At some point in time, we’ve had to fight from falling asleep during the day. We had to drive through the night, or work on homework, or we just didn’t get enough sleep the night before. We’ve all been there. Some people use coffee to keep their eyes from shutting, while others turn to prescription medication. One of the most popular meds is sold in the United States as Provigil, but it is also known by the generic name of modafinil.
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What is Modafinil?
Modafinil, better known by the brand name Provigil, is also a central nervous stimulant drug. Modafinil is often referred to as a eugeroic medication, which is a medication that makes one feel alert and wakefulness. Modafinil is approved by the FDA to treat daytime sleepiness in people who have several different conditions, including:
- Narcolepsy
- Shift work disorder, a formal disorder that involves a disruption of normal sleeping hours when one is working nights
- Sleepiness that occurs in other medical conditions like obstructive sleep apnea
Although modafinil is labeled a highly effective prescription medication, it has the same effect on your dopamine centers of the brain as cocaine, methamphetamine, and amphetamines do. Like other stimulants, it also causes psychoactive and euphoric effects, which affect a person’s moods, thoughts, emotions, and perceptions.
Is Modafinil an Addictive Medication?
Many think modafinil isn’t addictive but, not surprisingly, due to its ability to stimulate the brain, enhance focus and concentration, reduce appetite, and help with the need for less sleep, modafinil is commonly abused non-medically without a prescription. Abusing modafinil for nonmedical reasons may lead to dependence and addiction.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIH):
Prescription drug misuse can have serious medical consequences. Increases in prescription drug misuse over the last 15 years are reflected in increased emergency room visits, overdose deaths associated with prescription drugs, and treatment admissions for prescription drug use disorders, the most severe form of which is an addiction.
The DEA classifies Modafinil as a schedule IV controlled substance. Schedule IV drugs have a lower potential for becoming abused than other drugs but are still considered addictive. There will likely be signs and symptoms of modafinil abuse and addiction, due to the stimulating effects of the drug.
Addiction to Modafinil is Possible
Just like any other drug with addictive potential, if a person abuses modafinil, they may show signs of typical drug-seeking behavior. They may prioritize using modafinil first, while neglecting other responsibilities, like work or school. A person suffering from modafinil abuse and addiction may compulsively use the drug despite obvious harm to themselves or others.
Those who work demanding hours may be at risk of developing modafinil addiction because they require more energy to keep going and get their job done. They may work into the night and be extremely focused, while potentially neglecting relationships or family.
Spotting the signs and symptoms of modafinil abuse is important to avoid the dangers that come with excessive use and abuse.
Get the Help You Need
If you or a loved one is struggling, we Allure Detox can help you get back on track. We are a comfortable and evidence-based drug and alcohol detox in West Palm Beach, Florida. We can free you or your loved one from the physical symptoms of addiction and start you on the path to recovery. We offer detox from drugs and alcohol on a medical basis so that you can safely resume the life you once lived, the life you thought was lost forever. Addicts emerge from Allure Detox healthy, sane, and prepared for a lifetime of recovery. Please contact us today if you or someone you love is suffering the pain of addiction.