There are thousands of students on college campuses who are prescribed medications like Adderall and Vyvanse to help their academic performance. It's not news that there are also thousands who take these drugs without being prescribed them to enhance their social performance and stay awake long enough to party or study for hours. If you fall into the latter, I advise you to listen up.
Adderall is a form of amphetamine used for the treatment of ADHD and narcolepsy. It is available in instant release and extended-time release forms, both of which are proven to help ADHD, while instant is the only one approved for treating narcolepsy. According to DrugAbuse.com, the drug is sometimes used unofficially to treat obesity, severe depression and sleep-related disorders as well.
There is a constantly increasing number of students in colleges across the nation who take the drugs without a prescription for a variety of reasons.
“I just don't get why people feel the need to take this stuff that they don't need," said sophomore Cami Hershman, who was prescribed Vyvanse by her doctor. “It's something I have to take every day but would so much rather not. It just doesn't make sense; I would love to not take it."
With an increase in focusing ability as an effect of the drug, students started using it illegally as a study aid.
“I think that Adderall helps a lot of kids get their work done, but it also encourages cramming and staying up all night," sophomore Jake Starr said.
More and more students are counting on the drug to get them through an all-nighter in the library or study for a test that they forgot they had. Because so many people are prescribed it, it's easy to get your hands on and therefore easy to rely on.
“During finals, it's more common than Advil in the library," sophomore Shayna Ehrlich said.
Adderall also produces a feeling of euphoria in the brain which has led to its use as a recreational drug. When it wears off, users can be left feeling tired, depressed and irritable.
It's unfortunately typical to hear students talk about taking it before they go out at night or before a day drink. They either swallow the pill as if it were Tylenol, or they open up the capsule (or crush up the tablet) and snort what's inside, similar to how they would ingest cocaine.
“I've been with people when they snort it and I just think they're dumb," Ehrlich said. “I don't do any drugs, so I obviously don't think it's smart to do it recreationally. It can be really dangerous, and I don't think it's worth it to take that risk [if you aren't prescribed]... If you can't have fun without it, then I think you have some other issues you need to sort out."
According to DrugAbuse.com, "Adderall's effect on the body's heart rate can lead to cardiovascular problems, such as disrupted heart rhythm and increased blood pressure."
Even more so, when you use it as a recreational drug, you put yourself at higher risk for more severe complications if you mix the drug with alcohol. Adderall cancels out some of the signs of drinking too much, making it easier for your body to succumb to alcohol poisoning without any warning.
The list of dangers goes on extensively, given that "both Adderall and alcohol have dehydrating properties and alcohol is a depressant, which can aggravate the psychological issues associated with the withdrawal from Adderall," according to DrugAbuse.com.
People are dying from abusing drugs like these. If you won't listen to your mom or dad when they tell you, at least consider listening to this: Would you rather get a bad grade on an assignment or run the risk of developing a drug dependency? Would you rather get a little tired at the day drink or possibly end your life by exposing your nasal cavity and brain to the drug?
When the opportunity presents itself to try something new like this, we often don't think about the fact that the most extreme repercussions can happen to us, even the first time we use.
Just something to think about the next time you consider taking a drug for fun.
