ADHD Medications in College Essay

Submitted By cgoode45
Words: 2424
Pages: 10
Open Document
Chris Goode
Dr. Diana Bell
EH 102
27 April 2014
The Illicit Use of Adderall: A Negative Impact on the College Environment
For years, college students have been looking for a competitive advantage in the classroom. Students have turned to plagiarism, cheat sheets, and some even have access to old-exam databases. The newest way they are gaining an advantage is by taking a medication known as Adderall. This medication gives students increased focus and energy, giving them the upper hand when it comes time to study. While Adderall can be very beneficial when taken properly, the illicit use of Adderall can be very dangerous, as it has many psychological side effects. Because of these side effects, as well as the unfair advantage it gives to students using them illegally, the regulation of Adderall must be reformed.
Adderall is a psychostimulant prescription drug used to treat ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder. According to Stolz, Adderall is:
Used to treat individuals with ADHD and Narcolepsy and works to enhance concentration by stimulating the production of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. Students that do not have ADHD are drawn to the drug because it over-stimulates the brain, creating super enhanced focus (585).
Naturally, college students are drawn to this drug. With the ability to energize as well as enhance focus, college students are seeking out Adderall as a study-aid. For those with ADHD, Adderall simply levels their brain activity to normal. While Adderall can be very beneficial for those who legitimately need it, but can potentially be very harmful for those who don’t.
Adderall is considered to be among the group of drugs that has “the highest potential for dependence or abuse” (NSDUH 1). However, it is one of the easiest drugs to obtain on a college campus. Many students who are prescribed Adderall often sell or give away their medication. Some students even fake ADHD symptoms at physician’s offices in order to obtain the prescription. To make matters worse, the drug is becoming increasingly more popular. According to reports, “since 1990, sales of ADHD medications like Adderall have increased by 400 percent” (Stolz 585).
Students who illegally take Adderall are often unaware of their negative psychological side effects and risks. According to an interview of college students conducted by DeSantis and Hane, one student said, “It is not dangerous, it’s really no big deal. It doesn’t wreck your body like hardcore drugs. Like acid, that stuff will really mess you up” (37). College students are obviously unaware that some side effects of Adderall include “difficulty sleeping, loss of appetite, hallucinations, seizures, and uncontrolled shaking and body movements” (Stolz 586). Long-term side effects even include severe psychological and physical dependence.
ADHD medications are beginning to have a negative affect on academic integrity. According to an interview of college students conducted by DeSantis, one student said that Adderall “helps me cram. If I stay up all night, then I kind of need it” (317). Students who don’t have access to these drugs can’t perform at the same level as the ones who do, making collegiate academics seemingly unfair.
LITERATURE REVIEW
Justifications for Illegal Use
Alan DeSantis and Audrey Hane conducted a survey to figure out why college students use Adderall illegally. They surveyed 175 full-time undergraduate students at a local university, and categorically sorted them by different requirements, including gender, race, year in school, and Greek status. Each student was asked 15 questions, and the interviews lasted no longer than 30 minutes each. The questions they asked revolved around four basic issues: demographics, Adderall usage patterns, ethical/legal implications, and physical side effects. The justifications that were found were students claiming to do it for the right reasons, students claiming that there was no
Show More

Related Documents: ADHD Medications in College Essay

Cramming In College Student Essay

the information the night before a test, the student will not retain a large majority of this content for future use (Wheeler). In college, students are taking courses in preparation for a job in the field they are majoring in. If students crammed for tests by using stimulants, once they get a real job, they may find it hard to recall valuable information from college courses. For example, it will be critical for a nurse in practice to recall all of the…

Words 850 - Pages 4

Adderall's Argumentative Analysis

stimulants which together affect chemicals in the brain and nerves that contribute to hyperactivity and impulse control. College students in particular have been using Adderall both with and without a prescription to help them focus and stay awake for prolonged hours. Adderall needs to be more regulated due to the fact that it is highly addictive, it gives people without ADHD an unfair advantage in sports and academics, and it can be easily abused. Adderall is a Schedule II drug which…

Words 775 - Pages 4

ADHD Medication

children in America are being overmedicated. Teenagers and children who are overmedicated are ones with Foster parents, have pediatricians or psychiatrists, or have parents who do not understand their problem; and are then given medication such as Adderall, Ritalin, ADHD medication, or Psychotropic drugs. Teenagers and children who have foster parents are overmedicated with psychotropic drugs such as Xanax, Zoloft, Celexa, Prozac, etc. These drugs are used on the foster children by the foster parents as…

Words 889 - Pages 4

Adha Essay

Mitchell Nash Community College Learning with Behavior Disorders Catherine Jancso EDU 222 10-22-11 Abstract This paper explores the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a condition that can affect children and adults. ADHD in children can cause trouble with focus, patience, and over activity. ADHD is the most common childhood…

Words 1085 - Pages 5

Prescription Stimulants Abuse

more and more popular among college students across the nation. The increase in rigor of post-secondary institutions is only increasing the motive to recreationally use prescription simulants. Over the years, the abuse of so called “smart drugs” is only increasing; a 2010 study surveying 1025 college students showed that sixteen percent of respondents abused prescription stimulants (Stimulant Medication Use). In a more recent study it was determined that, of the 1253 college students surveyed, thirty…

Words 1368 - Pages 6

Drug Abuse Essay

marijuana, although not yet perceived as a danger, was still considered a gateway drug for heroin users. In today’s society, marijuana is still considered a social problem due to its increasing popularity, specifically ranging from high school to college students. Needless to say, marijuana is only one of the few narcotics affecting today’s youth. Students today are found abusing not only illegal but medically prescribed drugs. Prescription drugs such as adderall, vyvanse, and conserta have been abused…

Words 2036 - Pages 9

ADHD Argumentative Analysis

brought to the table is if Attention-Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) a real disorder? In the article “Is Attention-Deficit Hyperactive Disorder a Real Disorder”, two different opinions were discussed when answering the question. Both sides had a valid argument on whether ADHD is a real disorder or want wasn’t considered a real disorder. After reading both views on the question, I simply examined my own personal experiences with ADHD and compared them to each article. While understanding where Sami…

Words 907 - Pages 4

Essay on Teens: Attention-deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Teen With ADHD Abstract: Teens perceptions of ADHD and the medications used. Four themes were observed. Physiologic role function. Independence and self concept. A study was conducted on psychostimulants for both short and long term treatment. (NIHCS, 1998) Intro - the study envolved is high school teens ages 14-17. Almost four million youth ages 3-17 have been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (NIMH 2000) There are three different types of ADHD. 1. Predominately…

Words 607 - Pages 3

Adhd Research Paper

ADD/ADHD Treatment in Children Rebecca James COM220/Research Writing March 24, 2013 Marcia Richards Parents often have trouble finding the best way to treat their children’s Attention Deficit Disorder/Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Most recently, ADD has become one of the three identified forms of ADHD. Adolescents, who suffer from this condition, usually have trouble paying attention, following directions, and seem to be distracted. They seem to be sloppy and lack organization in what…

Words 2111 - Pages 9

Adhd Research Paper - 1

ADHD Research Paper Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) seems to be the affliction of this generation of children. It seems more prevalent every year. However, diagnosis criteria for ADHD is so subjective, what qualifies, who qualifies? There is no specific clinical cause for ADHD but it obviously exists. So many questions remain to be answered about ADHD. Are more children really being diagnosed with ADHD annually and is it really on the rise as it appears? Are too many children being…

Words 3078 - Pages 13