5 Things You Need to Know About ADHD Medication Misuse

1. Watch Out for Addiction!

Certain ADHD medications are misused and abused due to their effects when taken in higher than prescribed amounts. ADHD meds that contain methylphenidate and amphetamine have the ability to stimulate a person's central nervous system. Brand names of these drugs include Ritalin and Adderall. If taken at a normal dose, they can help a person with ADHD concentrate better and calm down. However, if a high dose is taken or the drug is mixed with alcohol, you can get a high feeling. As misuse continues, the person may start to increase their dosage even more or start binge usage of the ADHD drugs. A person who misuses ADHD meds may take them orally, snort the crushed pills or inject them via needles.

2. Misuse Is Dangerous

Many abusers of ADHD drugs are under the false impression that because it's a prescription medication, it doesn't pose a serious threat. As a matter of fact, misuse of ADHD meds is a very serious and dangerous problem. When you take high doses of ADHD drugs, you could experience a variety of serious side effects. You may have tremors, agitation, palpitations and high blood pressure. The mental side effects are much more serious. Misusing ADHD drugs often leads to incidences of psychotic episodes. The person may suffer delusions, paranoia and hallucinations.

3. Symptoms of a Problem

If you're a parent and you suspect ADHD medication misuse, watch for certain behaviors to determine if your child has a problem. Kids who misuse ADHD drugs often appear withdrawn and tired. They may also develop a hostile attitude and suffer bouts of depression. Their relationships with friends and family members may seem strained. Also, carefully monitor the number of ADHD pills in the household and note if any pills start to go missing.

4. Who's at Risk?

Most people that misuse ADHD medications are young. Cases of ADHD drug abuse can start as young as middle-school-age children and extend to college-age young adults. During high school and college, tendencies to misuse ADHD medications are at the highest. Students may take the drugs to get a high feeling or help them stay awake to party or study for exams. However, adults can misuse their children's ADHD meds as well.

5. ADHD Meds Are Relatively Safe

Many parents fear that giving their child ADHD medications puts them at risk for later developing an addiction to the drug. This is not always the case. People diagnosed with ADHD can benefit from the proper dosage of the medicine. Actually, studies conducted have shown that proper use of ADHD medications can actually decrease the likeliness of future drug addiction.