subject: Understanding Stimulant Drug Addiction And Side Effects [print this page] Concerta is a prescription medication classified under Schedule II in the list of Controlled Substances of the Drug Enforcement Administration of the United States. This schedule is a guide as to determine a drug's current medical use in the country and the likelihood of the substance to cause dependence and addiction. Schedule II medications have high potential to be abused which can lead to mental and physical addiction or dependence. Concerta is recognized as a stimulant drug mainly used in treating ADHD, a psychological disorder characterized by hyperactivity and inability to focus and follow directions. It is a prescription drug, and as such requires a recommendation from a doctor before it can be used or bought.
Concerta is also used by narcoleptic individuals to help them stay awake and focused during daytime. It is also used by obese patients because the drug induces lesser cravings for food. When brain stimulation and reducing weight become the objective of a person to use the drug, abuse is apparent. Abuse then leads to drug dependence and in the long run addiction will be the endpoint. University students are drawn to abuse this drug because it helps them stay awake during long nights of studying for major examinations. The medicine can also increase focus and memory retention for a short time.
The temptation to cram and then get big grades during exams make this drug highly sellable among students in the university. The results of Concerta towards ADHD patients are better focus and less hyperactivity. Although the drug is recognized as a stimulant drug, its effect to ADHD patients is completely otherwise. ADHD individuals have better behaviour and more likely to listen and follow instructions. The negative effects however, are serious and fatal especially to those who use the drugs other than medication.
Side effects of an addiction with concerta are serious and must be attended to promptly. The euphoric effects of the drug may lead an individual to believe in false ideas that the medicine doesn't have grave impact to key organs of the body. Outward body symptoms often precede greater internal damages. Self control must exceed urge and good study habits must be established to prevent using the drug for all the wrong reasons.
How is abuse determined? Prolonged use of the drug causes tolerance and then dependence. Inability to control drug cravings and taking it at intervals not advised by a physician are common concerta abuse symptoms. Friends and families must be cautious to these symptoms because many of those addicted are in denial of their present situation.
