Some teens use unprescribed Adderall to stay awake

By Staff Writer

Addiction experts are concerned that young people are replacing caffeine with Adderall pills in an effort to accomplish more school work.

The Daily Californian reports that Adderall, a stimulant medication that is commonly prescribed to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), is used by some individuals in an effort to stay up all night. Some students also mix it with alcohol in hopes of enhancing their inebriation.

The National Institute of Health warns that the drug can be habit-forming. In addition, officials at the University of California Berkeley School of Public Health said that Adderall can present immediate dangers to the user if not taken in controlled doses or if mixed with other substances.

Adderall is fairly easy for students to attain because many kids are prescribed the medication for ADHD. A college freshman told the news provider that the drug is sold for about $5 per pill. Officials are concerned that individuals who are not familiar with Adderall's effects are taking the medication in uncontrolled doses. Those who have learning disabilities typically are prescribed small doses at the beginning of their treatment.

According to DrugFree.org, nearly one in five teens have abused prescription medication in an attempt to get high.