Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, has affected over six million children (aged 2-17) in the United States. ADHD is often characterized by impulsive behavior, a difficulty in retaining focus and excessive activity. To combat these symptoms, pharmaceutical scientists developed Adderall, a stimulant most commonly known as the first-choice treatment option for ADHD today.
“When I’m doing things with people I jump to conclusions a lot less — I’m a lot more, ‘let’s communicate, let’s slow down,’’’ said sophomore Asher Bode, who has been prescribed Adderall for her ADHD. “When I’m not on my medications, I can be a lot more direct, [and it’s] a lot easier to get on my nerves.”
Unfortunately, because of its capacity to boost focus, some are tempted to use Adderall without a prescription, especially during times of stress or anxiety. Because of this, Adderall is sometimes known as “the study drug.”
“I can think of quite a few reasons [that people will use Adderall without a prescription] especially at Aragon, which is known for being an academically-focused school,” said junior Sam Gulchin. “Or I can see people being pressured into it. But it’s important to realize that people with ADHD brains are wired differently… Adderall and all these other stimulants affect people without ADHD differently, and it could cause negative side effects.”
I can think of quite a few reasons [that people will use Adderall without a prescription] especially at Aragon, which is known for being an academically-focused school. Or I can see people being pressured into it. But it’s important to realize that people with ADHD brains are wired differently… Adderall and all these other stimulants affect people without ADHD differently, and it could cause negative side effects.
Additionally, non-prescription users may disregard potential side effects in favor of momentary pleasure, an effect explained by a theory that those diagnosed with ADHD experience a dopamine deficiency that Adderall mediates.
“People get a spike of dopamine when they complete an accomplishment,” said junior Erika Moskewicz. “But people also have this underlying baseline level of dopamine in their brain, so [those with ADHD] use stimulants like caffeine and Adderall to help bring it up to a normal person level. [Using Adderall] in a normal person is going to spike [their dopamine levels] and give them a pleasure high, as opposed to people who just [use Adderall] to bring them up to a baseline.”
As a controlled substance, there are a number of regulations on Adderall that restrict its prescription and distribution, including a requirement for a new prescription before each refill. Since it cannot be purchased over-the-counter, many that engage in non-prescription usage will attempt to find a supply from those with a prescription.
“Very jokingly people have [asked me], ‘Oh, can I have some of your medication,’“ Bode said. “A lot of people are like, ‘…It’s fine, because it’s prescription medication. I have ADHD, I just never got diagnosed, so it’s okay, I can have some.’”
Very jokingly people have [asked me], ‘Oh, can I have some of your medication.’ A lot of people are like, ‘…It’s fine, because it’s prescription medication. I have ADHD, I just never got diagnosed, so it’s okay, I can have some.’
As of Oct. 12, 2022, however, both those with and without a prescription may have found themselves struggling to acquire Adderall. The Federal Drug Administration officially declared an Adderall shortage on that day, and nearly a year later, the end is nowhere in sight.
“If this shortage continues, it could be hard for people with ADHD to get a prescription and to actually be able to focus in class and do work,” said sophomore Pippa Reading, who has a prescription for Adderall. “I think that would be really frustrating for me if I wasn’t able to get that medication, because [although] there’s other kinds, [they] also have other side effects.”
According to the FDA, the 107 companies in the U.S. that produce the drug are experiencing shortages of mixed Amphetamine salts, a key ingredient in the making of Adderall and other ADHD medication. Until there is a sufficient supply of these salts, there will continue to be a shortage, affecting both prescription and non-prescription usage.
