In the course of my job as an addiction specialist, I see firsthand new trends in substance abuse and addiction. One drug that I’m seeing on the rise is Adderall. This prescription medication, which is usually prescribed for ADD, is huge among the college student population right now. But it’s not being used to keep Attention Deficit Disorder in check. Instead, college students are using it to help them stay up and study.

To get a faster or more intense high, some kids are crushing Adderall pills and snorting it in much the same way crystal meth is used. As a result of this rampant misuse, we’re seeing a new group become addicted to prescription drugs. Those same kids who are abusing Adderall to study are also likely to binge drink, which isn’t surprising since people who tend to abuse one drug are more likely to abuse other drugs. Since Adderall is essentially speed, those who use it to stay up for several days will look for another substance to help them relax once they’re ready to come down off their extended high.

Adderall Addiction Help

If you suspect a family member or loved one is struggling with an addiction to Adderall or another substance, call us La Paloma at our toll-free number. Someone is there to take your call 24 hours a day and answer any questions you have about treatment, financing or insurance.

Stephen Watts heads up La Paloma’s Professionals Program. A licensed alcohol and drug abuse counselor as well as a master addictions counselor, Watts has experience working with field specialists suffering from co-occurring disorders.

While I went through the recovery process myself many years ago, I was inspired by the words I heard from those in leadership: “Trust God, clean house, serve others.” Those three steps aren’t just outward; they allow those struggling with the disease of addiction to restore their personal integrity, something that can easily get lost in the web of substance abuse.

While treatment plays a huge role in getting someone on the road to recovery, it doesn’t do the work for them. For people to really advance in the process, they need to come to grips with what they’ve done so they can be honest with themselves and have honest relationships going forward with family and friends.

Of course, that’s easier said than done. Some people are too guilt-ridden or scared to own up to past mistakes. They’re not ready. It takes a while to really digest the principles of making amends and being honest. As a therapist at La Paloma, there are a lot of ways to communicate that. Often, I start by talking about self-forgiveness, asking a client how they feel when someone comes to them and asks for forgiveness or says they’re sorry. Then they can turn the tables and think about how it will feel when they go and make amends for some of the damage their disease has caused.

The most important thing that happens here is the power of the group. Hearing about others going through the process is invaluable and reminds us all that we’re not alone on this journey.

Stephen Watts heads up La Paloma’s Professionals Program. A licensed alcohol and drug abuse counselor as well as a master addictions counselor, Watts has experience working with field specialists suffering from co-occurring disorders.