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The Rise in Adderall Addiction in College Students

Adderall XR is a prescription stimulant commonly used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The components of Adderall are highly addictive and similar to methamphetamine. Adderall has a high potential for abuse due to the availability and the everyday nonmedical use in college students. Adderall addiction in college students is becoming more common in our high-pressure world. 

Prescription stimulant misuse may lead to a litany of harmful side effects. These adverse side effects include cardiovascular effects such as an irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, shortness of breath, and even a heart attack.

Adderall XR increases the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the central nervous system. The brain will then respond to the effects of stimulants and change how you pay attention and how quickly you may react to the world around you. Your body naturally produces a feel-good chemical called dopamine, and Adderall will cause your body to have a high level of this chemical is causes people to continue to use and eventually cause addiction to stimulants. While prescription stimulants have significant benefits, knowing the dangers and risks of long-term continued abuse is essential.

Individuals who are addicted to Adderall XR feel tired and lethargic when they are not under the influence. These are symptoms of withdrawal and nonmedical prescription stimulant use.

Common signs of an Adderall addiction in college students include:

  • misuse of stimulants such as not using Adderall have the doctor ordered

  • not being able to cut back

  • increase emergency room visits due to health issues from taking Adderall

  • not being able to finish assignments without the effects of prescription stimulants

  • Spending a lot of time and money getting, using, and recovering from the drug

  • impulsive behavior

  • using other illicit drugs

  • behavioral changes

No one has the desire to be addicted. Adderall addiction in college students may be difficult because they want to keep up their good grades or social responsibilities. The abuse of prescription stimulants usually stems from getting more work done or studying harder for an exam. Some people try to get a prescription for the drug by faking the symptoms of attention deficit disorder.

Withdrawal symptoms make it difficult for people to quit taking Adderall on their own. The chances of successfully quitting the misuse of cement medications increase when they reach out for help.

Why is Adderall addiction in college students on the rise?

Adderall is a prescription drug, and many people wrongly think it is safe. Adderall can cause long-term side effects and can create an addiction that is hard to break.

Adderall can produce feelings of confidence, euphoria, increased concentration, and a suppressed appetite. These prescription amphetamines can be used to boost physical or mental performance, such as increasing your attention span while studying.

Taking a stimulant without a prescription is considered a form of drug abuse. In the long term use of these prescription medications may lead to terrible adverse effects. It is also common for people, especially school seniors cramming for finals, to snort the pill to get a more substantial impact.

Adderall is abused for many reasons, such as:

  • losing weight quickly

  • Studying for exams

  • performance athletic sports

  • Staying awake

Adderall is typically associated with school seniors and college-age students; however, it is becoming increasingly common for older people to abuse this drug due to stress at their workplace. According to the United States Center for disease control prevention, most people begin using prescription stimulants in their 20s.

Who Abuses Adderall?

Students, especially school seniors

  • Adderall helps users focus and stay awake for longer than they usually do, making it attractive to students and professionals facing increasing demands at school and work. College students, in particular, make up a significant population of those abusing Adderall.

  • College students are a substantial group of people who abuse Adderall.

Athletes

  • Adderall can be abused to boost performance during practice and competition. Adderall abuse resulted in a record-breaking year of drug-related suspensions in the National Football League.

People with eating disorders

  • People struggling with eating disorders may abuse stimulants because it suppresses their appetite. If someone with an eating disorder becomes addicted to a stimulant, they will often require treatment that addresses both issues simultaneously.

Prescription stimulant abuse can cause severe health-related problems, including potentially lethal overdose.

Signs of a Stimulant overdose may include:

  • Chest pain

  • Nausea or vomiting

  • Fast breathing

  • Uncontrollable shaking

  • Fainting

  • Fever

Don’t Wait, Get Help Now.

Stimulant use disorder can become difficult to quit if you have been abusing it for a long time. It is hard to stop on your own because of the withdrawal symptoms that begin shortly after quitting. There are various treatment options for this addiction, such as therapy and outpatient rehabilitation. Contact our intake specialists today to find a substance abuse treatment center today.

Call a treatment provider to find a substance abuse treatment center.

Please call 911 if you are experiencing a medical emergency or to call our admissions department for support (801) 499-9316