Adderall Addiction In California
This amphetamine prescription medicine is widely used for treating narcolepsy (being sleepy during daytime) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) among children and adults. However, a lot of teens and adults are misusing and abusing this drug for recreational and non-medical function.
In this read, we are going to tackle the status of Adderall Addiction in California and other parts of the U.S. Likewise, we are going to touch on the signs, side effects, withdrawal symptoms, and other relevant topics about Adderall abuse.
If you or your loved one is addicted to this substance, then it’s about time to undergo treatment from a reliable rehab center. Continue reading to learn more.
Illegal Use of Adderall and Amphetamine Medicines in the Streets
In the streets and campuses, they use a different name for this drug to hide its real identity. Some of these street names include study drug, cramming drugs, and kiddy coke.
Besides Adderall, Ritalin (or methylphenidate) is also another amphetamine prescription drug abused by teens and adults, which also gives the same impact. The street names of Ritalin include the following: Skippy, Vitamin R, the Smart Drug, Poor Man’s Cocaine, Smarties, R ball, and West Coast.
The price of this drug in pharmacies is just $0.50 for one pill, yet if you buy this on the street, then it costs around $3 to $15 per pill. Likewise, it’s mostly the high school and college students who abuse this medicine, especially when they are preparing for an exam or finishing a school project.
Prevalence of Adderall Addiction in California and the United States
In general, the population who commonly misuse and abuse this prescription stimulant are the tech workers and students in California. Below are some statistical data that shows the prevalence of Adderall abuse in the area.
- The annual rate of Adderall misuse is around 4% and it’s mostly done by students and young adults.
- From 1990 to 2000, there was a five times increase in amphetamine medicine abuse in the United States.
- The yearly rate (from 2001 to 2004) of stimulant abuse for the 8th, 10th, and 12th graders is 2.7%, 4.3%, and 4.5% respectively.
- From 2006 to 2016, there was a 5 times increase in amphetamine abuse in the U.S.
- There is a 6% increment of amphetamine abuse for the municipalities in the U.S.
- Around 5% of the abusers are college students while 9% are college graduates.
- The age group of 16 to 24 is reported to have the highest prevalence of amphetamine abuse.
- Male students and young adults are the ones mostly abusing this medicine
High Incidence of Adderall Abuse Among Tech Employees in California
The intense competition and high expectations among computer programmers and IT personnel in Silicon Valley push them to abuse amphetamine and methylphenidate prescription drugs in the market.
They see this as far less evil than using illicit stimulants like cocaine, meth, and heroin. Also, they can readily buy supplies from pharmacies, colleagues, and in the streets. They also feel no fear and anxiety of having their supplies seen by other people since it is a prescribed medicine.
With this culture running in Silicon Valley and other IT industries, it will be daunting to mitigate Adderall misuse and abuse among IT workers. Several medical practitioners and clinics are doing their best to educate these people and adolescents regarding the ill effects of Adderall dependence and addiction.
If you know someone who is abusing this amphetamine medicine, it is best to slowly intervene with his unhealthy habit. Likewise, convince him to consult with a doctor or addiction specialist for a suitable treatment plan.
Signs That You Are Addicted to Adderall
For the addict, he can’t realize that he is addicted or dependent on this prescription medicine. Consequently, he thinks that he is doing the right thing because he is just using it for medication.
With that, it is best to intervene with your loved one or colleague suffering from Adderall abuse so that he will realize his condition and the need to undergo treatment. Below are some common signs that a person is addicted to this stimulant.
- “Doctor Shopping” or getting prescriptions from multiple doctors to have ample supplies of the drug
- Using other people’s prescription bottle to purchase this medicine
- Having a secretive behavior of possessing and using this stimulant
- Uncontrolled craving for taking this substance to feel good
- Mixing alcohol and other substances while medicating with this stimulant
- Snorting, smoking or injecting this drug
If you observe two or three of these signs, then it’s a strong indication that you or your family member is an addict to this drug. In that case, talk with your family and plan to have an intervention with your addicted loved one to convince him to undergo rehab.
Inpatient or Outpatient Rehab Treatment Programs for Adderall Abuse
When you plan to go into rehab, you have two main options for treatment: inpatient and outpatient recovery program. Choosing which one will depend on your capacity, severity of the addiction, and your doctor’s advice based on the evaluation.
For Moderate to Severe Addiction, go for Inpatient Program.
It is a suitable choice to go for inpatient treatment when you have moderate to severe substance use disorder (SUD), because of its controlled environment and 24/7 medical support.
The intensive care service when you are inside the rehab will ensure your efficient recovery and avoidance of relapse. Likewise, you will receive 24-hour medical supervision in case your withdrawal symptoms are acute and painful.
Outpatient Program for Less Serious Addiction
It is a good choice if your substance abuse is just light and manageable. With that, you get to stay inside your original house and community, but you will be attending regular counseling sessions with your designated counselor or physician.
Also, you need to religiously abide by your prescription to alleviate any withdrawal and side effects from using Adderall. You will also have a periodic assessment with your assigned doctor for checking on your recovery status.
Seek Medical Help Today
For you or your loved ones to effectively recover from Adderall Addiction, talk to a licensed doctor or addiction specialist today. They will give you a customized recovery treatment plan to combat your substance abuse.