Prescription for dangerous study habits
Midterms mayhem: the lengths students will go to make the grade
Angela Salerno
Issue date: 10/23/08 Section: Features
According to WebMD.com, "There have been reports of people using ADD stimulant drugs that weren't prescribed for them. Studies show that abusing Ritalin can lead to dependence on the drug. When taken as prescribed, though, Ritalin is not addictive in children or adults."
Kessler also said addiction is a more common result for those who consume it without a prescription.
"For students who are taking these medications as prescribed and using it as prescribed I don't see them getting addicted to it. However, students who aren't prescribed it can get addicted to stimulants in just the same way as they can get addicted to the stimulant cocaine," said Kessler.
Whether or not ADD medications can become addictive over time to the consumer, some students say that there are other types of stimulants abused on Sacred Heart's campus that may be more widespread.
"Although ADHD medication is abused in college, I don't think it's the worst thing college students are doing. There are a lot worse and more concerning drugs out there that people should really be worrying about," said a senior who prefers to remain anonymous.
Other drugs reportedley abused on campus include alcohol and marijuana.
"The number one reported drug abuse on campus is alcohol, however most students drink moderately or not at all. The second reported drug abuse is marijuana, that's with less than half of the student body using it," said Kessler, "These are problems, but not everyone has them."
Some students also rely on energy drinks and highly caffeinated drinks such as Red Bull to help keep them awake and feeling energized, leading to abuse similar to ADD and ADHD medication.
"Another stimulant being abused among college students is caffeine. It's a stimulant that I wouldn't recommend but when used in moderation and responsibly it doesn't cause much of a problem," said Kessler.
In times of increased stress and pressure, students turn to these potentially dangerous stimulants as a way of increasing their concentration and focus. For some students, they feel taking these medications with or without a prescription enhances their ability to learn.
"I honestly believe that if they were to take these drugs off the market, a college student's average GPA would go down drastically," said a junior who prefers to remain anonymous.
Kessler also said addiction is a more common result for those who consume it without a prescription.
"For students who are taking these medications as prescribed and using it as prescribed I don't see them getting addicted to it. However, students who aren't prescribed it can get addicted to stimulants in just the same way as they can get addicted to the stimulant cocaine," said Kessler.
Whether or not ADD medications can become addictive over time to the consumer, some students say that there are other types of stimulants abused on Sacred Heart's campus that may be more widespread.
"Although ADHD medication is abused in college, I don't think it's the worst thing college students are doing. There are a lot worse and more concerning drugs out there that people should really be worrying about," said a senior who prefers to remain anonymous.
Other drugs reportedley abused on campus include alcohol and marijuana.
"The number one reported drug abuse on campus is alcohol, however most students drink moderately or not at all. The second reported drug abuse is marijuana, that's with less than half of the student body using it," said Kessler, "These are problems, but not everyone has them."
Some students also rely on energy drinks and highly caffeinated drinks such as Red Bull to help keep them awake and feeling energized, leading to abuse similar to ADD and ADHD medication.
"Another stimulant being abused among college students is caffeine. It's a stimulant that I wouldn't recommend but when used in moderation and responsibly it doesn't cause much of a problem," said Kessler.
In times of increased stress and pressure, students turn to these potentially dangerous stimulants as a way of increasing their concentration and focus. For some students, they feel taking these medications with or without a prescription enhances their ability to learn.
"I honestly believe that if they were to take these drugs off the market, a college student's average GPA would go down drastically," said a junior who prefers to remain anonymous.
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