Spring Break
The Daily OrangeAdderall use increases, doctors warn of consequences
By Natalie Dolce
Posted: 4/1/03, 2:37 AM EST Section: Feature
Officials at the DEA said abuse of prescription stimulants became more common in the last five years as production of Adderall increased and other drugs were introduced into the marketplace. Its prominence helped Adderall replace the caffeine pills of the past.
The mind-altering effects of Adderall counter the idea that it works well as a study aid. Kulley pointed out that information acquisition is dependent on state of mind, which means studying in one condition and testing in another won’t add up.
“Taking Adderall and studying hard all night might not win you an A,” Kulley said.
But the consequences can be much worse than potential bad grades. Dubbed the “poor man’s cocaine,” it is developing similar seeds in the drug market.
"It is a fat, black market," said Chris Kerper, a sophomore at San Diego State University. "Just like selling drugs, there is a standard price, a going rate just like pot."
Kerper said he sells three 10 milligram pills of Adderall for $7.
Students prescribed the medication may sell their medication because of its profitability. Researchers from the University of WIsconsin found that more than a third of students who took Adderall said they'd been asked to sell or trade their drugs. And more than half of students who weren't prescribed the medication said they knew students who gave away or sold their medication.
Selling and distributing Adderall is a felony punishable by a $10,000 fine or a prison term up to 45 years.
A student’s contempt for the law may allow him to continue using Adderall despite the warnings. Beyond threats of jail time and fines, Kuelly offers one final admonishment against abusing the drug.
“Adderall,” he warned, “is addictive.”
The mind-altering effects of Adderall counter the idea that it works well as a study aid. Kulley pointed out that information acquisition is dependent on state of mind, which means studying in one condition and testing in another won’t add up.
“Taking Adderall and studying hard all night might not win you an A,” Kulley said.
But the consequences can be much worse than potential bad grades. Dubbed the “poor man’s cocaine,” it is developing similar seeds in the drug market.
"It is a fat, black market," said Chris Kerper, a sophomore at San Diego State University. "Just like selling drugs, there is a standard price, a going rate just like pot."
Kerper said he sells three 10 milligram pills of Adderall for $7.
Students prescribed the medication may sell their medication because of its profitability. Researchers from the University of WIsconsin found that more than a third of students who took Adderall said they'd been asked to sell or trade their drugs. And more than half of students who weren't prescribed the medication said they knew students who gave away or sold their medication.
Selling and distributing Adderall is a felony punishable by a $10,000 fine or a prison term up to 45 years.
A student’s contempt for the law may allow him to continue using Adderall despite the warnings. Beyond threats of jail time and fines, Kuelly offers one final admonishment against abusing the drug.
“Adderall,” he warned, “is addictive.”
