Each year, more college students are diagnosed with mental health conditions such as bipolar disorder and attention deficit disorder. This grants them access to medications such as Vyvanse, Ritalin, and Adderall. Of all these medications, Adderall is the most popular and the most addictive. Adderall abuse has skyrocketed, leading to more college students seeking help at addiction treatment centers in Georgia.
One of the main reasons why Adderall is so popular is that college students can use it to improve their focus and boost their energy. As a result, Adderall is among other stimulants that are now referred to as study drugs. These types of stimulants are accessible via a doctor’s prescription. However, many college students in substance abuse treatment programs report getting Adderall from friends or on the streets.
What Is Adderall?
Adderall is a brand name for a stimulant that contains two types of drugs: dextroamphetamine and amphetamine. Both drugs are synthetic and act on the brain and central nervous system. When a person takes Adderall, the drug activates brain receptors such as norepinephrine and dopamine. This reaction gives the user more energy and makes them feel alive. It also improves focus.
However, Adderall does not intrinsically improve academic performance. A student who takes Adderall will not become smarter or more intellectual. What improves their performance is their ability to stay awake in class or while studying. For some college students, Adderall is the equivalent of a triple dose of caffeine. For others, it is a mood enhancer.
Signs of Adderall Abuse
A parent who doesn’t see their child but once or twice a semester may not know the student is abusing study drugs. An intervention typically occurs when concerned friends or the school administration convinces the user to visit a local drug addiction treatment center to get clean. Some of the most common signs of Adderall abuse include:
- Drastic and dangerous lifestyle changes
- Extreme mood swings
- Missing class or academic performance
- Engaging in illegal activity to obtain the drug
- Ongoing health problems or an overdose
Adderall abuse does not necessarily look the same as marijuana, heroin, or cocaine abuse. Part of the reason others may not notice Adderall abuse is because of the stigma of the drug. Most people do not realize that Adderall is dangerous because it is a prescription drug. Students who have prescriptions are expected to use the drug. So, someone who uses it all the time can easily disguise substance abuse.
Staging an Intervention for Substance Abuse
If you suspect that a friend or family member is abusing Adderall, you need to stage an intervention before they suffer from an overdose or other health problems. While staging an intervention is never easy, it is possible to help someone with a little planning and help.
First, contact a treatment professional at a prescription drug addiction treatment center who can guide you through the intervention and provide professional support. Next, gather some friends or family who can rally around you as you approach the person. Make sure that you are calm and gentle when you intervene. Do not yell or use combative language. Also, make sure that you are in an isolated area and that the person is sober when you talk to them.
Get Help for Substance Abuse at Georgia Addiction Treatment Center
If you or a loved one in college is struggling with Adderall abuse, now is the time to get help for your condition. Georgia Addiction Treatment Center has everything you need to combat substance abuse and get on the road to recovery. Contact Georgia Addiction Treatment Center at [Direct] to get started with your treatment program.
