I had always heard that Adderall was abused in college. However, I never realized the extent of the abuse until the stressful weeks prior to finals. It is estimated that 20-30% of college students abuse the drug. It is thought by many that is will help keep you concentrated when studying or that it is a "party drug" that keeps you awake. Why is Adderall so dangerous, though? Side effects of the drug include cardiac and/or pulmonary arrest, death, severe and lasting mental effects/defects. More effects include heart palpitations, elevation of blood pressure, Tourette's syndrome, seizures, stroke, and psychotic episodes or plain old psychosis. The most common negative effects are those that deal with the heart.
More serious consequences occur when Adderall is mixed with alcohol. The combination lowers the seizure threshold, increasing the likelihood of having a seizure. It is said that this can double the chances of having serious side effects.
Most Adderall is taken orally. However, some choose to snort it. This is even more harmful. By snorting the it, the drug goes right into the bloodstream. This increases the risk of having problems.
Not only is unprescribed Adderall illegal, but it is also extremely addictive. As you can see, there are many negative said effects to the drug. But, the use among college student is continuously on the rise. Most schools prohibit the use and illegal dealing of the drug and have harsh consequences. Along with the consequences through the school, the law has its own penalties.
Caitlin Hughes
Sources:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-ronald-ricker-and-dr-venus-nicolino/adderall-the-most-abused_b_619549.html
http://www.voxmagazine.com/stories/2008/07/31/adderall-unprescribed-and-dangerous/
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