Frequently abused drug on campus

Do you know a child who uses the drug Adderall? It is prescribed for the treatment of ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity) in children and adults and narcolepsy in adults.
What we know now is the very unfortunate fact that Adderall is highly abused by students, especially those in colleges and universities, to keep them awake and to get high. Adderall is a psycho-stimulant that increases dopamine and nor-epinephrine levels in your brain. Usually started as a very small dose, the dose is increased gradually. It provides the user with more energy, increases the sex desire and is also used as a weight loss drug.

Sounds like the ideal when viewed by students, doesn’t it? However, the positive effects are short lived and the side effects are serious. In fact, users are gambling with their lives.
Here’s the kicker: While obviously used as a performance drug, it can be purchased easily without a prescription. Parents and teachers praise children for high test scores, high achievement and the unending cycle could end in abuse, addiction and even a fatal overdose.
Check out next week’s tip to continue the information on Adderall.
Zari Alipour, Ph.D.

Making Wise Choices in a Disruptive Age
www.SavingourYoung.org
www.SavingourYoung.com
www.DrZari.com

Zari@DrZari.com

310-849-4680

Dr. Zari is a psychologist for adolescents and adults. She teaches adolescents how to make decisions that are in their best interests and empowers teachers, counselors and parents with the words and accountability tools that reinforce healthy choices.