A new report shows that the number of adults abusing stimulants at work is on the increase. It’s a dangerous practice employed by people hoping to get ahead in competitive workplaces.The report, which was published by The New York Times this week, finds that more and more employees are abusing the drug Adderall, an amphetamine stimulant frequently prescribed to people dealing with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Adderall is most often prescribed to children struggling to focus on their schoolwork.
However, many adults are now using the drug to achieve higher focus levels over a long workday. The report finds that many people are acquiring Adderall through black market dealers who get the drug through excessive prescription purchases.
Dr. Kimberly Dennis, a substance abuse expert at Chicago’s Timberline Knolls treatment facility, says this is hardly the first time she’s seen Adderall abused.”You’d see addiction in students, but it was pretty rare to see it in an adult,” Dennis said. “We are definitely seeing more than one year ago, more than two years ago, especially in the age range of 25 to 45.”
The New York Times also reports that the supply of stimulants—including Adderall as well as Vyvanse and Concerta—has increased dramatically in recent years. This supports a study completed by the U.S. government’s Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, which found that emergency room visits associated with non-medical use of prescription drugs tripled between 2005 and 2011.
The risk of taking stimulants like Adderall or Concerta is substantial. It can lead to increased heart palpitations and heightened anxiety levels, both of which could seriously exacerbate existing medical conditions.
