Regardless of the sports, competitive athletes will do almost everything they can to win.

Finding a competitive edge is a big part of strategizing. Many athletes develop their skills through experience, training, research, commitment, and pure drive. The temptation to reach a higher level can be difficult to ignore. From steroid abuse to spying on competitors, all kinds of sports have seen the darker side of the game. Now that the online playing field has advanced, Adderall abuse in esports has become a significant problem.

As a result of continuous advances in technology, esports has become one of the most popular sports competitions in the world. As with any other sport, more attention comes with more money at stake and tougher competition. Many professional esports gamers have been open about the prevalence of abusing Adderall in esports to enhance performance. As a drug rehab center Gilman, we understand the dangers behind Adderall abuse and want to expose the link between Adderall and esports.

Prevalence of Adderall Abuse in Esports

Performance-enhancing drugs including stimulants like Adderall have been banned by professional sports organizations for years. In sports, Adderall is referred to as the “mental steroid,” a generic name for the combination of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. As a stimulant, Adderall works by increasing the levels of neurotransmitters called norepinephrine and dopamine, speeding up and regulating brain activity. Adderall is often used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy because it can increase a person’s ability to concentrate, help someone stay focused for longer periods, and help people stay awake.

Reports of esports players using Adderall to enhance their ability to play have become more common. Esports gamers abuse Adderall in order to increase their focus and stay awake for longer periods. Similar to other sports, online gaming requires quick reflexes and response time, skills that players believe can be enhanced by taking Adderall. As sponsorships and hefty cash prizes remain on the line, more and more players are turning to Adderall use to win. The first mention of stimulant use in esports was recorded in 2020 by the Washington Post in one of the most popular articles about Adderall abuse in the gaming community. Several players were interviewed, one of who claimed that no one talked about Adderall abuse because everyone was doing it. A 2018 study on gaming under the influence of drugs found that out of the 3,952 online gamers in the study, 3,943 used stimulants while gaming.

Long-term drug abuse can cause changes in brain function and structure, making it difficult to quit without help. Banyan Treatment Centers Heartland offers a medically monitored detox in Illinois that can help flush drugs and alcohol from the patient’s system and safely help them recover from withdrawal symptoms. 

The Dangers of Stimulant Abuse in Esports

Despite what many may believe, Adderall use in esports can do a lot more than just increase focus. Adderall is a Schedule II prescription drug, meaning it has a high potential for abuse.

The side effects of Adderall abuse include:

• Nervousness
• Restlessness
• Difficulties sleeping
• Dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Slowed speech
• Distorted vision
• Fever
• Weakness
• Numbness of the limbs
• Uncontrollable shaking or tremors
• Hallucinations
• Paranoia
• Panic attacks

Stimulants can make your blood vessels constrict or close, increasing your blood pressure and heart rate. In some cases, blood circulation is also affected, causing numbness in your toes and fingers. Addiction is also a common effect of long-term Adderall abuse. Using medications that were not prescribed to you or misusing the ones that are can result in various health problems. Many people develop an addiction to Adderall and stimulants in general if they begin to misuse them. Overdose is also a very real danger, and those who aren’t aware of the signs of an Adderall overdose may not be able to help a loved one with this problem.

Adderall abuse in esports is not the first incident involving substance abuse in sports and it won’t be the last. Luckily, Banyan Heartland offers different types of drug and alcohol treatment in Gilman that have helped numerous patients get sober. If you or someone you know is battling addiction, call us now at 888-280-4763 for more information about our addiction treatment programs and facility.