Stimulants

Stimulant addiction can begin in several ways. One way in which a person can become addicted to stimulants is by misuse of a prescription. Legal stimulants such as Adderal and Ritalin are prescribed to aid those struggling with certain medical conditions, namely attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or attention deficit disorder (ADD). When a person uses these drugs outside of their doctor’s recommendation – taking the medication in higher doses or more frequently than recommended – then the risk of addiction is high.

These drugs are also abused when a person uses them without a prescription. Non-prescription use of prescription drugs is a growing problem in the U.S., according to Weyandt et al. claims in an article published in Experimental and Clinical Psychopharmacology. ‘[Stimulant use] has become a serious problem in the United States and abroad, especially on college campuses’.

Young people are increasingly using these drugs as a party aid or to help them study more efficiently. While this approach to studying may seem like a good idea initially, but the long-term consequences far outweigh the benefits.

Illegal stimulants, such as cocaine, MDMA, and other amphetamine derivatives, are commonly used as club-drugs. It is important to note that these drugs pose a serious risk of abuse and addiction. There is a common misconception that these drugs are relatively safe because they are viewed as being ‘softer’ than other drugs, such as heroin. However, this does not make the use of illegal stimulants safe, and the potential for abuse is still there. Even casual use of these drugs can result in serious, sometimes fatal consequences.