Title: “US ADHD Patients Turn to Meth as Adderall Shortage Persists, Social Workers Report”
Date: October 24, 2023
Author: Caitlin Tilley, Health Reporter for Dailymail.com
In a concerning development, social workers are claiming that the ongoing shortage of Adderall in the United States is driving ADHD patients to use methamphetamine as a substitute. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced an official shortage of Adderall in October 2022, but obtaining this essential medication has proven to be difficult even after more than a year.
Adderall, a medication commonly prescribed to individuals with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), is known to help redress the dopamine imbalance in the brains of those with the condition. However, as people become reliant on the drug, the sudden unavailability of Adderall can drive them to seek alternatives in the black market to satisfy their need for dopamine.
Garrett Reuscher, a licensed social worker in New York who counsels individuals struggling with drug use, expressed his concern about clients with ADHD trying to find safer ways to use meth. These individuals have reportedly started inquiring about the effects of meth and seeking help with functioning due to their inability to obtain their prescribed medication.
The shortage of Adderall has been attributed to various factors, including worker and supply shortages at Teva Pharmaceuticals, an Israel-based company that produces one out of four branded and generic Adderall pills dispensed in the US. The surge in new Adderall prescriptions during the pandemic, facilitated by the loosened criteria for prescription via telehealth services, has also contributed to the ongoing issue.
Adderall is a mixture of stimulants, amphetamine, and dextroamphetamine, commonly used to treat ADHD. Almost five million American adults rely on prescription stimulants such as Adderall, with 41.4 million prescriptions for the drug dispensed in 2021 alone. The discontinuation of the medication can result in withdrawal symptoms, including depression, irritability, headaches, oversleeping, insomnia, tiredness, and nightmares.
Both meth and Adderall are categorized as amphetamines and central nervous system stimulants. Concerns about the misuse of Adderall were raised in the case of Britney Spears, whose ex-partner, Adnan Ghalib, feared she was taking excessive amounts of the medication back in 2008. Meth, like Adderall, can be addictive and poses significant risks without medical supervision.
The troubling trend of using meth as an alternative to Adderall highlights the desperate situation faced by ADHD patients. However, it is crucial to prioritize safe and legal alternatives for the treatment of ADHD. Stricter regulation and availability of medications like Adderall are necessary to address the ongoing shortage and prevent individuals from resorting to risky substitutes.
As the Adderall shortage persists, it is crucial for healthcare providers, policymakers, and pharmaceutical companies to work together to ensure that individuals with ADHD have access to the necessary medications and support they need to manage their condition safely and effectively.
In conclusion, the use of meth as a substitute for Adderall among ADHD patients reflects the challenges posed by the ongoing shortage of the medication in the United States. Urgent action is needed to address this issue and provide reliable access to proper ADHD treatment to safeguard the health and well-being of those living with this condition.