The pressures of Ivy League classes are incessantly demanding, and it requires a lot of determination to persevere. An tempting alternative, however, has been luring some college kids to bypass the requisite willpower. Study drugs have become a less-than-rare part of college life. If you do not use them yourself, chances are you have at least been graded on a curve against someone who uses them.
It should come as no surprise that these drugs exist at least to some degree on college campuses across America, but it is important to understand exactly what drugs are out there and what kind of effects they can have on abusers.
Adderall, Ritalin, and Dexedrine are three of the biggest study drugs commonly abused. Acting as central nervous system stimulants, these drugs are normally prescribed to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
However, the resulting increase in attention and decrease in restlessness double very conveniently as study aids.
The stimulants increase the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, increasing blood pressure and heart rate, constricting blood vessels, increasing blood glucose, and increasing breathing.
For the avid studier, such effects have the benefits of increased alertness, attention and energy, with an added sense of euphoria.
Negative side effects include the potential for cardiovascular failure, lethal seizures, feelings of paranoia and hostility, dangerously high body temperatures and heartbeat irregularities. Still, these serious problems tend to be overlooked by users of the drugs, as one student explains.
"I think some of the side-effects are blown out of proportion," a female '05 said. "At my level of use, I'm not too worried about some of the more serious negative consequences at all."
This type of attitude has allowed CNS stimulants such as Ritalin and Adderall to continue to thrive to a certain degree among students.
Over nine percent of college students admitted to having used amphetamines (which include CNS stimulants) within the past year, according to a 2002 study by the Core Institute. This number compares to 35.7 percent using marijuana, 43.3 percent using tobacco, and 85.2 percent using alcohol.
The pressure to succeed in the competitive college and job environments continuously drives young adults to turn to study drugs as a form of guidance and discipline.
"You can focus on anything," said a male '05 who admitted to having tried Adderall once. "It was impossible to not focus on whatever was around."
This particular student only tried the drug once and decided not to continue abusing it, but others have fallen prey to the addictive nature of the substances.
"I do feel bad about using it sometimes," said a male '06 who regularly uses Ritalin, "But it really helps me get my work done. I would have a hard time otherwise."
Of course, without a prescription, these stimulants should not be taken in any form. Doctors usually prescribe the medicine in various doses, as determined by each individual case.
For ADHD, the starting point for adults is usually five milligrams one to three times a day, with the dosage increasing as needed.
The drugs are prescribed in tablet form, but students who abuse the substances may sometimes choose to do so by crushing up the tablets and snorting them, for a faster and more potent effect. In any form, these stimulants can alter one's ability to drive or operate other machinery, and it is highly recommended to regularly consult a doctor regarding side effects while using them.
Users of amphetamines should also be aware of the possible interactions the drugs could have with other medicines.
Brain activity of a patient diagnosed with ADHD unmedicated (above top) and the same patient after having ingested Adderal.
