Good Drug/Bad Drug

An alarming trend is has been seen on college campuses nationwide. Students are turning to Adderall, a central nervous system stimulant, as their drug of choice to gain an edge in their academic performance.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, this drug is typically prescribed by a doctor to people suffering from ADHD, or Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder or ADD, Attention Deficit Disorder. However, students are abusing this drug mainly to help them pull all-nighters and increase their focus while they study.

An estimated 1 out of 5 students has abused this drug, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For those who actually require this drug, it increases alertness, raises libido, improves mood, and stems fatigue. However, when those who do not have ADD or ADHD, Adderall, like other powerful amphetamines causes euphoria which increases the risk of addiction.

But you don’t have to have a medical condition to obtain this “study drug” as it is sometimes referred to as. According to Fallon Shultz, a licensed clinical social worker and addiction specialist in Hoboken, New Jersey, "Doctors prescribe too easily, colleges don't take misbehavior seriously, parents are in denial and young adults need to be better educated.” She also says that college kids can “fool” doctors because they can find symptoms of ADHD on the Internet.

Another way that students are obtaining this drug is simply buying it from other students. According to www.npr.com, students say that Adderall is “easy” to get and one pill usually sells for about $5 but the price can go all the way up to $25 per pill during midterm and finals weeks.

Although Adderall sounds like a miracle drug, it does have its consequences. A 2009 report in Scientific American suggests that despite the short-term benefits of the drug, long-term use could change brain function enough to depress mood and boost anxiety. It can also lead to increased dopamine levels, higher rates of aggression, psychosis, and suicide. In addition it can also trigger bi-polar disorder and schizophrenia.

Kyle Craig, a student at Vanderbilt University took his own life in April of 2009 after he developed psychosis from abusing this drug.

This little pill can wreak major havoc if abused. Students may need to cut this ingredient from their recipe for academic success.