Nearly 5% of American adults have ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). With such a large portion of the American population struggling with the disorder, Adderall prescriptions have consequently skyrocketed.
When carefully monitored by a physician, Adderall can be a safe and effective means of treating ADHD. However, there are many risks associated with the drug.
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What is Adderall?
Adderall is a prescription drug that is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. While Adderall is a prescription drug, it is commonly abused recreationally due to its amphetamine content. Amphetamine is known to induce euphoric feelings and is also recognized as being highly addictive.
The Dangers of Adderall
A common misconception is that, due to being a prescription drug, Adderall is safe to use recreationally.
While the stimulant is indeed safe when carefully distributed and monitored by a physician, unregulated self-medication poses a variety of potentially devastating consequences.
At its worst, Adderall abuse can lead to heart attack, stroke, liver failure, and even death.
Additionally, the deadly combination of Adderall and alcohol is to be taken very seriously; however, the two seem to be regularly used in tandem among students.
According to addictionhope.com, 89.5 percent of students who reported abusing Adderall admitted to simultaneously abusing alcohol.
Taking these two drugs together can significantly increase the risk of a fatal overdose.
Adderall Addiction
Adderall addiction can occur when an individual begins taking Adderall either without a prescription or when taken for reasons other than prescribed.
While anyone can fall prey to Adderall addiction, those struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, or past abuse are particularly susceptible.
Other contributing factors can include any number of biological, psychological, or environmental factors.
People who are particularly addiction-prone are more likely to develop a dependency on Adderall.
Adderall Withdrawal
Withdrawing from Adderall can be an unpleasant experience that often results in depression, insomnia, anxiety/panic attacks, paranoia, and a variety of other side effects.
Additionally, Adderall withdrawal can last several weeks.
Those addicted to the drug may find their withdrawal necessitating a hospital stay where they can be appropriately weaned off of the powerful drug. In extreme cases, Adderall withdrawal has been known to be fatal.
In summary, Adderall is an extremely powerful stimulant that, when appropriately prescribed and monitored, can be used to effectively treat ADHD.
Without careful supervision, using Adderall can lead to addiction, which may result in heart attack, stroke, liver failure, and even death.
Additionally, Adderall withdrawal can be, in extreme cases, fatal. Without careful observation by a physician, Adderall can pose a deep threat to an individual’s health and life.
