Students abuse adderall for grades

ADDERALL

Maybe. Sugar? Sometimes. Apopular new trend growing on college campuses, including Cabrini, is the use of adderall. Adderall is a drug prescribed to treat those with Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity (ADHD). It is also a form of amphetamine, which is a stimulant. When prescribed, it is supposed to improve a patient’s attention span, increase a patient’s ability to follow directions, decrease distractibility among children ages three and older, and decrease impulsivity, stubbornness and aggression. Doctors say that the drug is almost completely safe if prescribed. If not prescribed, those who take it run very high health risks.

College students nationwide are turning to Adderall as a study aid and an alternative to weaker pick-me-ups. Many students aren’t prescribed; they bum some off a friend, take some from a family member or from drug dealers—students can even purchase the prescription pills on Internet. Some students are not only getting the drug for “educational” purposes, but to extend partying. Since the drug also suppresses appetite, those with eating disorders use the drug for weight loss. The drug originated in the 1960s as a diet pill.

Abig reason why adderall is so popular is that everyone can benefit from its performance. It enhances capabilities, not just those with ADD or ADHD. This gives non- prescribed users an unfair advantage over those who actually are prescribed adderall to combat the effects of their attention deficit disorders.

The pills are usually taken orally. For weekend recreational use, students usually crush them and snort. Others “cook” and inject them. Snorting adds a greater danger than just a depend-