What is Adderall?
- Adderall is a prescription medication used for ADHD and narcolepsy.
- It is an amphetamine and a dextroamphetamine, which are stimulants
Why is it abused?
- Adderall is abused for many different reasons. Some abusers use the drug to “get high.”
- Others use Adderall to increase alertness, attention, and energy.
- Adderall has also been used to lose weight.
- Some students take Adderall thinking that it will help them perform better in school
How is it abused?
- Some abusers take Adderall the way it was intended which is by mouth.
- Others take Adderall by injection, snorting, or by smoking it.
What are the consequences for abusing Adderall?
- Abusing adderall can have major consequences on the body.
- Taking high doses of this and other stimulants may result in an irregular heartbeat, dangerously high body temperatures, and/or the potential for cardiovascular failure or seizures.
- Taking high doses of some stimulants repeatedly can lead to hostility or feelings of paranoia in some individuals.
Where can help be found?
- Talk to your doctor. They may know ways to help you deal with the abuse or find other resources for you.
There are treatment options available, which include:
- Detoxification - the process of slowly reducing the amount of Adderall that is present in the body
- Contingency management - the process of rewarding an individual who is refraining from taking Adderall
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy - the process of teaching patients skills to recognize risky situations, avoid drug use, and cope more effectively with problems
Monson, Kristi, Schoenstadt, Arthur (2007). Adderall Abuse. Adderall and Adderall
