MIND-FOCUSING DRUGS : Are drugs like Adderall a study aid or a problem?

by Jordan Barnes

Adderall is marketed as a drug that helps people stay focused

When people think of college student abusing drugs, they may think of students spending their weekends out drinking alcohol at a fraternity or smoking pot at a house party. And while these drugs are prevalent on college campuses, many students use a different type of drug, to stay up until the sun comes up — not partying, but studying.

The use of mind-focusing drugs like Adderall or newer forms of Ritalin on college campuses including Michigan State University is increasing and students may be growing dependent on them for studying.

“For some reason, on Adderall I want to study,” communications junior Kristen Jones, who asked her real name not be used, said. “I feel like I’m enjoying it. I want to read over pages. When I’m not on it, I feel like I’m not retaining and I can’t focus.”

Drugs like Adderall are prescribed for children and adults who have attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). According to Drugs.com:

• Adderall is a central nervous system stimulant. It affects chemicals in the brain and nerves that contribute to hyperactivity and impulse control.
• Adderall is used to treat narcolepsy and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
• Adderall may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

The drug helps is also viewed as a way to help people focus their minds for studying.

“Just because you don’t have ADHD, I don’t think it’s a bad thing to use something to stimulate you to do better,” Jones said. “When people take it, it makes them feel like they’re in a whole new mind set. As long as you don’t abuse it, it’s fine.”

According to the Body-Line section of Olin Health Center's Web site, drugs like Adderall or Ritalin increase certain chemicals in the brain that allow the brain to focus for longer periods of time. However, the site also notes that using the drug often or over a long period of time may also lead to addiction. Among MSU students, 11 percent have used either Ritalin or Adderall at least once when it was not prescribed by a doctor and 5 percent have used it at least once when it was prescribed by a doctor.

Marketing sophomore Sally Taylor (not her real name) has been taking some form of an ADHD prescription since she was first diagnosed with the disorder in second grade. She said she has always been self-conscious about her ADHD.

“I take Concerta for ADHD,” Taylor said. “I’m on a 36 mg dose and everyone else is on a 52. Concerta is the newest form of Ritalin.”

Tyalor was originally diagnosed with ADD, but the condition no longer exists. Her doctors now say she now has adult ADHD. Her main problems are comprehension, studying and taking notes in class, similar to most people diagnosed with ADHD.

“I’ve gone through three formal testings. Testing costs a lot of money, but I think it’s worth it,” Taylor said. “I don’t personally think you should be diagnosed with ADHD through your main doctor. I think people going on it should be more cautious in getting diagnosed.”

Students like Taylor take medication every day or almost every day, especially while in school. However, many students who are not prescribed ADHD medication take Adderall or some form of Ritalin for studying and pulling all-nighters. While some students share their prescriptions with friends for free, others may charge as much as five dollars for one pill.

According to the Body-Line Web site, most students who take Adderall take it to stay up late while having cram study sessions the night before exams. It cautions that students often think it is safe because it is medicine but it can be harmful to those who do not have a prescription for it.

Although Ritalin has less of an affect on the body than Adderall, many of the possible side effects are the same. They include changes in sex drive, depression, loss of appetite, dizziness, tremors, dry mouth, headache, restlessness, high blood pressure, impotence, constipation, insomnia, rapid heartbeat, unpleasant taste and weight loss.

Despite the possible side effects, students who need to focus or stay up all night find these drugs to be a good alternative to caffeine and energy drinks can have a harmful effects on the body as well.

“My freshman year, we were cramming for a James Madison mid-term and someone offered it to me,” Taylor said. “No-Doze and energy drinks didn’t work for me. With energy drinks and energy pills, I get sick in my stomach and with Adderall it’s like a stimulant. It just focuses me.”

Students use many different methods to stay awake and some are healthier than others. Especially during finals week, there will be students taking power naps and drinking lots of water, students chugging Diet Coke and chasing it with Red Bull and students risking harm to their bodies as the chemicals flood their bloodstreams and they take drugs to get the perfect grade.

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