The Black Market Price of Adderall and Dangers of Illegal Purchases

The Black Market Price of Adderall

Adderall is a combination medication containing amphetamine salts that is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. It works by increasing the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain like dopamine and norepinephrine. This results in increased concentration, focus and alertness.

Adderall requires a prescription from a doctor and is a controlled substance. This means there are legal ramifications for possessing or selling Adderall without authorization. However, there is a thriving black market for Adderall, where people buy and sell the medication illegally.

Why Is There High Demand for Adderall on the Street?

There are several reasons why Adderall is in high demand on the black market:

• Academic performance - Adderall is commonly misused by students to enhance focus and concentration when studying or completing assignments. The medication enables them to stay awake longer and retain more information.
• Work performance - Similarly, Adderall may be misused by professionals to boost productivity, especially those working long hours or alternating shift work.
• Recreational use - The stimulant effects of Adderall can induce a "high" so it is used recreationally at parties or clubs. It increases energy, confidence and alertness.
• Weight loss - Adderall suppresses appetite so it is misused as a weight loss aid. However, this is extremely dangerous.
• Self-medication - Some people without a prescription use Adderall to self-medicate ADHD symptoms or other conditions like depression.

The illegal sales of Adderall are also driven by prescriptions holders who sell extra pills for profit. With high demand and limited legal supply, the black market for Adderall continues to thrive.

How Much Does Adderall Cost on the Street?

The street price of Adderall varies greatly depending on factors like:

• Strength - Immediate release (IR) versus extended release (XR). XR formulations are more expensive.
• Dosage amount - Higher dosage pills containing more milligrams of amphetamines cost more.
• Location - Prices differ based on country/city supply and demand dynamics.
• Type of buyer - Students or recreational users pay more than medical patients buying from dealers.
• Quantity - Buying in bulk lowers cost per pill versus buying singles.

However, some general Adderall price ranges per pill are:

• Adderall IR 10mg - $3 to $7 per pill
• Adderall IR 20mg - $5 to $10 per pill
• Adderall XR 10mg - $5 to $10 per pill
• Adderall XR 20mg - $10 to $20 per pill
• Adderall XR 30mg - $15 to $30 per pill

So people buying Adderall illegally without a prescription can expect to pay 3 to 4 times more than the typical pharmacy price with a valid prescription.

Dangers of Buying Adderall Illegally

There are many risks involved when purchasing prescription medications like Adderall on the street:

No Guarantee of Safety or Contents

There is no way to verify the authenticity of illegally purchased Adderall. The pills may be fake, contain the wrong dosage, or mixed with other dangerous substances like fentanyl or methamphetamine. This significantly increases the chances of accidental overdose.

Legal Consequences

The unauthorized sale or purchase of controlled substances like Adderall is against the law. Getting caught buying or selling Adderall illegally can result in large fines or even jail time.

Increased Abuse Potential

Using Adderall without medical oversight makes abuse and addiction more likely. The lack of accountability enables unsafe usage habits like dangerously high doses or addiction-forming recreational use.

Exacerbation of Health Conditions

Adderall can worsen underlying health conditions, especially undiagnosed ones. Improper usage can negatively interact with other medications and lead to issues like elevated heart rate, blood pressure, anxiety etc.

Overall, obtaining Adderall safely requires getting an authorized prescription from a doctor and buying from a trusted pharmacy. Trying to find Adderall from street dealers is extremely risky.

What to Do if You Can't Get Your Prescribed Adderall

Adderall shortages do occasionally happen, making it difficult to get your prescribed medication. If you are unable to fill your prescription, here are some recommended options:

Ask About Generic Amphetamine Salts

Generic mixed amphetamine salts are identical to Adderall in effects and dosage. Ask your pharmacy if the generics are in stock. The pricing is also usually lower.

Find an Alternative Medication

Talk to your doctor about trying an alternative ADHD medication like Ritalin, Vyvanse, Focalin etc. They have similar effects to Adderall and maybe more readily available.

Request an Emergency Refill

Explain the shortage situation to your doctor and request a 3-7 day emergency refill to tide you over until supply is restored.

Use Coupons and Savings Cards

Pharmaceutical companies sometimes offer coupons or savings cards to offset costs. Search online or ask your pharmacy about any current offers.

Split Doses or Skip Non-Critical Days

Discuss with your doctor if you can split your usual dose to make your supply last longer (e.g. take half pills twice daily). You may also be able to skip certain non-critical days.

Never attempt to compensate by taking extra pills on other days though. Always consult your doctor first about any dosage adjustments.

Check Regularly With Your Pharmacy

Stay in touch with your pharmacy about restock estimates. Ask to be notified immediately once your medication is available again.

With some flexibility and proactive communication, you can successfully manage periods when your Adderall prescription is hard to fill. The main priority is working with your doctor to find safe options - never resort to buying medications off the street.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.