Adderall Addiction

NEWS

Is Adderall Really Necessary?
April 25th, 2023

Is Adderall necessary? One may argue that Adderall is absolutely needed for individuals who are diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) defines criteria for ADHD as a pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning. One may think that Adderall is the only game in town for this disorder. Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder has been diagnosed at higher rates since the pandemic combined with manufacturing delays – we are at a national shortage. It is good to have a shortage and necessary to look at other alternatives to Adderall prescriptions. Adderall is not a safe drug and it is very commonly abused. Adderall is not necessary, abusing prescription drugs like Adderall is a social and national crisis and the blame is on the doctors who prescribe it carelessly. 

                                                                                                                                     Drugs.com: Adderall Pill Images 

 It’s a hot summer night, and the phone keeps ringing and beeping. My uncle is screaming on the phone that he is going to hurt himself. He has been accusing his girlfriend of cheating with several men and he is now stating if she doesn’t come right home he will kill himself. He is making such crazy and insane accusations and does not sound like he is in the right mind space. I jump in the car and meet my family who is with the police. 

    My thoughts were racing - this was not my Uncle. I just wanted it to stop and for everyone to be safe. He was saying such crazy and delusional things that I was just so confused about why he was acting the way he is. After hours of talking and negotiating with him, he calmed down, agreed to get the help that he needed and his Adderall was stopped immediately. A lot of people who abuse Adderall do not have this positive outcome, however. This is one of the many ways Adderall abuse affects individuals who abuse it. 

    The National Center for Drug Abuse reports "16 million Americans over the age of 12 abuse

prescriptions each year."

    Two million Americans are addicted to prescription medications. Prescription medication is prescribed by a medical doctor to help with specific medical issues. Prescriptions are the third most abused illegal substance after marijuana and cocaine. Commonly abused psychotherapeutic prescriptions are stimulants, benzodiazepines, and opioids categories. Adderall which is a stimulant is commonly abused as a study drug, weight loss drug, and even as a party drug.

  If doctors are aware of the likelihood of abuse and addiction to certain medications, why are they still prescribing these medications? Adderall is the most popular stimulant, prescribed for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).  When taken as prescribed and the dose level prescribed by a medical practitioner is accurate it can be effective.  Caron.org describes individuals with ADHD have lower levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine in their brains.  Lack of dopamine causes people with ADHD to consistently seek stimulation.  

    

    Adderall and other stimulants work by increasing dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine so that it brings the brain from overstimulation to a normal state of stimulation.  The person with ADHD can now focus and not fidget.  If someone uses Adderall or another stimulant and is not diagnosed with ADHD,  they will feel euphoria, increased wakefulness, decreased appetite, and improved ability to deal with stress.  Therefore teens, college students, and adults are very attracted to this drug and take it illegally. However Adderall is not only harmful to those who abuse it illegally, but it is also harmful to those who are prescribed it.

    Let's be mindful as to where “real” Adderall comes from, it is manufactured by Pharmaceutical Companies.  If someone hasn’t prescribed it themselves, they bought it, stole it, or were given it from someone who was prescribed it.  Whichever way we look at it – true Adderall at some point was prescribed by a medical doctor. Adderall is categorized as a Schedule II controlled substance which means there is a high risk of addiction and is regulated by the FDA and Drug Enforcement Administration which limit how many pills pharmacies can distribute.  

    Today there is a National Shortage of Adderall.  According to Hopkins, Caroline 2/6/2023, there has been a 15% increase in Adderall prescriptions since 2020. While having intermittent manufacturing delays, it has caused difficulties in getting the drug by those who are prescribed.  With the increase in ADHD diagnoses, and the increase of Adderall prescriptions so much, there is a national shortage, what do we really know about the effects of Adderall? Besides helping ADHD patients focus and have normal stimulation, what are other effects?

    

    Who knew Adderall Psychosis is a thing, who knew this “safe prescribed medication” could spiral into this state of psychosis, paranoia, and destruction of a family.  According to Caron.org side effects of Adderall are decreased appetite, sleeplessness, irregular heart rate, dry mouth, digestive problems, headaches, anxiety, depression, mood swings, suicidal thoughts, and increased risk of stroke or heart attack.  These side effects sound bad enough, yet no mention of psychosis. Cureus (2022) “Adderall-Induced Persistent Psychotic Disorder Managed with Long-Acting Injectable Haloperidol Decanoate” studied a 29-year-old male diagnosed with ADHD who took more than the prescribed amount, he presented with psychotic symptoms.  

   

     This article educates that Amphetamines (the main ingredient in Adderall) can mimic psychosis.  This article suggests there is an increasing trend of overdiagnosing ADHD and treatment with stimulants may explain the psychotic presentation in healthy individuals after prolonged use. They also recognize the increasing trend of non-medical use, obtained from family and friends contributes to the increase.  This study found that using Haloperidol Decanoate was successful in treating stimulant-induced psychosis, however, this should be studied further. Winwardway.com reports people who use Adderall are at risk of having a psychotic episode.  During an episode of Adderall psychosis symptoms may include  Paranoia, suspicion, anxiety, disorganization, and/or hallucinations.  It also states that anyone taking Adderall along with family and friends should know this is a possibility.

    There is an argument that Adderall helps many with their ADHD symptoms, they are able to focus and decrease impulsivity.  However, looking at the horrible effects of Adderall Psychosis and the increased chance of addiction, other medications and alternatives need to be considered.  Windwarway.com states that family members along with patients should be notified of the potential of Psychosis, this is not happening consistently or at all.  Studies have shown its abuse or prolonged use of Adderall can potentially cause psychosis. Now knowing diagnoses of ADHD have increased as well as prescriptions, Doctors need to prescribe alternatives to prescribing stimulant medication like Adderall.

    

                                    Identifying the Symptoms of Adderall Psychosis and Paranoia

    Drugwatch.com describes several alternatives to Adderall that show promise in reducing ADHD symptoms, which are non-stimulant medications such as Strattera, Intuniv, and Kapvay.  Some believe that mineral supplements such as iron, zinc, and magnesium may help reduce ADHD symptoms, however, more data is needed.  Studies also show vitamin B-6 increased mental focus and reduced aggressiveness and hyperactivity in children.  There are alternatives to prescribing Adderall, the medical community should be voicing alternative medications and studying mineral supplements, the risk of prescribing Adderall is too high. 

    Adderall psychosis caused this specific patient to be suicidal, homicidal, misuse a handgun, have employment issues, financial issues, drug abuse, and addiction, which are all major social issues that face this nation.  The overprescribing of Adderall needs to stop at the medical level for change to happen.