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.



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.



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.



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.



Adderall - The Study Drug

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