Adderall is a prescription medication containing amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. It is approved to treat ADHD and narcolepsy, though it may be prescribed off-label for other reasons as well. As a Schedule II controlled substance, Adderall has a high potential for abuse. It is most commonly abused by high school and college kids as a study aid or performance enhancer. Awareness about the nature of Adderall abuse in kids allows parents to identify problems earlier so intervention can occur.
Signs and Symptoms
Adderall is a psychostimulant from the amphetamine family. It speeds bodily functions like heart rate and breathing while increasing mental focus, making it useful for managing symptoms of ADHD.
Signs of Adderall abuse may not always be obvious at first. When they do occur, they may include excessive talkativeness, insomnia, irritability, sweating and psychosis. Appetite loss is also common, leading many Adderall users to lose weight as a result of not eating.
Effects
Adderall affects the brain by stimulating the production of dopamine--a neurotransmitter responsible for energy and motivation. Other side effects of Adderall that may be perceived as pleasurable include improved mental focus, decreased appetite and reduced need for sleep.
While reasons for Adderall abuse vary, kids frequently abuse it as a weight loss aid or study drug. According to E Med TV, weight loss is common in Adderall users, occurring in 9 percent of teenagers and 4 percent of children. Appetite loss is even more common, with roughly 36 percent of kids and teens reporting this side effect. Other reasons for Adderall abuse include the desire to enhance athletic performance and to achieve a "high" or altered state of consciousness.
Health Risks
Cardiovascular problems, neurological disturbances and addiction are among the many risks of abusing Adderall. According to the Drugs website, stimulants like Adderall have been known to cause sudden death in children with undiagnosed heart problems. While rare, serious side effects of Adderall include seizure, heart attack or stroke, hallucinations, severe weight loss and slowed growth in children and adolescents.
Psychological addiction is a major concern with Adderall and drugs like it. People who abuse stimulants may develop a psychological dependence on them due to their effects on mood and energy.
Prevention/Solution
Learning to recognize the signs of Adderall abuse is imperative for preventing complications like addiction. Close parental supervision in conjunction with regular discussions about the dangers of drug misuse gives parents and caregivers an advantage in the fight against drug abuse. Keeping Adderall and other prescription medications in a safe place out of the reach of kids and teens is also vital for preventing abuse.
Considerations
When taken as prescribed, Adderall is unlikely to trigger abuse and addiction in kids and teens. Parents whose children are prescribed Adderall should administer the daily doses themselves and monitor the amount in the bottle to ensure that the drug is not being taken improperly.
