The Daily OrangeAdderall use increases, doctors warn of consequences
By Natalie Dolce
Posted: 4/1/03, 2:37 AM EST Section: Feature
It’s quick and easy, but it is anything but simple.
For those prescribed Adderall for illnesses such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, it is FDA-approved relief. But for one in five college students, it’s a tempting solution to burdensome work.
It didn’t take long for high school and college students to catch on to the drug. With the pop of a pill, students can more efficiently study for exams or write term papers. A preliminary study from the University of Wisconsin found that one in five college students have used Adderall or Ritalin without a doctor’s prescription, a practice that can be extremely risky.
"People find this drug enticing because they can get their academic work done quicker or do more in a shorter period of time," said exercise science sophomore Nicole McLean.
Adderall (amphetamine-dextroamphetamine) jump starts the central nervous system, increases heart rate and blood pressure and decreases appetite. Duke University psychologist Jeff Kulley said Adderall serves as a replacement for a chemical that ADHD patients lack, but for those without this disorder, the drug acts like speed and has adverse affects.
“It's very similar in its action to cocaine when it's snorted," Kulley said.
According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, it is a medication sought after for its psychoactive effects — to get high, stay awake for extended periods of time to study or party, to lose weight or mix with alcohol or other drugs.
Recent studies show that abuse of the drug has increased across the country — and it’s no stranger to Syracuse University.
Several SU students admitted to using Adderall as a study aid, but none were comfortable giving their names for publication due to concerns about the stigma associated with Adderall use and abuse.
Kulley said that using the drug for non-prescribed purposes constitutes abuse and is very dangerous. Some potential side effects are insomnia, digestive problems, vomiting, loss of appetite, psychotic episodes and nervousness.
For those prescribed Adderall for illnesses such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, it is FDA-approved relief. But for one in five college students, it’s a tempting solution to burdensome work.
It didn’t take long for high school and college students to catch on to the drug. With the pop of a pill, students can more efficiently study for exams or write term papers. A preliminary study from the University of Wisconsin found that one in five college students have used Adderall or Ritalin without a doctor’s prescription, a practice that can be extremely risky.
"People find this drug enticing because they can get their academic work done quicker or do more in a shorter period of time," said exercise science sophomore Nicole McLean.
Adderall (amphetamine-dextroamphetamine) jump starts the central nervous system, increases heart rate and blood pressure and decreases appetite. Duke University psychologist Jeff Kulley said Adderall serves as a replacement for a chemical that ADHD patients lack, but for those without this disorder, the drug acts like speed and has adverse affects.
“It's very similar in its action to cocaine when it's snorted," Kulley said.
According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, it is a medication sought after for its psychoactive effects — to get high, stay awake for extended periods of time to study or party, to lose weight or mix with alcohol or other drugs.
Recent studies show that abuse of the drug has increased across the country — and it’s no stranger to Syracuse University.
Several SU students admitted to using Adderall as a study aid, but none were comfortable giving their names for publication due to concerns about the stigma associated with Adderall use and abuse.
Kulley said that using the drug for non-prescribed purposes constitutes abuse and is very dangerous. Some potential side effects are insomnia, digestive problems, vomiting, loss of appetite, psychotic episodes and nervousness.
