Know the facts, connect with resources, and get one-on-one support to help you address known or suspected medicine abuse with your child.
Stimulants are a class of drugs that enhance brain activity. Prescription stimulants were used historically to treat asthma, obesity, neurological disorders, and a variety of other ailments, before their potential for abuse and addiction became apparent.[1] Medically, they are now prescribed for only a few health conditions, including narcolepsy, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and short-term treatment of obesity.[2] They are sometimes dubbed “study drugs.”
Commonly known medications include Adderall, Ritalin, Vyvanse, Concerta, ProCentra and Suprenza. See the table below for a more complete list of prescription sedatives and tranquilizers.
It’s dangerous for anyone to take prescription medication not prescribed to them. Stimulants increase the amount of natural chemical messengers called norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. This in turn increases blood pressure and heart rate, constricts blood vessels, increases blood glucose, and increases breathing — which can cause rapid or irregular heartbeat, delirium, panic, psychosis, paranoia and heart failure. There is also the potential for cardiovascular failure (heart attack) or deadly seizures. Stimulants can be addictive in that individuals begin to use them compulsively.[2]
Stimulant abuse is often associated with stress and anxiety among young people. The following provide insight and guidance to help steer young people toward healthier stress management, and to avoid substance use.
School stress can lead to teen drug use, but many parents with good intentions overlook the possibility. Learn the effects of stress and how to help your kid cope.
What happens when high-school and college kids (who don’t have ADHD) take prescription stimulants that are not prescribed to them? Dr. Nora Volkow, Director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, weighs in.
Being a student today can be really tough, and often teens will feel tempted to “solve” their academic and social problems with prescription stimulants.
If you suspect your child or a loved one is struggling with substance use or addiction, explore the following resources to learn where to start.
A few simple tips and guidelines can go a long way toward spotting issues with drug use earlier rather than later.
So your kid has been using drugs or drinking. Is this just what kids do? Is it going to become a problem? Don’t leave the answers to chance.
It can be scary if your child is using drugs or alcohol, and it's important to confront it. We're here to give you tips and strategies on how to do it.
| Generic Drug Composition | Brand Name |
| Methamphetamine | Desoxyn |
| Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine | Adderall |
| Benzphetamine | Didrex, Recede |
| Dextroamphetamine | Dexedrine, ProCentra, Dextrostat |
| Lisdexamfetamine | Vyvanse |
| Methylphenidate | Concerta, Methylin, Ritalin, Daytrana |
| Dexmethylphenidate | Focalin, FocalinXR |
| Phentermine | Suprenza, Adipex-P |
| Armodafinil | Nuvigil |
| Phendimetrazine | Bontril |
Our personalized text messaging program is designed to help you support your loved one and yourself whether your interest is in prevention, intervention, treatment or recovery.
This risk assessment is designed to help you better understand the risks your child may face related to mental health, well-being, personality, family history, and their environment.
If you suspect or know your child is engaging in substance use or other unhealthy behaviors, all you want to do is get them back on track. More effective communication and proven ways to change challenging behaviors are key to healthier outcomes.
Our personalized text messaging program is designed to help you support your loved one and yourself whether your interest is in prevention, intervention, treatment or recovery.
This risk assessment is designed to help you better understand the risks your child may face related to mental health, well-being, personality, family history, and their environment.
If you suspect or know your child is engaging in substance use or other unhealthy behaviors, all you want to do is get them back on track. More effective communication and proven ways to change challenging behaviors are key to healthier outcomes.
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