Adderall: Prescription Medication Gains Popularity as Illegal Study Aid

A teen in Warren County, New York (near Albany) was arrested this week for selling his prescription medication, Adderall, to another young person. Adderall is a narcotic that is generally prescribed to treat attention deficit disorder. However, it has recently gained popularity among younger people as a study aid. The seller has been incarcerated and charged with a third-degree felony for illegal sale of a controlled substance.

According to a recent study by the University of Wisconsin, as many as one in every five college students are currently using Adderall or similar drugs as study aids. Young people who begin using these medications are typically unaware that these substances are addictive and can have significant negative side effects. Adderall is used to regulate dopamine functioning in individuals who have biological problems with this process. When used by an individual who does not have a dopamine problem, the drug acts as a potent stimulant. Many students ingest the drug in pill form, or by snorting it, to increase their focus and energy before an exam.

Individuals who are prescribed Adderall and take the medication under a doctor’s supervision rarely experience worse side effects than dry mouth, sleep disturbance, or increased heart rate. When the medication is taken without a prescription, without a doctor’s supervision, and in increased dosages, the side effects can become drastically more severe. Side effects under these circumstances may include paranoia, delusions, and stroke, among other serious health risks.

In addition, the act of snorting the drug intensifies the “rush” and may also acclimate young people to a behavior which can easily lead to the snorting other stimulants, such as cocaine.

Officials at Georgetown University believe that Adderall use and abuse is becoming a significant problem with their students and with students around the country. (Sources: CBS6.albany.com, media.www.thegeorgetownindependent.com)

Labels: prescription-drug-abuse, teen-drug-abuse

posted by jgarcia @ 3:27 PM