The Rise of ‘Smart Drugs’ Among Teens

A dramatic increase in the number of teenagers becoming addicted to ‘smart drugs’ is alarming UK experts, with record numbers of students and schoolchildren seeking treatment for dependency on these stimulants. The UK Addiction Treatment Group (UKAT) has seen an almost 80% rise in inquiries from young people who have become dependent on these drugs, including Ritalin and Adderall, which are used to enhance concentration. These drugs are primarily intended to treat ADHD but are being misused for their energy and concentration-boosting effects, particularly during exam periods. Doctors warn that the drugs are being shared among friends in schools, leading to calls for tighter regulation, especially for private clinics that currently can prescribe these drugs without a face-to-face consultation. This trend is believed to be linked to increased pressure on students due to the Covid pandemic and the rise in ADHD diagnoses, the latter of which is allegedly due to overdiagnosing by private clinics. Experts are concerned about the potential long-term effects, including heart problems, of high dosage intake of these drugs.

Main Takeaways:

1. There has been an alarming increase in the number of students and schoolchildren becoming addicted to ‘smart drugs’ like Ritalin and Adderall.
2. The surge in smart drug addiction cases is linked to the Covid pandemic, as students resort to these drugs to compensate for learning loss and increased academic pressure.
3. Misuse of these drugs can lead to severe side effects, including sleep problems, anxiety, and potential heart damage.
4. The rise in ADHD diagnoses is thought to be driven by private clinics that may be overdiagnosing the condition, increasing the availability of these drugs.
5. Experts call for stricter regulations on the prescription of these drugs, particularly in private clinics where face-to-face consultation is not currently required.
6. A concern has been raised about the potential long-term health effects of abusing these drugs, particularly potential heart problems.

Read the full article @ Daily Mail