Do a lot of college students use Adderall?

Asked by: Tremayne Jast  |  Last update: September 12, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (11 votes)

Estimates are that up to 20% of college students abuse prescription stimulants for recreational or academic purposes (e.g., being able to study for longer periods of time; Benson et al., 2015), most often by obtaining the medications from peers who hold prescriptions for the drugs.

What is the most common drug among college students?

Marijuana. Marijuana is currently the most prevalent illicit drug used on college campuses, with nearly 1 in 3 students using the drug within the past 12 months. In the past 10 years, more young people have begun using marijuana because the perceived risk associated with its use has decreased significantly.

Who uses Adderall the most?

Students and professionals

Adderall's ability to help users focus and stay awake for longer than normal makes it attractive to students and working professionals facing ever-increasing demands at school and work. College students in particular make up a significant population of those abusing Adderall as a study drug.

How common is it to be prescribed Adderall?

Adderall is a drug that stimulates the nervous system. It's in a category of drugs commonly referred to as “uppers,” the type of medical drugs misused the most frequently. According to Iqvia Holdings, 41.4 million people were prescribed Adderall in 2021, which is up 10.4% from 2020.

How widely used is Adderall?

In 2022, Adderall was the fourteenth most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 34 million prescriptions.

Do College Students Use Adderall?

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How hard is it to get prescribed Adderall?

Many doctors will not prescribe Adderall without first completing an ADHD evaluation. After the exam, if they think the medication might help, they'll write a prescription. Often, more detailed neuropsychiatric testing is required before ADHD medication is started.

Is Adderall good for anxiety?

While Adderall continues to be a frequently prescribed drug, it makes sense that people might be tempted to attempt to use Adderall's focus-improving effects to treat anxiety symptoms. Adderall is an uncommon treatment for anxiety and can actually make anxiety symptoms worse.

Why is Adderall so popular?

As with all stimulants, Adderall increases the levels of dopamine in the brain. Dopamine is a chemical known as a neurotransmitter, which plays a role in learning ability, movement, attention, and in feelings of pleasure or even euphoria. Adderall helps people with ADHD feel calm and remain focused.

What makes you a candidate for Adderall?

Reasons to Be Prescribed Adderall

Individuals are prescribed Adderall to better manage their ADHD symptoms by correcting the imbalances in neurotransmitter levels. As a result, the medication can help improve focus and concentration, reduce restlessness, and help control impulses better, among other effects.

Do you eventually get used to Adderall?

The body can develop Adderall tolerance. If you are using it for medical reasons, you may feel as though it has stopped working or become less effective after a period of time. This is perfectly normal. Usually, your doctor will evaluate the efficacy of your current dose and prescribe a tiny increase in dose if needed.

Who shouldn't take Adderall?

May also not be suitable for people with thyroid disease, glaucoma, psychiatric disease, a history of drug abuse or agitation, a tic disorder, seizures, liver or kidney disease, or circulation problems.

What does Adderall feel like?

In people who don't have ADHD, because Adderall produces an excess amount of dopamine, users may experience feelings of euphoria and increased energy levels, as well as possible dangerous physical and emotional side effects.

Which state prescribes the most Adderall?

A federal agency review of prescription drug monitoring programs finds that Massachusetts has the highest rate of prescriptions for stimulants among 26 representative states, including medications to treat ADHD such as Adderall, Ritalin and Concerta.

What percent of college students use stimulants?

Estimates are that up to 20% of college students abuse prescription stimulants for recreational or academic purposes (e.g., being able to study for longer periods of time; Benson et al., 2015), most often by obtaining the medications from peers who hold prescriptions for the drugs.

Is Adderall addictive?

Yes, use of amphetamines and stimulants such as Adderall can result in tolerance and physiological dependence and can lead to the development of a substance use disorder.

What is the most abused drug in America?

1. Alcohol
  • By far, alcohol is the most commonly abused substance in the United States. ...
  • The social acceptance of drinking can make an alcohol addiction hard to spot. ...
  • Nicotine addiction may not appear as harmful as many other addictions.

Do jobs care if you take Adderall?

Employers, law enforcement, medical and mental health professionals, and sports organizations commonly test for amphetamines, which is found in Adderall.

Is it bad to take Adderall every day?

Adderall is safe to use long term when taken at doctor-recommended dosages. For many people, common side effects such as loss of appetite, dry mouth, or insomnia are reduced with continued use of the drug. For others, these side effects may continue.

What qualifies you to take Adderall?

ADDERALL® is indicated for the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Narcolepsy. A diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD; DSM-IV®) implies the presence of hyperactive-impulsive or inattentive symptoms that caused impairment and were present before age 7 years.

Why am I so happy on Adderall?

Adderall can be habit-forming because it makes you feel euphoric, thanks to the increase in dopamine. You'll notice this feeling more if you're taking the drug and you don't have ADHD or narcolepsy. You'll need larger and larger quantities of Adderall to keep that euphoric feeling going.

What is a nickname for Adderall?

The common street names and slang for Adderall include:
  • Addies or addys.
  • Bennies.
  • Black beauties.
  • Blue pills.
  • Copilots.
  • Crank.
  • Crosses.
  • Dexes or red dexes.

What to say to get prescribed Adderall?

Provide a full medical history

Your full medical history will help your provider determine whether Adderall or another ADHD medication is right for you. Present any of your other health conditions, whether it's a heart condition, mental health disorder, substance use disorder, or previous ADHD diagnosis.

Why do I feel so calm on Adderall?

Adderall is a stimulant that boosts your levels of serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. These are neurotransmitters in your brain that calm and relax you so you can focus better.

What is the best alternative to Adderall?

Prescription Medication Alternatives to Adderall
  • Strattera (atomoxetine) Strattera (atomoxetine) is a non-stimulant ADHD medication. ...
  • Intuniv ER (guanfacine) ...
  • Ritalin (methylphenidate) ...
  • Provigil (modafinil) ...
  • Focalin (dexmethylphenidate) ...
  • Vyvanse (amphetamine/dextroamphetamine)

Can Adderall cause weight gain?

If so, weight gain and food cravings are well-known side effects of these drugs. If you were on Adderall and SSRIs or Olanzapine but stopped Adderall, you may gain weight from the return of your natural appetite combined with the weight gain effect of the SSRI.