Illegal meds assist student studies

Illegal amphetamines have become the steroid of academia and new solution for college students attempting to stay focused and awake for all night study marathons.

Coffee, cigarettes and energy drinks can only do so much at 2 a.m., especially when a major exam or research paper is approaching its deadline in a few short hours. Whether students have perfected the art of procrastination or struggle to stay focused, they all too often resort to use of an amphetamine known as Adderall.

According to Dr. Christian Teter, clinical research pharmacist published in Medical News. Over 75 percent of college students use prescription stimulants. Students want improved concentrate ability in academically competitive environments.

"Adderall is only the common brand name; it is an amphetamine with dextroamphetamine," said Dr. Ken Altry, CVS pharmacist.

Introduced in 1996, it is currently the most commonly prescribed stimulant.

"The increase is very noticeable and within the last three years prescriptions have tripled," Altry said. Amphetamines activate the central nervous system.

Adderall serves as a chemical replacement and treats Attention Deficit Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder.

"When a person uses a prescription amphetamine it slows them down to the point where they are able to concentrate and pay attention," Altry said.

John Beese, GCSU alum, suffers from diagnosed ADD and has a prescription for Adderall. He started taking the medication in high school to direct his attention to his schoolwork.

"It really helped me focus and eliminate procrastination," Beese said.

According to Altry, when a non-prescribed user takes amphetamines it has a reverse affect, enhancing their reactions and ability to focus.

John Ham, GCSU junior business major, used Adderall to study for finals. Like many other students, he was extremely stressed about his finals. Adderall allowed him to stay awake for 34 hours.

"I got more than enough studying done," Ham said. Amy Harrison, GCSU junior history major, took Adderall to finish a research paper that was due the next day. "I needed to finish the paper and I was really tired," Harrison said.

This power-hour pill is not all fun and games. Amphetamines have high addictive properties and are prescribed with great caution.

According to CVS documents, Adderall causes loss of appetite and weight, stomach pain, nausea and dizziness. Incitement of nervousness and irregular sleep patterns may also occur.

"The most severe side effect is increased heart rate," Altry commented. Brandon Chaney, GCSU sophomore marketing major, took Adderall only once and vows never to do so again. He resorted to the medication as his first option.

"I knew it would work but I think it worked a little too well," Chaney said.

He experienced restless sleep and an uncontrollable heart beat. Chaney, Ham and Harrison are aware of health risks associated with amphetamine use.

"It’s speed in small legal dosages – so how could it be good for you?" Ham said. Somehow it passes under the radar.

Mary Jane Phillips, director of Counseling Services, has never had anyone admit to her that they use Adderall without a prescription.

Most students do not feel that there is a problem with taking someone else’s medication. Harrison acknowledges that even though it is illegal she did not feel bad about taking it and Ham saw nothing ethically wrong with using Adderall to help him study.

Ryan Bidwell, GCSU sophomore business major, commented,

"Since it stimulates the brain and people that use it illegally are using it to produce good schoolwork, then there is nothing ethically wrong about taking non-prescription Adderall."

Is the grade worth it?

Buyers and sellers of Adderall may not realize that according to the Prescription Medication Integrity Act, sellers of a prescription medication are guilty of a felony. Maximum penalty includes 15 years in prison and/or a $50,000 fine.

Some students utilize traditional methods of studying.

Jill Tribble, GCSU sophomore education major, has never used Adderall.

 "I need to learn how to study by myself and not have a drug do it for me," Tribble said.

Pendar Khosravi, GCSU sophomore business major, believes that there is no gain from taking medication to complete one’s school work.

"To practice time management by spreading out your assignments. Do the hard assignments firsts and the easy ones last," Khosravi said.

Adderall’s appeal is increasing as intense workloads and impossible tests continue to prevail. In efforts to succeed, students resort to illegally using prescribed medication, risking health and legal prosecution.

Posted by Colonnade Archives on Mar 9 2007. Filed under News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry