Adderall Abuse

How Is Adderall Abused?

There are many ways that Adderall is abused. While some people abuse Adderall by taking it the way it was designed to be taken (by mouth), others may inject, smoke, or snort Adderall.

 

Because Adderall is so commonly prescribed, it is usually not difficult to find ways to obtain Adderall illegally. People often use the Internet to get Adderall illegally.

 

The History Behind Stimulants and Their Abuse

Historically, stimulants were used to treat asthma and other breathing problems; obesity; neurological disorders; and a variety of other ailments. As their potential for abuse and addiction became apparent, the use of stimulants began to decrease. Now, stimulants are prescribed for treating only a few health conditions, including narcolepsy, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and depression that has not responded to other treatments. Stimulants may also be used for short-term treatment of obesity and for patients with asthma.

 

Stimulants such as dextroamphetamine (which is one of the active ingredients in Adderall and Adderall XR) and methylphenidate (Ritalin) have chemical structures that are similar to key brain neurotransmitters called monoamines, which include norepinephrine and dopamine. Stimulants increase the levels of these chemicals in the brain and body. This, in turn, increases blood pressure and heart rate, constricts blood vessels, increases blood sugar levels, and opens up the pathways of the respiratory system. In addition, the increase in dopamine is associated with a sense of euphoria that can accompany the use of stimulants.

 

Research indicates that people with ADHD do not become addicted to stimulant medications, such as Adderall, when taken in the form and dosage prescribed. However, when misused, stimulants can be addictive.