Over 34 million people in the US are diagnosed with ADHD. Men, women, adults, and children alike struggle with this condition and the majority of them are prescribed medications like Adderall and Ritalin as part of their treatment. While these drugs can significantly improve their lives, they can also be abused. In this blog we’ll explore the prevalence of ADHD medications, their prescribed uses, and address four common beliefs about their misuse.
Prevalence & Prescribed Uses
ADHD ranks amongst the top most common neurodevelopmental disorders, affecting approximately 6.1 million children in the United States. This is not a condition relegated to children only. Adults struggle with ADHD as well, with millions diagnosed each year. The leading treatment for this disorder is stimulant medication such as Adderall (amphetamine) and Ritalin (methylphenidate). These medications help increase attention, focus, and control impulsive behaviors by boosting the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain.
Why Are They Abused?
Like a lot of prescription medications with legitimate medical uses, ADHD can be and is, frequently abused. Driven by a desire for increased cognitive performance, wakefulness, and the euphoric effects that stimulants can provide, misuse can be rampant.
College students, in particular, are a high-risk group for misuse, with studies indicating that up to 25% have used ADHD medications non-medically to boost academic performance. Let's dissect some of the most common beliefs around this misuse:
Belief 1: ADHD Medications Are "Smart Drugs"
Reality: Misleading and Dangerous
It is not uncommon to find people that believe ADHD medications are some sort of “limitless” drug that will transform their brains into supercomputers. While these drugs can improve focus and alertness in the short term, there is no evidence that they significantly enhance cognitive abilities or academic performance in individuals without ADHD. Quite the opposite in fact, misuse can have detrimental effects on cognitive function and lead to negative side effects like anxiety, mood swings, disrupted sleep patterns, and psychosis.
Belief 2: These Medications Are Safe When Used Occasionally
Reality: Sporadic Misuse Can Be Harmful
“Everything in moderation” is generally a good rule of thumb. But if you think this applies to prescription drug abuse, I’ve got bad news for you. Only misusing medications once in a while is far from safe. Even occasional misuse can cause serious cardiovascular issues, including elevated blood pressure and heart rate, which can be particularly dangerous for those with underlying medical conditions. Additionally, the risk of developing a dependency or experiencing adverse mental health effects is significant even with infrequent use.
Belief 3: Prescription Stimulants Aren’t Addictive
Reality: High Potential for Addiction
The nature of how these drugs work is what makes them have a high potential for addiction. They increase dopamine levels in the brain, creating a sensation of euphoria that can lead to repeated use and eventually, dependency. As the brain and body become tolerant of these drugs, higher and higher doses are required to achieve the same effects. This leads to a cycle of abuse that can be tough to break. Withdrawal symptoms such as fatigue, depression, and intense cravings can make quitting challenging without professional help.
Belief 4: It’s Easy to Spot Someone Abusing ADHD Medications
Reality: Signs Are Often Subtle
It is easy to think that someone abusing medications may look the part of a “typical drug addict” but this is far from the truth when it comes to prescription meds. The signs of addiction can be subtle and easily mistaken for other issues. Symptoms of misuse might include erratic behavior, mood swings, significant weight loss, and insomnia, but these can also be attributed to stress or other mental health conditions. When approaching someone about your concerns, do so with sensitivity and awareness. Let them know you are there purely out of love and not from a place of judgment or punishment.
Talk With Our Team
The misuse of ADHD medications is a complex issue fueled by misconceptions about their safety and effectiveness. If you or someone you know is struggling with ADHD medication misuse, reach out to Owl’s Nest Recovery today. Our experienced team can provide support and resources needed to address the issue safely and effectively. Call today.
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