The Illegal Use of Non Prescription Drugs and Students
Now more than ever before, students are turning to non prescription drugs, such as Adderall, in order to study longer and get more homework done on a daily basis. As they are only supposed to be given to those who have trouble focusing, these so called “Smart Pills” can have a damaging effect when abused and especially for those not diagnosed with a form of Attention Deficit Disorder.
After a recent study was conducted, it was found that 1 in 5 students admit to using non prescription pills who do not actually have ADD or ADHD. One student who attends a major university stated, “I take two pills when I have a ton of work to do…without Adderall I failed one class…I began to take Adderall again and saw a huge improvement”. These pills, also known as “Study Buddies” may give students a boost when it comes to hitting the books, but the long term side effects can be very harming. These pills are meant to be used only with a prescription and can be “highly addictive” and cause irritability when under the influence, along with many other side effects. “For all intents and purposes, Adderall is speed. You’re putting something in your body that’s gonna make you think you’re OK when you’re not. And the next thing you know, you’re gonna be spinning out of control” says Stephen Odom, a drug abuse counselor at Sober Living by the Sea.
Not only can these drugs take a serious toll on your brain and overall health, it can mean serious consequences legally. Selling and taking non prescription narcotics is considered a felony and could land you a few years in prison, along with a major fine. Being a federal offense, it will stay on your criminal record forever and potentially affect the rest of your life.
Articles Referenced: http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/43050779/ns/today-today_health/t/steroids-school-college-students-get-hooked-smart-drugs/
http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/exchange/node/366
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