College Students and Adderall Addiction

1 in 5 college students have admitted to recreational use of Adderall to help them focus or concentrate in their courses. These students also reported that they do not have ADHD, the disorder that the drug was created for. As one student put it, athletes use steroids; people who are depressed use stimulants and students use Adderall. But college students and Adderall abuse does not come without any consequences.

What is Adderall?

Adderall affects the central nervous system and is used to treat ADHD or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and in certain cases narcolepsy (a sleep disorder), depression and obesity. Unfortunately on most college campuses in the U.S., Adderall abuse has become a problem as the drug is known as the study drug. Unfortunately, the drug has been given out like candy to many students simply because they have reported having trouble concentrating and focusing at school. In effect, ADHD has become the catch all for many symptoms – real or imagined.

Adderall users report an increase in concentration, motivation, focus and a sense of euphoria. Once the effect wears off, Adderall users reported a crash feeling of being tired, depressed and irritated. Students who use the drug claim to be able to read hundreds of pages and to be able to write 20 page papers in a single sitting as well as being able to pull all nighters to study for exams. Because it allows an increase in concentration, the drug prohibits distractions.

Signs and Symptoms

Adderall use is not without a certain amount of side effects such as:
• Nausea
• Insomnia
• Nervousness
• Constipation
• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea
• Loss of appetite/weight loss
• Heart arrhythmia
• Aggressive behavior
• Chest pain
• Seizures
• Paranoia and hallucinations

When taken as directed and for the appropriate reasons (meaning in individuals who really have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, Adderall is very effective at relieving the symptoms of ADHD. However, when abused, the drug can have detrimental effects on the individual’s long term health. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 6.4 percent of college students admitted to using Adderall and an overwhelming 89.9 percent of students tr
Overuse and Risks

As with any other substance, Adderall has the potential for addiction when abused. Individuals who take Adderall with other medication and alcohol can suffer serious health problems. Individuals who overdose on the drug can suffer permanent brain damage and heart failure.
It is possible to become addicted to Adderall even when taking it as directed, if taken over prolonged periods of time.

The signs and symptoms of Adderall overdose include:
• Restlessness
• Tremors
• Hallucinations
• Chest pain/irregular heart beat
• Coma

Of course a question that is being asked by students who do not use Adderall to get ahead is whether or not it is fair. If athletes who cheat by using steroids (look at what happened to Lance Armstrong) are punished, then why are the students who cheat by using Adderall not treated the same?