Study Drugs for Students: Ally or Foe? December 3
Students of today have now found an easy and effective ally during their long hours of studying for exams — prescription medications. While many still do it the natural way – trying to study in the absence of distractions or drinking a glass of milk before studying, others get the concentration they need from drugs like Ritalin, Concerta and Adderall.
Stimulants, now the fourth most prescribed drug in the United States, are now very popular with students as these drugs seem to enhance their learning habits and allow them to study, without decline in focus and alertness, for several hours.
Ritalin, Concerta and Adderall are usually prescribed to individuals with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or narcolepsy, to help them calm down and focus. This same effect may have been also felt by the students using these drugs, and thus affords them better concentration.
The Dangers
Some students, though, have not been able to get positive results from these psychostimulants, as the reaction may vary from one person to another. A number of first-time users have experienced rise in temperatures, palpitations, insomnia and even paranoia.
Further analysis of the situation, however, would say that it can be way more dangerous than that.
Adderall is an amphetamine, and so are meth and cocaine. Well, I guess I can stop right here and you know how these drugs can pose great danger to students.
Ritalin and Concerta are methylphenidates. Both amphetamine and methylphenidate are classified as Schedule II drugs under the Controlled Substances Act of the United States. Schedule II drugs are those that possess a high potential for severe dependence and abuse.
Students have confirmed that it is now easy to get prescription for these drugs. Before we allow ourselves or our sons and daughters to take these stimulants, it is best that we study very carefully if the risks really justify the benefits.
Tags: cocaine, controlled substances, Drug, drugs, states, students