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College Adderall Abuse and its Dangers

–November 8 , 2005

It appears that one of the latest trends in college life is popping prescription drugs to enhance academic performance. Students are increasingly consuming prescription stimulants, such as Adderall and Ritalin, to heighten concentration during study sessions, risking serious side effects and unknown long term consequences for this behavior. According to recent studies, the rate of non-medical prescription drug use is greatest among students attending more competitive colleges.

A study published in the journal Addiction surveyed 11,000 college students about their prescription drug use. As many as one out of four students from schools with tough admissions standards reported use of Adderall and similar stimulants to boost their performance. Overall, an average of seven percent of all college students has used one of these drugs without a prescription. Many people feel this number is rapidly increasing.

Adderall is an amphetamine prescribed to people with ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Since 1996, this prescription drug has been prescribed to 40 million people in the United States alone. Many students report exaggerating or falsifying symptoms to obtain an Adderall prescription. Some parents are even playing a role in helping their children obtain these medications wrongfully.

"I think there has become an attitude that medications like Adderall and methylphenidate (Ritalin and Concerta) really aren't dangerous," says Dr. Carol Milam of the Vanderbilt University Student Health Center. This is a huge misconception that can result in serious side effects or drug addition. Adderall can cause side effects such as dry mouth, stomach problems, loss of appetite, and sleep difficulties. People who have heart problems, anxiety, high blood pressure, or history of drug abuse should not take these medications. More severe risks may be posed when taking these drugs without a prescription.

Health Canada, the Canadian version of the FDA, pulled Adderall off the market earlier this year after 20 Adderall users died unexpectedly. After further investigation, the government agency allowed the drug's return to the market, but with added warnings. According to new Canadian labeling, people with heart structural abnormalities should not take this medication. People who pop these medications without a prescription put themselves at risk without prior evaluation by a qualified medical professional.

Students say that while caffeine may help keep you awake, these prescription stimulants actually seem to boost concentration. However, scientists and researchers have not found this to be true. One study conducted at the University of Michigan's Substance Abuse Research Center found that people who use these medications generally have a lower grade point average than those who do not abuse these prescription drugs. These prescription poppers also had higher rates of alcohol, cigarette, cocaine, ecstasy, and other substance abuse. While many students believe Adderall and Ritalin are magical pills to academic achievement, these drugs are dangerous and potentially useless for their objective.

For more information on drug safety information, please contact us to confer with an attorney.

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