Adderall: The New Cocaine

With school back in session, many students across the country will be flocking to libraries and study halls to memorize material and cram for tests. Those difficult course loads often leave students looking for that extra pick-me-up to keep them going.

Enter Adderall.

Adderall is a ‘study drug’ used to treat ADHD and, in some cases, narcolepsy. For people who suffer from those disorders the drug is a great way to stay focused and complete whatever tasks they need to finish.

However, many college students have begun turning the prescription study drug into a party drug. The increase in Adderall abuse has gotten so bad that addictioncenter.com estimates 30% of all college students are using stimulants such as Adderall, Ritalin, or Vyvanse (other amphetamines used to treat the same disorders).

While the abuse of Adderall is an issue in and of itself, the real problem occurs when it is used in a party setting - especially when it is snorted.  When snorted, Adderall has similar reactions in the body to the more commonly known party drug cocaine.

Adderall can cause adverse effects such as rapid heart rate, psychosis, unusual change in behavior, and even cardiac arrest. Snorting the drug allows it to enter the system more quickly, but leaves the user with increased risks of overdose and damage to the nasal passage.

Many users of the drug in a party setting claim that it simply, “sobers you up”. Perhaps that is reason why addictioncenter.com reported that nearly 90% of college students who abuse Adderall also report participating in binge drinking.

The rise of Adderall as a party drug has shown no signs of stopping in recent past. With more and more students receiving prescriptions it seems as though it that the trend will only continue.

But, the question still remains: is that ‘sober’ feeling at a party really worth it?