Nationwide Adderall Shortages Shine Light on Drug Misuse and Stigma
The nationwide shortages of Adderall that began in fall 2022 have brought renewed attention to the beleaguered drug, which is used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and narcolepsy. Adderall, a go-to drug for ADHD for the past two decades, has quickly come under fire due to overprescription and misuse. Cases of people using the drug for its cognitive-enhancing effects without a proper ADHD diagnosis have led to an increase in abuse rates and drug dependence.
Not only has misuse of Adderall led to its stigmatization as a drug of abuse, it can also lead to negative physical side effects, including cardiovascular complications, sleep disturbances, and addiction.
A neuroscientist with a focus on studying the dopamine system, noted that the stigma and false narratives surrounding Adderall have made it more difficult for patients who need this medication to access it. Through their research, they aim to better understand the complex interplay between drug use and the dopamine system, ultimately leading to new treatments for drug addiction and related disorders.
Adderall, the commercial name of a mixture of amphetamines, is a stimulant used to increase dopamine levels in the brain to help address deficits in those with ADHD. ADHD is poorly understood, but studies suggest it may be due to the improper regulation of dopamine levels in the brain.
However, people without ADHD who use Adderall can experience paradoxical effects, such as disrupting the dopamine transporter’s ability to remove dopamine from the synapse, leading to too much dopamine in the synapse, which can result in feelings of euphoria and increased wakefulness. Although misuse of the drug can lead to cardiovascular problems, it does not significantly increase cardiovascular disease risk for people with ADHD.
Despite the stigma surrounding Adderall, the drug can greatly improve the quality of life for those with ADHD by reducing negative symptoms. Sadly, its misuse and abuse have promoted false narratives about the drug for those who genuinely need it.
As the shortages of Adderall continue to impact those who rely on the medication, it’s crucial to address the issue of misuse and stigma and work towards ensuring that those who need Adderall can access it without barriers.