An increasing number of college students around the country are struggling with Adderall addiction. Adderall is a drug prescribed for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (A.D.H.D.). Many of these students do not possess a prescription for the drug. They are simply obtaining the Adderall from other students or friends.
The drug, rumored to “increase concentration” is quickly becoming the drug of choice for students who think it can help them with their studies. To the many who have tried it, the drug not only causes many side effects, but also is highly addictive. Those obtaining the drug without a prescription are also breaking the law and harming their bodies. Possession of a single Adderall pill is a crime, but nevertheless finding the drug on any college campus is a simple task.Trey, a Narconon Graduate, shares his experience with Adderall and how it sent him on a downward spiral towards drug addiction.
“I started taking Adderall in high school to help me prepare for the A.C.T.,” said Trey. “I was totally against the use of drugs and did not realize I was doing anything wrong by taking the Adderall. Because it was prescribed by a doctor, I overlooked the fact that I had started abusing it.”
Trey is just one of many who have fallen into the trap of Adderall addiction. Experts reveal that more and more students are following this trend. Although most do not habitually use any illicit drug, they will allow themselves to get involved with drugs such as Ritalin or Adderall because they think it will help them with their studies and because they are being prescribed to others.
“By the end of my first semester of college, I was hooked on Adderall and taking it every day,” said Trey. “I was unable to study or even get out of bed without the drug, and I did not have a prescription, so I spent all my graduation money buying Adderall from other students.”
“The Adderall would keep me up for days, and if I did not take it I would feel tired and depressed,” he adds.Adderall causes similar “highs” and withdrawals as several illicit stimulants, such as cocaine or methamphetamine. In fact, some methamphetamine addicts use Adderall as a substitute method to quit meth, similar to heroin addicts that abuse methadone.
“After a year of buying Adderall, I finally decided that I could get my own prescription,” said Trey. “I convinced myself and a doctor that I had A.D.H.D. Things got really out of control after that.”
Dr. Robert A. Winfield, director of University Health Service at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, sees a growing number of students who falsely claim to be A.D.H.D. so they can get a prescription. At least once a week, a jittery, frightened, sleep-deprived student who has taken too many pills for too many days shows up at his office. "Things have really gotten out of hand in the last four to five years," he said. "Students have become convinced that this will help them achieve academic success."
When Trey had finished a month’s supply of Adderall in one week he knew that he had a real problem. “I had become so addicted to Adderall that when I was withdrawing from it, I started experimenting with other drugs like Oxy Contin to help me feel better. I then became addicted to Oxy Contin and Adderall for about 5 years until I found Narconon Arrowhead.”Narconon is one of the largest and most successful drug rehabilitation programs in the world and, with a 70% success rate, has helped thousands of addicts find permanent sobriety.
“Narconon Arrowhead taught me the true dangers of drug use and addiction,” said Trey. “I have been free from all drug use, including prescription drugs, for well over a year now.”
“I urge anyone who thinks they may have a problem with Adderall to give the counselors at Narconon a call, and they can help bring you clarity,” he adds.
For more information on how Narconon can help you or someone you know who is struggling with an Adderall addiction or any other drug addiction, contact Narconon Arrowhead today at 800-468-6933.