ADHD Drugs & What We’ll Do to Get Them

Just like athletes who claim they have to use performance enhancing drugs to stay competitive, top students are feeling the pressure to seek out ADHD drugs to increase their concentration and focus while studying.

It’s sad but true. College and graduate students – as well as some high schoolers! – are feeling the pressure to drug themselves in order to achieve the grades they think they need. As a result, they’re turning to black market Adderall and Ritalin, hitting up friends with legitimate prescription drugs or faking ADHD symptoms to get their own pills. But parents and students should be warned, this isn’t like borrowing an aspirin from your suitemate. These are powerful drugs that can become addictive when misused.

A recent study in the journal The Clinical Neuropsychologist even found that more than one in five adult participants in an ADHD study faked or exaggerated symptoms to make sure they were diagnosed with the disorder.

Some of those study participants may have legitimately believed they had ADHD, but other issues like depression, anxiety or even lack of sleep can mimic ADHD symptoms.

The Dangers of Taking Someone Else’s Prescription Meds

ADHD drugs are in demand because they work. They really do help sharpen concentration -- and provide an inexpensive high. But as with most drugs, there are negatives as well. Taking a drug that is not prescribed for you and is not consumed under a doctor’s care can be problematic.

The medications appear to work by stimulating the brain, boosting levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, chemicals associated with attention and behavior, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. In people with ADHD, these drugs have a calming effect. However, in people without the disorder, the drugs can be dangerous.

Prescription Meds Rehab

If you or someone you love is battling an addiction or co-occurring disorder, call The Canyon at our toll-free number. Someone is there to take your call 24 hours a day and answer any questions you have about treatment, financing or insurance.