Adderall - The Study Drug

1 | STUDYING THE STUDY DRUG: ADDERALL iAddiction.com | 877.547.6191

Societal Impact of the Drug 

A stimulant often prescribed for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder 

(ADHD) and narcolepsy, Adderall has become a drug of choice for those 

who suffer from neither condition but desire its energizing effects. Adderall 

joins the ranks of other prescription drugs that are increasingly being abused 

throughout the country. 

A 2010 National Survey on Drug Use and Health estimated the total number 

of Americans who abuse prescription drugs at 2.4 million, which calculates 

to about 6,600 people in the U.S. abusing some type of prescription drug 

per day. Prescription drug abuse is slightly higher among women than men, 

the survey said, and about 33 percent of those who abuse Adderall and other 

prescription medications were in the 12 to 17 year-old age range. 

Abuse of Adderall 

The highest risk for prescription drug abuse falls on the shoulders of women, 

the younger set and older adults, although Adderall has a high potential for 

abuse and addiction for anyone who desires the effects for non-medical 

reasons. 

1 IN 3 

ADDERALL ABUSERS 

AND OTHER PRESCRIPTION DRUGS 

are between 12 and 17 years old 

Data from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) show the marked 

increase in prescriptions for Adderall and other stimulants from 1991 to 2010. 

Adderall contains amphetamine and dextroamphetamine, and the statistics 

show a steady and dramatic increase in amphetamine prescriptions. About 

1 million prescriptions were dispensed for amphetamines in 1991, with that 

number growing to about 15 million in 2010. 


High School and Younger 

Prescription drugs take a top slot on the list of the most commonly abused 

substances by high school seniors, only trailing behind alcohol, marijuana 

and tobacco. The abuse of Adderall and other stimulants continues to 

grow, despite the decline of tranquilizer and sedative use, according to the 

National Institute on Drug Abuse. 

The 2012 Monitoring the Future study of eighth grade, 10th grade and 

12th grade students showed the abuse of Adderall and other prescription 

amphetamines. Eighth graders who abused prescription amphetamines at 

least once over their lifetime clocked in a 4.5 percent, with 2.9 percent using 

them over the past year and 1.3 over the past month. 

Abuse by 10th graders over their lifetime was 8.9 percent, with 6.5 abusing 

prescription amphetamines over the past year and 2.8 percent over the past 

month. High school 12th graders had the highest prescription amphetamine 

abuse of the three groups, with 12 percent abuse the prescription drug at 

least once in their life, 7.9 percent abusing them over the past year and 3.3 

abusing them over the past month. 


1 IN 5 

SUICIDE DEATHS AMONG 

THE 15-24 AGE GROUP 

in which the person exhibited 

evidence of prescription drug abuse 

The Risk of Suicide and Mental Disorders 

Adderall abuse can lead to death, and not necessarily in the form of an 

overdose. Suicide risk increases with amphetamine abuse, according to 

studies out of UCLA, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 

confirms that fact. 

CDC says suicides account for 12 percent of the annual deaths among 

15 to 24 year-olds, making it the third leading cause of death in that age 

group. Of those who commit suicide in that age range, about 33 percent 

test positive for alcohol use and about 20 percent exhibit evidence of 

prescription drug use. 

Those who abuse amphetamines additionally show higher rates of 

aggression and psychosis, according to ABC News. Adderall may also 

trigger irreversible bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. 


Recreational Value of Adderall 

Adderall is a powerful stimulant, which gives it a high recreational value. 

With its ability to increase alertness and energy levels, it is often seen as 

a boon for those in the hard-partying crowd who find the drug increases 

their capacity for alcohol and other drugs. Some enjoy the speededup 

high all stimulants can bring while others use Adderall to increase 

their overall performance levels. Adderall can also be helpful for losing 

weight, thanks to its ability to increase heart rate, blood pressure and 

respiration. 

NIDA reports that stimulants had long been used to: 

• Treat obesity 

• Alleviate asthma and other respiratory issues 

• Soothe neurological disorders 

• Contribute to the treatment of an array of other ailments 

Their popularity for medical use had since waned, however, as their 

potential for addiction and abuse became more evident. 


Adderall Abuse among College Students 

Adderall remains on the market as a drug for treating 

narcolepsy and ADHD, but its benefits for recreational 

use has not gone unnoticed, especially among the college 

crowd. 

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services 

Administration data from its 2006 to 2007 National 

Survey on Drug Use and Health indicates just how alluring 

Adderall can be for full-time college students. A total of 

6.4 percent of full-time students aged 18 to 22 had used 

Adderall non-medically over the past year. Full-time college 

students in that age range were more than twice as likely 

to use Adderall as people of the same age who were not 

attending college full time. 

Combining Adderall with alcohol is common, as is using 

Adderall with other drugs. Of the students who admitted 

to non-medical Adderall use, 79.9 percent said they used 

marijuana in the past year, 24.5 percent had abused 

prescription tranquilizers in the past year and 44.9 percent 

admitted to abusing prescription pain relievers. Cocaine use 

was also higher in the Adderall-abusing students, with 28.9 

percent saying they had used cocaine over the past year. 

Because it’s a stimulant, Adderall can be especially dangerous 

when mixed with other stimulants, such as cocaine. The 

combination can significantly increase the risk of stroke or 

heart attack. 


Adderall as a Party Drug 

An article in The Dartmouth outlined how college students abused the 

drug by crushing the pill and then snorting the powder. One student 

admitted to consuming up to 70 milligrams of Adderall throughout the 

all-night party, usually by initially snorting half of the drug and then 

waiting 30 minutes before snorting the other half. 

