Drug Abuse

For individuals who suffer from attention deficit (hyperactivity) disorder, prescription medications such as Adderall, Concerta, and Ritalin enable them to effectively carry out their everyday tasks.  Without such medications, sufferers of ADD and ADHD may find it extremely difficult to focus, register information, and meet the daily demands of society.  However, as BBC news noted in a September 23rd article, doctors are quick to prescribe such drugs without full behavioral assessments and other psychological treatment plans.  It can be easy to prescribe a kid a pill for their lack of concentration, but doing so may be a band-aid treatment for issues that can be remedied by improved parenting skills.

 

The readiness of doctors to prescribe such medications to children, teenagers, and adults alike has perhaps contributed to a phenomenon seen on college campuses: many college students are taking Adderall as a study aid, even if they do not have any form of ADD or ADHD.  Our society encourages caffeinated remedies such as Red Bull, Starbucks cards, and “Running on Dunkin’ [Donuts coffee]” to increase work performance.  We are constantly bombarded with messages telling us that we need some form of stimulant to truly be productive. But for some stress-laden kids trying to make the grade, they may feel that even guzzling a latte is “not enough” of a remedy for lack of energy.

 

Adderall, whose effects resemble those of speed or crystal meth, forces users (and abusers) to stay awake and remain focused while studying.  However, it also leads to extreme jitteriness, a rapid increase in heart rate, restlessness, mood swings, and a loss of appetite.  Abusing Adderall can lead to rapid weight loss, a weakened immune system, and dependency.  But in environments where a lengthy To Do list or high GPA are badges of honor, taking Adderall without a prescription is alluring for some people.  According to IMS health, sales for Adderall XR have more than doubled from 4.2 million in 2002 to 9.5 million in 2007; many of these prescribed individuals are giving or selling pills to classmates and friends.  Such transactions are, in essence, no different than the dealing or purchasing of illegal drugs like marijuana and cocaine.

 

The pill-and-library college cultural trend is treated casually by some students, but is no trivial matter.  Adderall, according to WebMD, is an amphetamine class II controlled drug.  Side effects like cotton-mouth and irritability are not very appealing, nor are sleeplessness, an irregular heartbeat, addiction and potential withdrawal symptoms.  A high GPA is by no means a worthwhile tradeoff.

 

There are various ways to effectively manage time and study without putting any foreign substance into your body.  And while caffeine isn’t necessarily a stellar remedy for lack of focus, a single cup of coffee is said to increase alertness without harmful side effects.  If a good night’s sleep followed by a morning cup of java is not cutting it, seek professional advice.  Students must seek psychological counseling if they find they cannot meet the demands of their university environment, if they are having trouble in social or academic situations, or if they are relying on drugs to stay afloat in school.  College campuses have on-site staffers and focus groups to guide students through stressful situations.

Prescription Drug Abuse: Prescription Drug Abuse

Prescription drug abuse is dangerous… Ananya, Catherine, and Jenna
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