Most People joke that they cannot function without their coffee in the mornings. Many working professionals consume coffee and energy drinks. Did you know caffeine is a drug that belongs to the stimulant family? Caffeine energizes people and increases one’s productivity. Some people may take it even further and consume un-prescribed medications to increase their productivity.
Adderall, Ritalin, and Vyvanse are used by thousands of Americans who suffer from ADHD, ADD, and other attention deficit disorders. Oftentimes, people misuse this medication without actually having these disorders to help them stay awake longer. The unhealthy drive and obsession that Americans have for being as productive as possible may be harming their health.
The American Work Ethic
It is documented that Americans are the most overworked people in the world. With the drive to work as hard as possible comes sacrificing basic needs, and working beyond what one’s level of energy allows. Unfortunately, Americans turn to stimulants to help assist them with getting as much work done as possible. Different types of caffeine drinks, like coffee and energy drinks, a promoted as tools for productivity.
Taking that need a step further with drug use is not uncommon as well. It’s popular among college students in the U.S to buy Adderall or other amphetamine prescription drugs off of their friends. They do this to stay up late, study harder, and not waste any time eating or sleeping. This in the long run is obviously very detrimental to one’s health. Taking Adderall or other stimulants for reasons other than ADHD might increase the chances of developing an addiction. Potential side effects of abusing amphetamines include nervousness, headache, dry mouth, weight loss, dizziness, seizures, paranoia, and fast or irregular heartbeat.
What is a Stimulant?
A stimulant is a class of drug that is commonly categorized as an “upper”. These drugs temporarily increase alertness and energy. The most commonly known and used street drugs are cocaine and methamphetamines. However, not every stimulant is a street drug. Adderall, Ritalin, and Vyvanse are also stimulant drugs. Although these substances are legal and prescribed, they are still stimulating and can be very abused when not used properly.
When individuals without attention deficit disorders take these drugs, they produce similar effects to that of methamphetamine. Obviously, methamphetamine and prescription amphetamines vary greatly in strength. Methamphetamine produces an intense high that does not last long. Prescription amphetamines
How to be productive and healthy
Remembering that productivity and wages aren’t everything is very hard to do. It is very easy to determine our self-worth and value with how much money we may make and how productive we may be. That’s not the case at all. Your health, well-being, and happiness are most important. Try to take breaks, listen to your mind, and respect your body. If you are in an environment that demands so much of you that you feel the need to abuse drugs, try to recognize that it is not serving you. Taking a semester break off from college is not the end of the world, either. You are valid no matter what you do as long as you’re taking care of yourself.
If you or someone you know is struggling with amphetamine addiction, Harm Reduction Center is here to empower and support the recovery journey. Our highly individualized service to our clients, offering Integrated Medication-Assisted Treatment and all outpatient levels of care. Contact us today for more information.
