Recent reports show that the drug Adderall, meant for adolescents with ADHD, is being abused by mentally healthy adults to boost their performance at work. Adderall is an amphetamine-based stimulant and a compound of five stimulating chemicals. The building blocks of Adderall include amphetamine aspartate, monohydrate, amphetamine sulfate, dextroamphetamine saccharate and dextroamphetamine sulphate. The chemical mixture is being treated like steroids for the brain, allowing workers to work harder for longer hours, and is being bought and sold illegally for cash like illicit drugs. Users that do not actually suffer from ADHD experience heightened concentration, focus and understanding while under the influence of the drug.

The first generic version of the chemical compound came out in 2002, and last September the drug was suspended. Adderall is being bought and sold by people who exhibit absolutely no symptoms of ADHD, and in some cases is obtained from doctors themselves when their patients lie and fake their symptoms to coincide with those of ADHD in hopes of getting a prescription to Adderall. Besides Adderall, Concerta and Vyvanse are other similar prescription drugs that are being abused the same way.

Doctors are concerned for those taking this drug without the needed diagnosis, and without the guidance of a health care professional. Taking Adderall can cause anxiety, irregular heartbeat and can be addictive. News Maine says that reports have shown that from 2010 to 2012 the amount of recreational drug users who say they favor stimulants is up by 15%. Unfortunately, as with performance enhancing drugs in the world of sports and athletes, workers that know their colleagues use Adderall or other stimulants feel like they need to use it to just to keep up and stay on a competitive level with them.