Adderall is a stimulant prescribed to treat ADHD and narcolepsy, but it’s also used recreationally by college students.
Its effects are similar to the effects of cocaine or amphetamine: increased focus and concentration, increased energy, and increased metabolism. And like cocaine and amphetamine, Adderall can be addictive.
Adderall is not just for those with ADD or ADHD. It’s also a popular study aid for college students who want to improve their grades and stay awake for long periods of time. But taking Adderall when you don’t need it is illegal—and that’s not the only risk associated with this drug.
What are the benefits of Adderall?
Adderall is a stimulant. It works by increasing the amount of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. These chemicals are responsible for controlling our mood, attention span, and ability to focus on tasks.
When someone has ADD or ADHD, their brains have trouble producing enough dopamine and norepinephrine to function properly. This can cause symptoms like having trouble staying focused on one thing at a time, having trouble remembering things that happened earlier in the day or even five minutes ago, feeling restless or anxious all the time (even when there’s nothing going on), getting upset easily over small things and having trouble controlling your temper or impulses (like wanting to yell at someone who makes you mad).
When Adderall is taken by people who have ADD/ADHD, it helps them produce more dopamine so they can stay focused on their tasks for longer periods of time without getting distracted as easily by other things happening around them (like noise or bright lights).
The Effects of Adderall on Your Body
Adderall is not technically a narcotic, but it is classified as a controlled substance. This means that you will need a prescription from your doctor in order to get it. However, it’s possible to get an Adderall prescription without having ADHD if you have narcolepsy or if your doctor determines that you suffer from an emotional disorder related to attention deficit.
Adderall is one of the most commonly abused medications among college students because of its ability to increase energy levels and focus while decreasing feelings of fatigue and drowsiness. Some people also use Adderall as a recreational drug because they enjoy its stimulating effects; however, this can be dangerous because it can cause a heart attack or stroke when used excessively over long periods of time or without medical supervision.
Why is Adderall Addictive?
The drug works by increasing certain neurotransmitters in the brain: norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin. These chemicals are involved in many different functions throughout the brain, including emotional regulation and cognitive function.
When taken at prescribed doses, Adderall does not have any serious side effects. However, when abused or taken with other drugs such as alcohol or marijuana, serious side effects can occur.
The most common Adderall abuse occurs when people take larger than prescribed doses of this stimulant medication. This can lead to serious health complications like heart problems and seizures.