Adderall Abuse Stems from ADHD Treatment Becoming Latest Weight Loss Drug

Read the Adderall insert, and it becomes plain that Adderall is little more than an amphetamine. A controlled substance, Adderall is nonetheless prescribed for children as young as six years of age for the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Quoting Allure, MSNBC now reports that because of the weight loss Adderall causes as a side effect, Adderall abuse is at an all time high - in the adult population.

Used in adults as well as children, the siren song of the quick weight loss fix is sufficient to have women clamoring for Adderall XR in an effort to shed pounds and keep them off. Joining Adderall are Ritalin, Topamax, Strattera, and other substances that promise the quick weight loss fix via pill popping.

As early as 2006 MSNBC reported that what seals the Faustian bargain is the fact that the off label use of prescription medications, such as Adderall XR and others, actually does make weight loss possible for some patients. Patients disregard the dangers associated with the pills, and before long there are some successes and stories that promote the off label use while adverse stories tend to go by the wayside.

Sadly, oftentimes Adderall abuse and the misuse of similar substances may be laid at the door of the doctor doing the prescribing. Even as there are some who get their pills online from unscrupulous Internet pharmacies that will hock their wares to anyone with a credit card, there are physicians who take an active role in promoting off label use of various drugs.

I am reminded of a recent doctor's visit I myself had during which a physician's employee suggested the use of diabetes injections for the sake of weight loss. While I do not know if these shots rank as high on the scale of risky pills as Adderall XR, it took me aback to think that a doctor's office is actively supporting drug seeking behavior.

I cannot help but wonder if there is a link between pharmaceutical abuse and a physician's speed at whipping out the prescription pad. Sure, if you need a certain drug for your health and overall wellbeing, there should be no hesitation to prescribe it. In cases of severe illness, creative approaches to healing should also be applauded. Yet when there is little health reason to try something risky, is it really wise to experiment with off label use of drugs?

Sources:
http://www.adderallxr.com/assets/pdf/prescribing_information.pdf
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26076014/
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15385195/