Prescription stimulants, specifically, medications like Adderall and Ritalin that are used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), When used as prescribed, these medications are generally considered to be both safe and effective. Researchers and addiction professionals, however, have been growing concerned that many people are not using the medications as prescribed. A recent study confirms that their concern is not unfounded.
In the study, researchers surveyed 616 students enrolled in Ivy League colleges. Though none of the study participants were diagnosed with ADHD, nearly 20% of respondents admitted to using ADHD medication to enhance their academic performance. This is particularly concerning as approximately 1 in 5 prescription stimulant overdoses are thought to involve the misuse or abuse of ADHD medications.
Substance addiction is a progressive disease; the longer the addict goes without proper medical, the stronger the addiction will grow and the more difficult it will be to treat in the future. If you are concerned that you or someone you love may be developing an addiction to prescription stimulants you should speak with a certified addiction treatment specialist at the earliest opportunity.
The Asana Recovery Center offers a supervised detoxification and residential treatment program designed to help those suffering from any stage of substance addiction. Call us at (949) 438-4504 to learn more about our inspiring facilities and find out if your drug and alcohol addiction treatment program is right for you.
