Jeremy Ayotte

ENC 2135

Professor Whitney Gilchrist

26 February 2017

The Epidemic of College Students and Adderall

Finals week, arguably the most stressful time for students at colleges and universities all

throughout the United States. Frantically trying to cram as much information as possible within

what seems like such a short period of time becomes overwhelming and takes a toll on the mind.

Study areas littered with coffee cups, Five Hour Energy, Monster, and Red Bull cans arent out of

the ordinary considering it alleviates some of the sleepiness and keeps students more alert than

they would be without it. Forget about sleep, final exams will keep you up until the crack of

dawn. However, within the last decade, an increasing number of students across the nation have

turned to a little pill that keeps them alert, focused, and tuned into their studies for hours on end.

The epidemic of study drugs or smart drugs as theyre known on campus has been blown out

of proportion in recent years according to professionals (Aberg, Simon Essig). Prescription

stimulant medications like Adderall, Vyvanse, and Ritalin are what students turn to when finals

week finally hits. These medications are FDA approved and used to treat Attention Deficit

Hyperactivity disorder, also known as ADHD, so what risks could possibly be associated with it?

As smart as they may be, after all, they did make it to college, college students seem to be

oblivious to the fact that illicitly using stimulant medications is not as harmless as it may seem.

There are many serious health complications that go unlooked as well as the fact that these

medications are classified as Schedule II drugs and are illegal to possess without a prescription.

ADHD, a brain disorder thats been known about for decades affecting the lives of

millions of children and adults in the United States. It is broken down into two different types
and patients can be diagnosed with either one or both. The first is Attention Deficit

Hyperactivity Disorder, more commonly known as ADHD in which individuals can be thought

of an extrovert. ADHD is most common among children and is easily recognizable with traits of

hyperactivity and impulsivity. A child diagnosed with ADHD can be described as having an

internal motor that keeps them on the go, extremely talkative, often blurting out at inappropriate

times, and difficulty waiting his/her turn while in line ("Attention Deficit Hyperactivity

Disorder). Contrarily, a person with ADD can be thought of as an introvert. ADD mainly

revolves around inattention. A person struggles with concentration, organization, completing

tasks whether at work or school, and constantly losing their belongings. If diagnosed with

ADHD as a child, he/she will often portray traits more similarly associated with ADD because

they learn through experience that they cant constantly be getting up and moving around at

inappropriate times, especially while at work. This often leads to fidgeting and other little ticks

like tapping a pencil ("Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). Unfortunately, theres no cure

for ADHD. However, research suggest that the most common and effective treatment methods

are stimulant and non-stimulant medications which help balance out the chemicals in the brain

(Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder).

According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, 60% of children who

have the disorder carry it into adulthood. That roughly approximates to eight million U.S. adults

(Adult ADHD). But despite its whereabouts, scientists and professionals are still baffled and

know very little about it to this day. Stephen Hinshaw, a psychologist at Berkeley, refers to

ADHD diagnosiss as on a spectrum as there is not a single test or fine line that can be drawn

to determine if a patient has ADHD (Amy, Novotney). With that being said, its very difficult for

doctors and psychologists to make a proper diagnosis. Quite often, students use this to their

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advantage in order to obtain stimulant medications since its relatively easy to feign ADHD

symptoms (Harrison). One study even showed that approximately 25-48% of students

exaggerated symptoms (Green, Andrea L. and David L Rabiner). As a result, over the past two

decades, college students illicitly taking study drugs has gone through the roof (Aberg, Simon

Essig). So much so that back in 2012, the DEA was forced to raise their quota on the allotment

of amphetamines allowed to be produced because pharmacies ended up running out due to so

many patients filling their prescription (Novotney, Amy).

The abuse of study drugs has spread like wild fire among colleges and universities all

over the United States. The American Academy of Children & Adolescent Psychiatry states that

prescription medications are among the top classes of drugs abused by high school and college

students and about 1 in 10 adolescents reported trading, selling, or giving their medication away

(AACAP College Students with ADHD). Instead of going through the hassle of getting a

diagnosis of ADHD to acquire Adderall, a large percent of students ask to buy it off friends who

are already prescribed. The pills, often referred to as addy sell for relatively cheap, around $5

to $10 dollars a pop. Lisa Beach, a student at Fresno State, got offered $150 per pill when finals

week rolled around (NY Times). However, the risks outweigh the benefits considering theres

serious consequences for (1) selling/distributing prescription medication and (2) illicitly using

these stimulants. Adderall, classified as a Schedule II drug, is in the same class as cocaine,

methamphetamines, hydrocodone, and oxycodone (Drug Enforcement Administration).

Schedule II drugs are reported to have a high risk for abuse and addiction plus the fact that they

are highly illegal. Although state laws vary, a simple possession of Adderall without a

prescription is a misdemeanor and can result in up to one year in jail, a minimum fine of $1000,

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or both. Selling or distributing prescription stimulants is a felony and the defendant can face 5-

20 years in prison, a $250,000-$5 million dollar fine, or both (Criminal Defense Lawyer).

Not only is it against the law, but it can also cause serious health complications. The

reason doctors and psychiatrists prescribe these medications to those affected by ADHD is

because someone who has ADHD has irregular levels of brain chemicals, specifically dopamine,

compared to someone who doesnt (AACAP College Students with ADHD). Stimulant

medications like Adderall boost the brains dopamine levels and help them bind to receptors in

the brain, balancing out the levels of brain chemicals. For a person with ADHD, stimulant

medications have a calming effect and it allows them to focus on one thing at a time without

constantly getting distracted. Since a person who doesnt have ADHD has a balanced level of

brain chemicals, taking a stimulant medication increases their dopamine levels higher than what

its supposed to be, giving them a rush of energy and a feeling of euphoria (Attention Deficit

Hyperactivity Disorder). However, users who dont have ADHD often experience whats called

a crash after the medication wears off. The brain is basically in overdrive and when the

balance of chemicals return back to normal, it often leaves the person feeling very tired and often

promotes headaches.

When not under the supervision of a doctor, the risks associated with taking Adderall

increase drastically. Because medications effect people differently, doctors work carefully with

their patients in order to find the ample amount needed to help combat their disorder.

Prescriptions start off at low doses and gradually increase until the desired affect is reached. So

when a student takes a friends medication, theyre taking a huge risk because its specifically

tuned and intended for them. Taking a large amount of a stimulant like Adderall, or being

unaware of a heart condition, can lead to a stroke or heart attack resulting in death in some cases

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(Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). More common side effects include increased heart

rate, blood pressure, insomnia, and decreased appetite.

With all of the risks associated with taking Adderall, itd be reasonable to assume that

students would think twice before taking it. However, many students show little to no remorse

after abusing stimulant medications (Aberg, Simon Essig). Theres numerous reasons as to why

students are abusing Adderall. Repeated use often correlates to academic achievement.

Although its a fact that the drug doesnt make people smarter, it does help improve

concentration and the ability to work on assignments for hours on end without getting tired.

Some people claim that Adderall makes them feel like themselves again and helps them in social

situations. Whether that be more talkative in conversations or participating more in class. If

users take Adderall for the euphoria or high, it raises a red flag for addiction and can be very

serious. Addiction can lead to dependence on the medication as well as having to take larger

dosages to achieve the desired high experience when the medication was first taken.