A drug often taken to address a real need is now threatening to become the next dangerous drug epidemic. Adderall, most commonly prescribed to treat attention deficit attention disorder (ADHD), is causing users to become addicted and, in some cases, graduate to stronger, more illicit drugs such as methamphetamine.
Prescription stimulants were abused by 3.9 million people last year, according to the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. An estimated 1,000 youth die each year from an overdose of a psychostimulant, such as Adderall. In 2022, the FDA announced a shortage of Adderall and its generic versions due partly to increased demand.
In Alabama, addiction experts and law enforcement are working overtime to avoid an epidemic.
AltaPointe deputy chief medical officer Dr. Luke Engeriser confirmed people are being treated for Adderall addiction in Alabama. He said for those prescribed the medication for ADHD, the amphetamine can help calm and focus a patient. He said it allows ADHD patients to engage in tasks.
However, for those who do not have ADHD and take Adderall, it has the opposite effect, making the person feel overstimulated or anxious.
"They may feel like they can kind of multitask, but they're actually less focused than if they weren't taking the medication," Engeriser said.
While it can help those without ADHD stay up all night, for instance, to study for a test, Engeriser said it is better to stick to the old-fashioned way.
"It's very hard to fall asleep if you've just taken Adderall," he said. "So. that will help somebody to stay awake, but it's probably not going to be really effective study time. So, it would have been much, much better for that person to have just spent the appropriate time every day while they were fully awake without any chemicals on board."
Adderall also causes a massive release of dopamine, giving a feeling of satisfaction. That can lead to misuse and addiction.
Doctors are ultimately responsible for ensuring patients are prescribed the correct medicine for them. Experts recommend checking a patient's family history of addiction before prescribing and monitoring for changes.
DEA special agent in charge Steven Hofer told 1819 News many people who are unable to get a prescription are getting counterfeit pills from social media platforms. The drugs are often illegally manufactured and contain unknown amounts of more dangerous drugs, such as fentanyl.
"What we are finding in the DEA is the number one threat on how people become addicted is because these are not legitimate pharmaceutical pills and what we found in the DEA last year was that of the 80 million fake pills that we seized all over the country, seven out of 10 of them contained a potential lethal dose amount of fentanyl in them," Hofer explained.
The clandestine fentanyl found in most counterfeit pills is produced primarily by the Sinaloa Cartel and the Jalisco New Generation Cartel in Mexico. Hofer said the purpose is to make money, no matter how many Americans are killed.
As the nation continues to suffer from the opioid epidemic, Engeriser says progress is being made, and we are finally seeing a decrease in opioid-related deaths. However, stimulant-related overdose deaths, particularly from methamphetamine and cocaine but also some from Adderall, are on the rise.
"Unfortunately, these things kind of come in waves, and it seems like we're kind of going up a methamphetamine wave right now," he said.
Signs of addiction to stimulants include a change in personality, mood swings, irritability, isolation and neglecting responsibilities. Stimulants can cause quick anger, agitation and even sudden euphoric feelings. Particularly with Adderall, users can experience psychotic symptoms like delusions or hallucinations. Physical effects can be increased heart rate, blood pressure and sweating.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email erica.thomas@1819news.com.
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