In 2018, a stimulant epidemic has begun to emerge. According to these drug forecasting experts, stimulant abuse is surging across the country as cheap prescriptions like Adderall and Ritalin are becoming more accessible. So far, many new users are chasing the Adderall high brought on by prescription abuse. Yet, this issue has not been receiving the attention that it should be. In fact, according to John Eadie of the National Emerging Threat Initiative: “No one is paying attention to this. We’re now facing a very significant stimulant epidemic.”
What Is An Adderall High?
Adderall is a drug that both adults and children can use to treat ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). Generally, it is only available through a prescription. Its intended purpose is to increase focus, build better concentration, and control impulsive behavior. However, like most other prescription drugs, Adderall has the potential for abuse. Still, how exactly does Adderall produce a “high”? People who abuse their prescriptions for an Adderall high will experience high levels of energy, increased concentration, and even euphoria. In fact, many Adderall users are college students who abuse the drug to stay awake and focused for long periods of time.
Risks Of An Adderall High
While the effects of an Adderall high may seem harmless, they can be much more intense if users take altered versions of the drug. Most forms of Adderall are designed to break down slowly for an “extended release” over time. However, other forms might carry a more immediate absorption rate. Typically, users will favor “immediate release” forms of Adderall to get high. Some users even resort to snorting and injecting Adderall to achieve an instant high. In any case, Adderall abuse comes with serious risks.
The comedown of an Adderall high is notably similar to that of a cocaine high. The symptoms brought on by coming down from an Adderall high may include bouts of depression, anxiety, and even psychosis. To further complicate the issue, there is no definitive way of measuring what dosage will produce an Adderall high. After all, a certain dosage that affects one person may not affect another in the same way. It’s also important to note that someone without ADHD is highly likely to be more easily affected by the drug, even in lower doses. This obscurity of dosages makes Adderall especially dangerous for anyone who abuses it.
The comedown symptoms are not the only risks associated with Adderall abuse. In fact, the long-term health risks of Adderall abuse include addiction, cardiovascular distress and, in some cases, sudden death. This is why it’s important to avoid or get help for Adderall abuse. It’s illegal, dangerous, and more life-threatening than most people seem to realize.
The Adderall Epidemic vs. The Opioid Crisis
Recent data from government surveys on drug use shows that stimulant abuse on the rise. In some instances, it even outpaces opioid abuse. While people who take stimulants generally crave a different kind of high than those who abuse opioids, there is some overlap. In fact, people who are addicted to opioids— a substance that depresses the nervous system— may also turn to stimulants to in an attempt to function. This rising Adderall epidemic could not have come at a worse time; especially since the general public is still combatting the opioid crisis. Even though opioid abuse still accounts for the most drug overdose deaths in the U.S., the number of deaths resulting from an Adderall high is not far behind.
If you have any more questions about Adderall or addiction in general, contact Lumiere Healing Centers today at 513-909-2225.
