If you asked around a high school or university campus, it would probably not be too hard to get your hands on the popular drug, Adderall. Adderall contains an amphetamine and dextroamphetamine combination that work in the central nervous system affecting the chemicals that contribute to impulse control and hyperactivity. The drug is commonly used to treat people with Attention Deficit Disorder in order to increase concentration and keep focus, as well as increasing the ability to pay attention and stop fidgeting. It is also often prescribed to narcoleptics to help them remain awake throughout the day [“Adderall Oral : Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing – WebMD”].
According a study conducted by the University of Michigan, 7.4 percent of seniors in high school have abused Adderall last year. [“Adderall Abuse Increases Among High School Students”] In addition, the National Survey on Drug Use and Health found that full time college students (ages eighteen to twenty-two) are twice as likely to abuse the drug [“Adderall Addiction: Students Misuse Drug to Gain Boost While Studying.”]. Why is Adderall so popular among adolescents and young students? Although some adolescents use the drug in order to feel the hyperactive “speed” effect, many more use it in order to focus on their academic pursuits. Students often take Adderall studying and/or before taking finals, SATs, ACTs, projects, and other stressful school work so they can help ensure higher grades and maintain a high GPA. Not only does it help these students to concentrate on their content, but the stimulant property of the drug helps to keep the student awake during all-night cram sessions or long back-to-back finals. Another contribution to the popular...
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...heir system. This detoxification is a very crucial part of recovery. To reduce common psychological cravings for the drug, behavioral therapy has proven to be very beneficial [“Recovering from Adderall Addiction”].
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Another persuasive technique we used was appealing to dramatic benefits of the post-treatment of adderall by having a student imitate exaggerated behaviors of short attention span and impulsive nature that resulted in poor grades. Then after the same student takes adderall, he portrays a completely different character and becomes very attentive and productive in his studies, which results to an A in his next assignment. This is critical in Singh’s “Not Just Naughty: 50 years of stimulant drug advertising”, as he emphasizes how drug advertisements commonly present a post-treatment normal reality of highly idealized “portrait of an ideal family—bright, at...
In a 2012 study published by the Journal of American College Health, by senior year, Adderall and other prescription stimulants are offered to two-thirds of college students. Furthermore, about 31 percent are taking the drug in hopes to enhance their concentration to get better grades (Zadrozny 2013). Students who take Adderall that don’t have ADHD report that they have a increased sense of focus, motivation, and concentration, which are all the ingredients you need to have for a successful all-nighter to help on providing an added boost before an exam. With characteristics such as difficulties in focusing, reasoning, problem solving and planning, ADHD is a neurobehavioral-based disorder and is associated with an insufficient amount of dopamine (Student Health: Drug & Alcohol Abuse among College Students 2015). Adderall is enticing to students because they believe it can help them perform enhance their academic skills. On the other hand, some students abuse the drug because simply for the high it gives
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The most common prescription drug that many teenage drug abusers may be stealing or trying to purchase online would be opioids, also known as narcotics, which include drugs such as OxyContin, morphine, and Percocet (5). Narcotics are drugs that are used to relieve pain, triggering a sense of euphoria from the brain’s pleasure center. Many teens may abuse narcotics to feel that sense of pleasure (5). Another prescription medication that teenagers commonly abuse are stimulants, such as Adderall, Ritalin, and Dexedrine. These drugs stimulate dopamine production in the brain, lifting moods and calming anxiety, which is why it is a commonly abused prescription drug (5). Due to the easy accessibility with some of these prescription medications and their high potential for abuse, teenagers who abuse them are putting their mind’s and bodies at risk for the many side effects that come along with abusing drugs, which can sometimes be fatal.
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The purpose of this research was to describe and understand Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and the most effective treatment options that are available today. ADHD is a mental health disorder that affects 3-9% of the population in ways that, if left untreated, can wreak havoc on the mind of the sufferer. It makes concentration difficult, large tasks seem insurmountable, and causes impulsive and hyperactive tendencies. Fortunately, research and experiments have led to new and effective treatments to help those who suffer from this disorder (Dupaul 8). This research examined journal articles and internet sources on the topic to help unlock the complexities of the disorder through scientific research. It also was a way to separate the myths of the disorder from the truths, while discovering the causes, diagnosis methods, and best treatment alternatives to battle this prevalent disorder.
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Experts have different views on attention deficit disorder also known as Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) regarding diagnosis, medication and dependency in children resulting from use of stimulant. Minors under medication to prevent ADHD have been on the rise for the last 3 decades in the U.S. The diagnosis of ADHD varies, some states shows a high percentage of diagnosis. Production of stimulants such as Ritalin for ADHD treatments is on the rise, with scientists explaining that it is recommended for treatment.
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Stimulants such as Ritalin, Concerta, Focalin, Methylin, and Metadate have been shown to be effective for about 70% of adolescents and seem to operate on a dose-dependent manner in improving
Few people deny the dangers of drug use, while many teens are curious about drugs. They should stay away from drugs because drugs affect our health, lead to academic failure, and jeopardizes safety. Drugs are used from a long period of time in many countries. The concentration of drugs has increased from late 1960’s and 1970’s. Drugs can quickly takeover our lives. Friends and acquaintance have the greatest influence of using drugs during adolescence.