There is a dangerous trend in prescription drug abuse. With mothers increasingly multi tasking, working outside the home, home schooling, or single parenting, the use of prescription medications is also increasing. In the 1950’s it wasn’t uncommon for mothers to take a valium to “take the edge off” a day that was busy dealing with the children and the home. While valium and Xanax are still used today by multi tasking moms, a new trend in medication is also being abused. In 2013 mothers have so many responsibilities, sometimes they feel that they can not get everything done that needs to get done in one day. They feel overwhelmed and that they need help focusing. This is where the stimulants come into play.
Many children and teens are prescribed stimulants to help with ADD, ADHD and other medical conditions. These medications, such as Adderall, can be very effective when used to treat a child with a medical condition. Doctors prescribe these medications in the lowest dose possible to get the desired effects. When taken properly they do not produce any high nor are addictive. Some mothers who are feeling overwhelmed, think that taking these medications will increase their focus and allow them to accomplish more in a day. However, these medications do not work the same on individuals who do not have these medical conditions, and often when mothers take the stimulants, they take more then prescribed which can lead to addiction and produce a high.
When women take these medications to accomplish more, they actually have the opposite affect. Instead of making them focus more they oftentimes make them paranoid and hostile which can make it harder for them to care for their children. Women also abuse stimulants to loose weight, as stimulants can decrease your appetite and speed up your metabolism. This also backfires, once they stop taking the medications, they generally gain back any weight they lost and often more.
As with any abuse of prescription drugs, there are many health dangers associated with abuse of stimulants. These medications when taken in excess can cause irregular heartbeat, heart failure, seizures and high body temperatures. It is important for anyone with an addiction to seek help. There are many treatment programs available for the overwhelmed mother that will help them cope with life’s challenges without the use of prescription drugs.