Adderall Abuse on the Rise among U.S. Teenagers
More and more teenagers and young adults are becoming addicted to Adderall, according to recently released data from a survey funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
Monitoring the Future (MTF) is an ongoing study of the behaviors, attitudes and values of U.S. students and young adults. The recent MTF survey data, which was collected from nearly 45,000 high school students at 382 schools throughout the country, indicates that prescription drug abuse is on the rise among U.S. teens, with Adderall use, and subsequent abuse, becoming a particular problem. The study shows that 7.5 percent of high school seniors used the drug in 2014, representing one of the highest figures for use of any drug, whether legally prescribed or illegally obtained.
Worse yet, the numbers are headed in the wrong direction: Adderall use by U.S. high school seniors has gone up for the last two years. The continued rise in Adderall use among teenagers is especially alarming to public health officials because federal lawmakers have made it a priority in the past few years to fight prescription drug abuse.
Although many teenagers are prescribed Adderall in order to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or narcolepsy, young people are also using the amphetamine as a study aid because it increases their ability to concentrate and stay awake. Beyond that, some teenagers are abusing Adderall by taking it in combination with alcohol, marijuana or other drugs so that they can amplify their “high.”
Dr. Nora Volkow, director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, said that roughly 80 percent of teens who use Adderall are obtaining the pills from someone other than a doctor. This means that many of the teenagers who are using Adderall are also committing prescription fraud.
Even when Adderall is legally prescribed by a doctor, it can present problems for teenagers who end up becoming addicted. The side effects of Adderall abuse include higher blood pressure and an increased risk of heart attack. The drug can also worsen the effects of depression, bipolar disorder and other mood disorders. In the worst cases, an Adderall overdose can result in death.
For more information about the rising use of Adderall by teenagers, read the AOL.com article, “Adderall Still Abused by Many Teens, Survey Shows.”
If you or a loved one has been charged with prescription drug possession, marijuana possession or any other drug crime in New Jersey, it is imperative that you talk to a skilled criminal defense lawyer immediately. The experienced South Jersey criminal defense attorneys at the Law Offices of John W. Tumelty will fight your drug charges and help you avoid the most severe penalties. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation about your case.
