ADHD in Adults*

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Grand Canyon University *

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ENG-101

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English

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Dec 6, 2023

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1 The Perilous Path: ADHD in Adults and the Risk of Drug Overdose Grand Canyon University Professor Feldbush ENG-105

2 The Perilous Path: ADHD in Adults and the Risk of Drug Overdose Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a condition that has long been associated with children struggling to focus and control their impulses. Nonetheless, numerous research studies have been conducted over the years, which has evolved human understanding of ADHD hence the recognition of its significant impact on adults. One of the growing trends among adults with ADHD is the use of medications to manage ADHD symptoms, a situation that poses the risk of a drug overdose. This paper will examine this concerning trend, explore its background and implications and offer a balanced judgment. The Rising Concern: ADHD Medication Use in Adults As awareness and understanding regarding ADHD have increased over the years, a significant shift has occurred in the medical field whereby there is a shared recognition that the condition is not simply a childhood disorder. One notable trend arising from this new knowledge has been the diagnosis of ADHD among adults and the subsequent prescription of medication to manage the symptoms. Notably, drugs such as Adderall and Ritalin have become common treatments for adults with ADHD to enhance focus and control impulsivity (Casale, 2023). While these medications have been proven to be medically appropriate when appropriately prescribed and monitored, they also carry inherent risks, especially when misused. Exploring the Pattern: The Nexus of Adult ADHD and Drug Overdose The link between ADHD in adults and the risk of a drug overdose is complex and multifaceted. Firstly, adults with undiagnosed or untreated ADHD may turn to stimulant medications to relieve chronic difficulties with organization and concentration (Kutscher & Sidelnk, 2022). Secondly, modern society's high-pressure demands can push individuals over the edge, forcing them to seek quick-fix solutions, and often stimulants become a tempting option

3 (Ramachandran et al., 2020). Nonetheless, this reckless and unstructured pursuit of relief can lead to misuse, dependency, and in the worst-case scenarios, overdoes. From the analysis, it is evident that stimulants are popular within the population. Stimulant medication is effective in its treatment because it directly affects the neurotransmitter located in the brain leading to enhanced alertness and focus. However, as with most synthetic medication, when taken in larger doses beyond the prescribed limit, the stimulants cause adverse effects, including increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and even severe cardiac complications (Sarkar et al., 2020). Furthermore, when an individual begins the path of stimulant misuse, the destination is often a life of addiction. Consequently, as the factors responsible for the misuse worsen, one is forced to take more stimulant medication to achieve relief resulting in overdose cases. It is essential to acknowledge that while these stimulant medications benefit adults with ADHD, they can be dangerous when not used as prescribed by medical practitioners. A Balanced Judgment: Navigating the Treatment Landscape The surge in ADHD diagnoses among adults is a testament to improved recognition and a call for heightened awareness. Indeed, stimulant medication improves the quality of life for those with ADHD; it is essential to approach treatment cautiously and responsibly. The medical fraternity must emphasize thorough assessment, accurate diagnosis, and tailored treatment plans that consider individual needs and determine the potential risk for misuse in each case (Sarkar et al., 2020). Furthermore, society has a significant role in shaping this trend. First public awareness campaigns can help to quell and dispel misconceptions regarding ADHD and its treatment practices (Lyons et al., 2019). In this case, promoting a more informed dialogue regarding the dangers of stimulant medication misuse will ensure that individuals have the appropriate information even when they decide to purchase the drugs over the counter. Secondly,

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4 society is mandated with the responsibility of pushing for the use of alternative treatment methods for ADHD and other stress-related conditions (Lyons et al., 2019). For instance, cognitive behavioral therapy and lifestyle change are proven non-pharmacological treatment approaches for ADHD. Fostering an environment where people do not glamorize quick fixes, especially in regard to health, will ensure that there is a preference for approaches that offer long- term benefits. In conclusion, the escalating trend of using stimulant medication to treat ADHD symptoms in adults presents promise and peril in almost equal measure. While these medications genuinely help to manage symptoms and offer relief to individuals with ADHD, they pose a risk of misuse and, subsequently, overdose problems since they are highly addictive. Healthcare providers, individuals, and society must cooperate to find and strike the appropriate balance between effective treatment and medication use. Only through this collaborative effort can a lasting solution to the complexities of ADHD in adults be found. It is essential to mitigate the risks of drug overdose while ensuring the well-being of those seeking relief from the negative impact of ADHD.

5 References Casale, S. M. (2023). Prescription Stimulants: Preventing Misuse Among Adults with ADHD. Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects , 1–17. Kutscher, E. J., & Sidelnk, A. S. (2022). Increasing stimulant prescriptions to prevent overdose deaths in an adderall shortage. Forefront Group . https://doi.org/10.1377/forefront.20221212.172879 Lyons, R. M., Yule, A. M., Schiff, D., Bagley, S. M., & Wilens, T. E. (2019). Risk factors for drug overdose in young people: A systematic review of the literature. Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology , 29 (7), 487–497. https://doi.org/10.1089/cap.2019.0013 Ramachandran, S., Dertien, D., & Bentley, S. I. (2020). Prevalence of ADHD symptom malingering, nonmedical use, and drug diversion among college-enrolled adults with a prescription for stimulant medications. Journal of Addictive Diseases , 38 (2), 176–185. https://doi.org/10.1080/10550887.2020.1732762 Sarkar, S., Gupta, S., Bhatia, G., Chatterjee, B., Balhara, Y. S., & Dhawan, A. (2020). Adult attention-deficit hyperactivity disorders and its correlates in patients with opioid dependence: An exploratory study. Indian Journal of Psychiatry , 62 (5). https://doi.org/10.4103/psychiatry.indianjpsychiatry_705_19

ADHD in Adults*

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