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The Effects of Adderall Abuse

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The Effects of Adderall Abuse

The Effects of Adderall Abuse

In 1996, the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) introduced a psycho stimulant that assists those with attention-deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD). Used properly, the drug helps many children and adults focus on routine tasks that they encounter throughout their day.

Adderall AbuseSixteen years later some of these children may still use Adderall to help them stay focused, while a whole new group of young adults may be just trying it for the first time on college campuses. Today, many young adults who are taking Adderall are not prescribed to take it and are getting it from their friends. They found that it helped them stay awake and alert while studying for exams and writing papers.

However, with any drug use that has not been prescribed by a doctor, abuse can easily happen. College students, adolescents, and even parents who steal the drug from their child’s bottle are risking dependence, addiction, brain damage, and a host of physiologic affects that include hypertension, hallucinations, and seizures.

Adderall Abuse Can Lead to Addiction

One of the most common groups of individuals abusing Adderall is college students. Word spread that Adderall was the sure fix for pulling all-nighters while studying for exams and writing last-minute term papers. Some students think that Adderall is the perfect pill to improve their grades. Other, not so academically-concerned, students use Adderall to stay awake and alert so that they can party all night.

Much of the Adderall that college students use is not prescribed. One study suggests that of the two percent of students that had a prescription, 14 percent were asked by others if they would sell, trade, or give their Adderall out.

Effects of Adderall Abuse on the Body

Misusing Adderall can build up a dangerous tolerance to the drug which can lead to addiction. As the body uses more and more of the drug to keep focused, awake, and alert, nerve receptors are constantly stimulated which causes the individual to become addicted. Besides the serious result of addiction, Adderall abuse can affect the body in multiple ways:

  • Hypertension
  • Seizures
  • High blood pressure
  • Insomnia
  • Anxiety
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea
  • Hallucinations
  • Delusions
  • Twitching/shaking
  • Headaches & stomachaches

Effects of Adderall Abuse on the Mind

Some students have found that it is difficult to stop using Adderall after having used it long-term. Some may think that they will just use it during college and then quit afterwards, but it is not that easy. Research has shown that using Adderall abuse can permanently damage the brain.

According to a 2002 study reported in the Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine, Adderall may cause psychosis in adolescents. Adderall alters the production of dopamine, a chemical that controls emotions. Researchers believe that an increased amphetamine-induced dopamine release may cause symptoms similar to schizophrenia. Some abusers of Adderall may become psychotic, aggressive, or even suicidal.

With proper dosage, Adderall can be the chemical balance that helps a child focus enough to function throughout their day; but for those who abuse Adderall, they may have a difficult time finding the right balance in their life until they can break free from its addiction.

The Effects of Adderall Abuse Can Lead to Permanent Damage on the Body
It’s Important to Seek Professional Clinical Treatment If Addicted to this Drug
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