Proposal

Adderall

Think you have what it takes to be on the drug called Adderall? Think again, Adderall is a central nervous system stimulant that affects the chemicals in the brain and nerves. Adderall is a drug that if used for the right reason in the right way can be very helpful. The risk and advantages of Adderall should be considered before starting the drug. Many people take Adderall for different reasons, some to help them and others to abuse it. The subject of Adderall is an important one for parents and students. When a child is diagnosed with ADHD they are prescribed Adderall to relieve their symptoms, but for young adults Adderall can be addictive and dangerous.

The main reason I chose to research and inform others on Adderall is because my family was faced with the decision on how to treat my brothers diagnosis of ADHD. He was diagnosed after his first grade teacher recommended he be checked for ADHD. The doctor wanted to prescribe Adderall but my parents were against it. After his first grade year he calmed down and was a much better student. My parents were so thankful that they went with their gut instinct to not medicate with Adderall. If they had chosen to use the medication he would more than likely still be on the drug. I am not saying Adderall is a bad drug because I am sure there are cases when children need it, but the doctor and the family really need to be certain that it is necessary.

The purpose of Adderall was originally intended to help those with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. Adderall is used to help people who have hyperactivity, paying attention, focusing, and controlling their behavior. Narcolepsy is a condition that maintains falling asleep uncontrollably and at unusual times. The amphetamine in the drug causes the uses to concentrate, relax, and focus. Some other uses of Adderall are weight control and depression.(Silverman, 28) If taking Adderall for weight reasons, you can only use it for a short period of time. The medication has been known to rapidly relieve symptoms of depression. One must be careful if using Adderall to treat depression because depression has been listed as a side effect in some people.

“There are many reasons why Adderall is abused. One of the main reasons is just to simply get high“(Monson). Adderall can increase alertness, attention, and energy. Many students who do not have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) abuse Adderall, they feel that it helps them perform better in school. Adderall is becoming more popular in colleges to be used as a study aid. This is the beginning of many students who do not have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) to become addicted to and depend on Adderall, which causes them to abuse it when it is not needed.

If Aderall is taken the right way, and only by those who truly need it, it can be very helpful. It is a very helpful drug for children who have ADHD. It can greatly improve their lives, helping them with concentration and staying focused. As with all drugs the benefits and the risks need to be addressed and really thought about before the drug is prescribed.

Works Cited

Hartmann, Thom. Thom Hartmann's Complete Guide to ADHD: Help for Your Family at Home, School, and Work. Grass Valley, CA: Underwood, 2000. Print.

Monson, PharmD, Kristi. "Adderall Abuse." ADHD Home Page. 2 Feb. 2007. Web. 14 Sept. 2011. .

"NIMH · Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)." NIMH · Home. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), 2008. Web. 14 Sept. 2011. .

Silverman, Harold M. "Adderall." The Pill Book. New York: Bantam, 2006. 28. Print.