Source: National Institute on Drug Abuse, NIH
First-term finals are nearly upon us and sadly a disturbing percentage of high school seniors are abusing stimulants Adderall (dextroamphetamine) and Ritalin (methylphenidate), which are prescribed for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). These drugs increase alertness, attention, and energy the same way cocaine does—by boosting the amount of the neurotransmitter dopamine.
Even though these drugs are legal, they’re quite dangerous if not used properly. Taking high doses can cause irregular heartbeat, heart failure, or seizures. High doses of these stimulants can lead to hostility or feelings of paranoia. So, rather than popping pills, it’s a lot safer—and smarter—to boost your grades the old-school way: by studying.
Get new blog posts by email
Get posts via RSS Feed
Follow Dr. Collins on Twitter
So what can we do about this? My son is 24 yrs. old and has been using Adderall since he was in high school. It was prescribed for a learning disability (ADHD). At this point, he is thoroughly convinced that he needs this drug and cannot function in life without it.
My daughter is highly intelligent, and never had any ADD. In high school, she became aware of the “benefits” of adderall. As soon as she turned 18, she was able to fool her pediatrician into prescribing adderall which she abused all through college.The Medical community needs to wise up and stop promoting adderall abuse.
That is serious. She needs help and helping her has to be done with precaution.
Thank you for the information, I would like to know more about it !
Hi, Thomas,
This site, from NIH’s National Institue on Drug Abuse, has more on the dangers of abusing stimulants and other medications, http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/prescription-over-counter-medications.
Hope you find this info helpful!
The perception is prescription drugs are safe. On top of that no child should be medicated to try and control their behavior.
Prescription drugs are now without question THE gateway drug and this is somehow acceptable.