Adderall is a prescription stimulant drug that is used for the treatment of childhood ADHD. It can be safe when taken as prescribed, but if Adderall is abused, it may be harmful or even fatal. Adderall is made using a combination of dextroamphetamine and amphetamine, both synthetic stimulants that affect the central nervous system. Adderall works by boosting chemicals in the body that act on the brain’s receptors, such as norepinephrine and dopamine.
Adderall Uses
This drug can reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity and enhance concentration, focus, and attention in individuals with ADHD. Aside from treating ADHD, Adderall is also used to address cognitive symptoms for patients suffering from neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s Disease or multiple sclerosis.
The medication is also used to treat a sleep disorder known as narcolepsy. When taken during the day, it can help individuals feel more by alleviating narcolepsy symptoms.
Is Adderall a Narcotic?
There is an increased focus on decreasing the use of narcotics in the US, and to that effect, most people do not know if Adderall is classified as a narcotic. Adderall is not a narcotic.
Narcotics or opioid medications are those made using opium, which depresses the central nervous system. Adderall has the opposite effect from narcotic drugs or substances as stimulant medication. However, both narcotics and stimulants like Adderall can make the user feel high when taken at increased doses or abused, and this can cause addiction.
People Most Likely To Abuse Adderall
- Professionals and Students: Adderall is very appealing to working professionals and students because it makes the user stay up for longer and focus more. Thus, such individuals take the drug to help them deal with work and school’s increased workloads and demands.
- People Suffering From Eating Disorders: These people may misuse Adderall because of its ability to suppress appetite. If a person with an eating disorder develops an Adderall addiction, they will need to use treatment methods that simultaneously address both conditions.
- Athletes: Typically abuse Adderall to boost their performance and ward off fatigue during practice sessions and competitions.
Adderall Drug Combinations
People combine Adderall with other medications for various reasons. Some individuals do it to enhance the effects or even relax if the drug keeps them awake. However, taking other medicines while on Adderall can increase the likelihood of complications like cardiac arrest and overdose.
Adderall is usually combined with Xanax, marijuana, cocaine, and alcohol. There is a higher risk for alcohol poisoning in individuals on Adderall because the alertness produced by the drug hides the impact of severe alcohol intoxication. If a user is on Adderall, they might not recognize the extent of their alcohol consumption and develop alcohol poisoning.
Adderall As a Controlled Substance
Even though this drug is only available as a prescribed medication, it is highly abused in the United States. There is a massive difference in the feelings experienced by people who take Adderall without ADHD. When they take it, these individuals will experience a euphoric feeling, but the effects may be based on the amount taken. Signs that someone is high on the drug include feelings of optimism, self-confidence, energy, excitement, and euphoria. While all these effects may sound positive, there are still risks of abusing Adderall.
The adverse short-term effects of Adderall abuse include increased blood pressure and heart rate, anxiety, headache, and nausea. Users tend to feel unwell, depressed, or sluggish when the drug wears off, so they will probably keep abusing the drug to experience the high effect again. This increases the risk of addiction. Serious side effects of abusing Adderall include death, stroke, and cardiac problems.
Every year there is an increase in the prescriptions written for Adderall, meaning more people can access the drug. This also influences the availability and use of the drug.
Controlled Substances
Medications fall under two main categories: over-the-counter drugs and prescription drugs. Anyone can purchase over-the-counter medicines, but a healthcare provider or doctor prescribes prescription drugs. Within the group of prescription drugs, there are non-controlled and controlled substances.
Drugs used to treat chronic illnesses such as diabetes and blood pressure are categorized as non-controlled substances. Antibiotics are also in this category. However, if a drug can potentially result in mental or physical dependence, it is deemed a controlled substance. These drugs are regulated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and further categorized depending on their ability to potentially cause dependence.
Adderall is classified under Schedule II controlled substances in the United States, meaning a high risk of abuse. As a controlled substance, it can cause severe physical and psychological dependence.
There are regulations in place for buying controlled substances such as Adderall, one of them being that you need a prescription to get it. Your prescription for the drug must be written by your doctor or healthcare provider and can be electronically sent to the pharmacy. Individuals can also get a limited amount of the drug within a specific duration, and they need a new prescription to get more of the drug.
Even though Adderall is a controlled substance, many people still use it without a prescription, which is illegal and those with prescriptions sell it at higher prices. The drug is prevalent because it boosts one’s productivity and mood.
Anyone worried about becoming addicted to Adderall can talk about alternatives with their healthcare provider. One alternative is the extended-release version, which is better because it is slowly released into the bloodstream, reducing the potential for addiction.
Signs of possible Adderall abuse include mood changes, weight loss, unusual thinking, and completing one’s prescription dose sooner than expected.
Anyone caught in possession of controlled substances such as Adderall without a valid prescription could face legal consequences. This will range from imprisonment to paying a fine. Different states have varying ways of enforcing the laws on controlled substances.