The particular student said he purchases the prescription drug from 

friends diagnosed with ADHD who have been prescribed the drug for 

medical use. He said the cost ranges from $5 to $15 per pill, with a single 

pill containing 10 to 20 milligrams of the medication. 

People who use Adderall recreationally prefer the fast-acting version 

of the drug for an instant and powerful high, although a slow-acting, 

12-hour formula is also on the market to help deter Adderall abuse. 

The Physical/Mental/Emotional 

Impact of the Drug 

The initial effects of Adderall can be an energized, upbeat and euphoric 

rush. Adderall and other stimulants produce that initial rush by 

increasing the brain’s levels of dopamine, which is a neurotransmitter 

linked to movement, attention and pleasure. 

When used medically, Adderall can start low and gradually increase 

the dopamine levels until they create a beneficial therapeutic effect. 

When taken non-medically, Adderall can often send the dopamine levels 

skyrocketing, resulting in the surge of euphoria. 

That surge of euphoria, however, typically comes with an irregular 

heartbeat and a body temperature high enough to reach dangerous 

levels. The increased stress on the cardiovascular system can result in 

heart failure or seizures. 


Long-Term Effects of Adderall Abuse 

Those who continue to abuse Adderall or take it in high doses or in the 

non-traditional manner of snorting it can suffer from its longer-term 

effects. These include: 

Anxiety | Paranoia | Hostility | Psychosis | Restlessness 

Irritability | Rapid speech | Insomnia | Weight loss 

Because taking Adderall in combination with alcohol increases people’s 

capacity for alcohol, they face a higher risk of alcohol poisoning or 

overdose. They may also find themselves hit with increased blood 

pressure and a severe case of the jitters. 

Statistics from the SAMHSA National Survey on Drug Use and Health 

indicated that 89.5 percent of the full-time college students who abused 

Adderall also admitted to binge drinking within the past month. More 

than 50 percent admitted to heavy alcohol use in general. 

Signs of Abuse and Addiction 

Those who cross the line from Adderall abuse to addiction are likely to 

experience a range of withdrawal symptoms which include: 

Increased appetite | Drastic changes in sleeping habits | Fatigue 

Depression | Extreme agitation | Slowing down of their functioning 

Adderall abuse can eventually lead to addiction, which is marked by the 

inability to stop using the drug despite the damage it may be causing. 

Adderall addiction can cause extensive damage, not only to a person’s 

physical and mental health but also to his or her relationships, performance 

and quality of life. 


Behavioral Changes 

Those who fall into the trap of Adderall addiction may exhibit behavioral 

changes, such as a sudden need for money to support a habit or stealing 

to attain the money. They may become secretive in an attempt to hide the 

drug or their use of it and obsessive about ensuring they have a steady 

supply of the drug on hand. 

As Adderall becomes more important in their life, other things may fall by 

the wayside. They may no longer indulge in certain hobbies, socialize with 

friends or otherwise engage in activities they used to enjoy. School work, 

job performance and overall appearance may begin to suffer. 

They may fall short on: 

• Tending to their responsibilities 

• Keeping appointments 

• Showing up each day where they’re 

supposed to be 

The Potential for Addiction, and 

Consequences of Adiction, for the Drug 

Due to Adderall’s ability to increase the brain’s dopamine levels 

and disrupt normal transmissions in the brain, even medical use 

of the drug can be habit forming. As Adderall use increases, its 

potential for addiction can increase, with the CDC reporting on 

some of the highest risk groups among high school students. 

Students admitted to non-medical use of 

Adderall or other prescription drugs, by ethnicity: 

23% 

17% 

12% 

High school seniors were at the highest risk 

age-wise, with reports of prescription drug 

abuse between grades: 

26% 

15% 

of white students 

of Hispanic students 

of Black Students 

of 12th graders 

of 9th graders 

Statistics from the 2009 National Youth Risk Behavior Survey 

showed the highest percentage of prescription drug abuse to be 

among white high school students. 


Increased Risk of Addiction 

Certain characteristics and environmental factors can also increase a 

person’s potential for developing an addiction to Adderall. Peer pressure 

can play a role in drug abuse and subsequent addiction, as can genetic 

factors. Mayo Clinic reports that a family history of addiction to alcohol or 

drugs can increase the risk of addiction for all family members. The risk is 

typically highest if a blood relative, such as brother, sister or parent, is the 

one suffering from addiction. 

Psychological issues can increase a person’s risk for addiction, especially 

if someone is suffering from depression or anxiety. Those diagnosed with 

other disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder or even ADHD, may 

find it is easier to become addicted to substances than those without any 

psychological problems. 

Loneliness can help prompt addiction when people turn to drugs as a 

way to alleviate uncomfortable or distressing emotions. Lack of family 

involvement can also play a role. Children who lack parental supervision 

and are largely left on their own have a higher risk of both encountering 

and abusing drugs. 


The Long-Term Effects and Recovery 

The consequences of Adderall addiction, or addiction to any drug, can 

include a wholesale decay of the body, mind and spirit. Physical and 

mental health can deteriorate, as can any hope for or faith in the future. A 

person’s world becomes extremely small in the throes of addiction, with 

the next hit or snort as the only thing that matters. 

The risk of death and addiction are always intertwined at some level. 

Death can come from a drug overdose, severe allergic reaction or fatal side 

effects. It can also occur through suicide when the mental anguish and 

despair of addiction simply becomes too much to bear. 

Recovery programs are always an option, with Adderall addiction often 

responding well to the same type of recovery programs used to treat 

other stimulants, such as cocaine and methamphetamine. NIDA reports 

that a number of behavioral therapies have been effective as part of an 

Adderall treatment plan, inclusive of cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, 

motivational management and 12-step facilitation.

Adderall - The Study Drug

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