Knowing that Adderall is a huge problem on UK’s campus, how much trouble could a person get into if he/she was caught buying and/or using someone else’s prescription for Adderall?

Adderall abuse is a well-known problem across many different college campuses across the United States but it is a rather large problem on UK’s campus. I was curious the see what the penalty would be if a person were caught either buying or using someone else’s prescription Adderall or if the seller was caught selling his/her prescription to non-prescribed abusers. It has been said in the article below that, “According to The New York Times, as many as 20 percent of college students who do not have a prescription have used Adderall to take exams, write papers and study.” This is a staggering statistic because if you think about 20% sounds little but putting the number of college students together and taking 20% of that total it would come out to be a rather large number.

In the article Lunsford states, “Anytime that a student or individual takes a prescription that is not theirs, they are taking a risk.” He isn’t just talking about a risk of getting caught by law enforcement but he is talking about these students putting themselves at health risks. They could easily become dependent on the drug if it they make it a habit of taking Adderall every time they need to study, write a paper, etc. To answer my question though, the penalty from law enforcement if one is caught selling, buying or using it is the following punishment:

“Possessing even a small amount, one or two pills, without a valid prescription is a state jail felony punishable by 180 days to 2 years in state jail and a maximum of $10,000 fine. Possessing a 'handful' is a third degree felony, which could get you 2 to 10 years in prison. Possession of any prescription drug without a valid prescription is a crime. The degree depends on the quantity possessed and chemical composition of the drug. TEX. HEALTH & SAFETY CODE 481. 115-481.118”

This is an extremely risky activity that is going on around campuses throughout the US, especially at the University of Kentucky.  By researching this question I hope to educate the public and inform those who are selling, buying or using this drug illegally to rethink their decision before acting on it again and taking this risk.  

Sources: http://www.dailytoreador.com/lavida/article_fef3ae70-d37e-11e0-a66f-001a4bcf6878.html

By: Jenn L.M.