As sports fans continue to debate the recent downfall of cycling champ Lance Armstrong amid ongoing doping allegations, other professional athletes are more aware than ever of the ramifications of taking something that could help in the moment but hurt their long-term career.
Adderall is one the most buzzed about substances lately, with New York Giants safety Tyler Sash taking to Twitter to defend his use of the medication for anxiety during the 2012 off-season. Other players have also been called out for using the stimulant, banned by the league and cited as cause for suspension.
Despite the dangers BuzzFeed recently reported that those inside college and pro football are aware of Adderall’s rep for quelling anxiety, improving concentration (that playbook doesn’t memorize itself), blocking out excess noise on the field, dropping weight and improving speed. It’s also legal. What you don’t hear about is how others use it as a party enhancer, enabling the night to seemingly never end.
Whatever the reason for using it, NFL players are using it. But now with the use of banned substances being such a hot topic, everyone is one the alert. Some players and agents claim confusion over the use of banned substances when they’re prescribed legally for a purpose that doesn't have to do with enhancing performance. Many who get caught say they simply failed to get an exemption, but Adderall has been on the NFL's banned list of substances since 2006. The NFLPA issues a handbook to players each year with an updated list of banned substances, which is also available on their website.
While there is room for honest mistakes in a world where supplements and powders available at your local health food store could get a player suspended, there’s also abuse. One college player talked to BuzzFeed about sharing his ADHD meds with teammates, even having some students approach him about paying him to procure additional Adderall. As leagues crackdown on the misuse and abuse of Adderall, it just means another drug will pop up in its place.
Adderall Abuse Help at La Paloma
If you or someone you love needs treatment for Adderall or other prescription drug abuse, call La Paloma at the toll-free number on our homepage. Someone is there to take your call 24 hours a day and answer any questions you have about treatment, financing or insurance.
