The diagnosis (and treatment) of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has significantly increased in recent years, especially among adults. With this surge has come a rise in the use of stimulant medications, which, for many, provide essential relief from the disruptive symptoms of ADHD. However, this rise in prescribing has also coincided with a concerning trend: the misuse of ADHD medications—amongst both those individuals with a legitimate diagnosis and those using them for non-medical purposes, particularly to enhance academic or professional performance.
At Ibiza Calm, we understand the nuanced balance between effective medical treatment and the risk of developing a dependency. In this blog, we look at how legitimate ADHD treatment can sometimes shift into misuse and examine the growing phenomenon of stimulant use amongst students and professionals who do not have ADHD but use these medications to stay competitive.
ADHD and its management.
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects both children and adults. Whilst often associated with hyperactivity and impulsiveness in younger people, ADHD in adults commonly manifests as chronic disorganisation, poor time management, restlessness, emotional dysregulation, and difficulty maintaining focus.
The mainstay of treatment regularly includes stimulant medications such as methylphenidate (e.g., Ritalin, Concerta) and amphetamines (e.g., Adderall, Elvanse). These drugs work by increasing the availability of dopamine and norepinephrine—neurotransmitters associated with attention, motivation, and executive function.
When taken as prescribed, under the supervision of a healthcare professional, these medications can dramatically improve quality of life. However, they are also classified as controlled substances due to their high potential for abuse, and that risk should not be underestimated.
When treatment becomes dependency.
It is not uncommon for adults diagnosed with ADHD later in life to experience a strong sense of relief when they first begin stimulant treatment. After years of battling with poor concentration, underperformance, or erratic behaviour, the improvements can feel profound. Yet this very relief can lead to a dangerous pattern: taking more medication than prescribed, using it to deal with fatigue or emotional lows, or continuing use despite mounting side effects.
What often begins as a therapeutic intervention may gradually develop into psychological or physical dependence. This process can be insidious. Tolerance can build, leading the individual to increase the dose in order to maintain the same level of focus or energy. Some may begin taking the medication outside of prescribed hours—especially during high-stress periods at work or during emotionally taxing life events.
Over time, such patterns of misuse can lead to significant health issues, including insomnia, anxiety, elevated blood pressure, irritability, and even stimulant-induced psychosis. Dependency also creates problems in everyday life, including difficulties in relationships, poor emotional regulation, and impaired judgement.
The rise of non-medical use: A hidden epidemic.
Perhaps even more troubling is the increasing non-medical use of ADHD medication amongst people who do not have ADHD but are seeking to enhance cognitive performance. This trend is particularly visible amongst university students and young professionals. These medications, often referred to informally as “study drugs” or “smart drugs”, are used to pull all-night revision sessions, improve concentration during exams, or boost productivity in high-pressure work environments.
Numerous studies have shown that the non-medical use of stimulant medications is on the rise in academic settings. In some surveys, as many as one in five university students admitted to having used prescription stimulants without a diagnosis. The motivation is typically to enhance concentration, increase alertness, and extend periods of sustained work. These drugs are often obtained from peers with legitimate prescriptions, bought online, or acquired through deceptive tactics in order to obtain a prescription.
In the professional sphere, where long hours, intense deadlines, and constant performance demands are common, a similar pattern is emerging. Workers in high-stakes careers—such as finance, law, or tech—may turn to stimulants to maximise productivity or maintain a competitive edge.
This widespread misuse is often minimised or rationalised. Because these medications are prescribed by doctors and intended to support brain function, there is a misconception that they are inherently safe. However, using these drugs without medical need or supervision introduces considerable risk.
The dangers of misuse.
Whether through gradual dependency among those with ADHD or recreational use among those without, the misuse of stimulant medication can have serious consequences. Physical health risks include cardiovascular complications, insomnia, and gastrointestinal issues. Psychological effects range from mood swings and anxiety to paranoia and aggression.
Over time, non-medical users may become dependent, requiring higher and higher doses to achieve the same effect. Withdrawal symptoms can include profound fatigue, depression, and cognitive slowing—often prompting the individual to continue use just to function normally.
Additionally, stimulant misuse can mask underlying mental health issues such as anxiety disorders, trauma, or burnout. In these cases, stimulant use may provide short-term relief but ultimately delays the process of proper diagnosis and treatment.
The role of clinicians and culture.
Stimulant medications play a critical role in managing ADHD, but they must be used responsibly. The line between effective treatment and harmful misuse can be thin—particularly when external pressures or unmet emotional needs drive behaviour. At the same time, the growing trend of non-medical use among students and professionals reveals a troubling reality: in a culture obsessed with performance, shortcuts are often pursued at great personal risk.
To address this issue, several levels of intervention are necessary:
- Thorough assessment: Diagnosing ADHD should involve comprehensive clinical evaluations, which includes a full medical history.
- Responsible prescribing: Prescribers should ensure patients are educated about the potential for misuse and regularly monitor progress through follow-up appointments.
- Patient education: Individuals receiving stimulant prescriptions must be made aware of the risks and encouraged to maintain strict adherence to their treatment plan.
- Workplace and academic reform: Institutions must take some responsibility for creating high-pressure environments that contribute to stimulant misuse. Promoting mental well-being, setting realistic expectations, and offering support services can all help reduce reliance on performance-enhancing substances.
Treatment for stimulant misuse.
Ibiza Calm offers specialised treatment for those struggling with prescription stimulant misuse, whether it began through legitimate medical use or non-medical experimentation. Our clinical team understands the unique challenges posed by prescription drug dependency and provides a comprehensive approach to care.
We offer:
- Medically supervised detoxification.
- Psychiatric assessment and dual diagnosis care.
- Individual and group psychotherapy.
- Evidence-based treatments such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and EMDR.
- Holistic therapies to support long-term recovery and emotional regulation.
Our serene, private luxury clinic in Ibiza provides a safe and supportive environment for clients to recover, reflect, and rebuild.
If you or someone you care about is experiencing problems related to stimulant medication, know that help is available. Ibiza Calm offers compassionate, expert-led treatment to support lasting recovery and renewed wellbeing.
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