Adderall, the miracle drug?
Owen Whitehurst
Issue date: 10/8/09 Section: Opinion
I bet you didn't know that UNA has a crack cocaine problem. It's true. Of course, if you ask and student if they use crack cocaine, none of them would say they do. That's not because they're lying to you. It's because most of them have no idea that they are.
Adderall, a synthetic cousin of cocaine, is the new prescription drug of choice for college kids everywhere. After taking Adderall, most students will feel awake, alert, and an extreme urge to want to study. Sounds perfect, right? Not as much as you'd think.
The drug is prescribed to people who have been diagnosed with ADD. For people with ADD, it's supposed to even them out. For people who don't have ADD, it acts like the drug speed, keeping the user up for hours on end.
Adderall can cause the user to become addicted, either mentally or physically, and can cause withdrawal symptoms if used enough. But for most college students, the benefits far out-way the risk.
From my own personal experience, the drug makes you feel as though you can do things you never thought possible. It's amazing how interesting ancient Russian history can be at four in the morning.
For the record, I am in no way suggesting, implying, or promoting the use of Adderall illegally. Whether you realize it or not, Adderall is a drug, and if you are not prescribed it, the use of it is illegal. I am simply addressing a problem that affects our campus, along with just about every other college campus. And here's the kicker; thanks to people like us, it's not just a college problem anymore.
My old high school band director said she had to confiscate Adderall from a 12-year-old kid during a middle school football game.
Seriously?
Let's stop and think about this. I've tried to do research on the subject, but there really aren't any studies about the long-term affects of Adderall. It does cause the user's heart rate to speed up, which can lead to heart damage. The user can experience withdrawal symptoms that can range from fatigue to changes in heart rhythm after a sudden stop in dosage. But like I said, for many college students, this is a small price to pay, and a chance many are willing to take.
Adderall, a synthetic cousin of cocaine, is the new prescription drug of choice for college kids everywhere. After taking Adderall, most students will feel awake, alert, and an extreme urge to want to study. Sounds perfect, right? Not as much as you'd think.
The drug is prescribed to people who have been diagnosed with ADD. For people with ADD, it's supposed to even them out. For people who don't have ADD, it acts like the drug speed, keeping the user up for hours on end.
Adderall can cause the user to become addicted, either mentally or physically, and can cause withdrawal symptoms if used enough. But for most college students, the benefits far out-way the risk.
From my own personal experience, the drug makes you feel as though you can do things you never thought possible. It's amazing how interesting ancient Russian history can be at four in the morning.
For the record, I am in no way suggesting, implying, or promoting the use of Adderall illegally. Whether you realize it or not, Adderall is a drug, and if you are not prescribed it, the use of it is illegal. I am simply addressing a problem that affects our campus, along with just about every other college campus. And here's the kicker; thanks to people like us, it's not just a college problem anymore.
My old high school band director said she had to confiscate Adderall from a 12-year-old kid during a middle school football game.
Seriously?
Let's stop and think about this. I've tried to do research on the subject, but there really aren't any studies about the long-term affects of Adderall. It does cause the user's heart rate to speed up, which can lead to heart damage. The user can experience withdrawal symptoms that can range from fatigue to changes in heart rhythm after a sudden stop in dosage. But like I said, for many college students, this is a small price to pay, and a chance many are willing to take.
Viewing Comments 1 - 10 of 13
Lloyd
posted 10/07/09 @ 2:30 PM CST
The problem is using Adderall does not allow you to develop proper habits - getting enough sleep, eating properly, and studying in a quiet location. For those who do not NEED Adderall, it's just a crutch. (Continued…)
Jerred Bowles
posted 10/07/09 @ 3:13 PM CST
I don't understand what your point is in this article. Yes it works and is extremely helpful in getting school work accomplished. Coming from a guy that is Rxed the drug I personally don't think it is anything like cocaine. (Continued…)
Matt
posted 10/13/09 @ 8:38 PM CST
You are on the right track. But adderall is NOT related to cocaine. It is related to meth. It is a fed amine just like meth. That's why it's considered a "controlled substance". (Continued…)
Matt
matt
posted 10/13/09 @ 8:48 PM CST
I have the same problem at my school. But you are partially incorrect. Adderall and most of it's generics, counterparts, derivatives, etc. are not related to cocaine. (Continued…)
Devin
posted 10/14/09 @ 7:00 PM CST
Once again our great school newspaper publishes something without getting the facts right. I'm so proud of the florala
Meredith
posted 10/15/09 @ 1:32 PM CST
Devin, please note that this is an editorial, meaning that everything in it is solely based on the opinion of the writer.
Owen
posted 10/20/09 @ 2:03 PM CST
According to WEB MD, Adderall, when taken by people who don't have ADHD, has nine out of ten of the same side effects as cocaine and crack-cocaine, making them extremely similar, if not exact. (Continued…)
Brent J.
posted 10/26/09 @ 4:28 AM CST
Wow, great editorial! I completely agree with you, and very nice on the research. A tad contradicting, but I know exactly what you're saying. Your newspaper must be proud to have someone like you on staff. (Continued…)
women seeking men
posted 4/04/10 @ 2:46 AM CST
Strangely the browser I got just can?t show your page as it should? It looks like some part of it is not showing and the structure of your post looks really weird. (Continued…)
WhiteSmoke
posted 4/19/10 @ 3:10 PM CST
Nice article thanks a lot. John.
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