You may have heard about the growing, nationwide Adderall shortage in the news recently and wondered why this shortage is so debilitating to the daily life of those with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Adderall is the brand name for amphetamine/dextroamphetamine, which is a type of drug that is used to treat ADHD, which affects 10.2% of children (aged 2-17) in Kansas, 62% of whom take ADHD medication.
Adderall is a drug that stimulates the brain and can help increase your ability to stay focused and control behavior problems. It is chemically related to methamphetamine, but they are distinct drugs with different side effects and potency. Adderall comes with the potential for abuse and addiction largely because of its stimulant quality; it works by increasing dopamine (the pleasure-seeking chemical) and norepinephrine (a neurotransmitter that helps transmit nerve signals) levels in the brain. The dopamine and norepinephrine release makes it easy to use Adderall and can make people feel dependent on the drug.
Adderall provides an opportunity for substance abuse because it is often perceived with minimal risk and has never been easier to access during the COVID-19 pandemic. Loosened restrictions from the DEA, startup companies like Cerebral and Done acting as alternatives to in-office therapy visits with fierce marketing on TikTok, and the rise of medical information and misinformation being spread on TikTok have all led to easier accessibility and more people self-diagnosing themselves with ADHD.
It is important to know the signs of Adderall misuse, which can include:
- Taking more than the recommended and/or prescribed dose of Adderall
- Mixing the drug with other substances, like alcohol or caffeine
- Injecting and/or snorting the drug
- Feeling unable to meet deadlines or complete work without taking the drug
- Persistently spending time and energy seeking out the drug
- Withdrawing from professional, academic, or social obligations
- Doctor shopping (visiting multiple healthcare providers to obtain more drugs)
- Unusual mood swings, including strong feelings of aggression, mania, grandiosity, restlessness or excessive tiredness
Adderall can still be addictive despite using it to treat ADHD. However, if Adderall is monitored and moderated over time by a medical professional and taken as prescribed to treat ADHD, it is less likely to result in misuse. If you or someone you know requires assistance with their substance use problem, please call Johnson County Mental Health Center at 913-826-4200 to schedule an assessment. Also, if you are struggling due to the Adderall shortage, we’re here for you at 913-268-0156.
