Study shows drug abuse

Through an anonymous self-report done by the Alcohol and Other Drug Prevention Programming Center, 5 percent of UCF students were reported to use nonprescribed stimulants annually to aid with studying.

As many as a quarter of the students at some American colleges are using psychostimulants to help them study, according to an article in the Journal of Medical Ethics by Vince Cakic, a research assistant in the School of Psychology at the University of Sydney, Australia.

Scientists at the University of Cambridge polled some of their colleagues and found that use of these drugs isn't only a growing trend among students, but professors as well. Professors have begun taking "smart pills," also known as nootropics, to enhance their mental energy, allowing them to work longer hours, according to the study.

Adderall, the "smart drug," which legally must be subscribed to an individual, is a central nervous system stimulant.  It affects chemicals in the brain and nerves that contribute to hyperactivity, allowing the user to control his impulses. When medically prescribed, Adderall is used to treat narcolepsy and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

A UCF sophomore, who asked to remain anonymous, admits that a lot of her closest friends have Adderall prescriptions for ADHD.

"So it's really easy to find.  I usually get them for free or I'll pay $5 for a pill, that's the most I've paid for one," she said.

As an Adderall user, on a scale of one to 10 she rates using the pills to help her study a 10, and said that they were completely helpful.

"I find I perform better on tests and get a lot of work done.  It's improved my life academically," she said. "On Adderall, I can read a textbook and want to learn more about the topic."

A UCF marketing major, who also asked wished to remain anonymous, said she knows there are risks in taking anything not prescribed for you, but justified taking the pills because "doctors prescribe this stuff to kids so it can't be that dangerous."

The junior said that when she takes Adderall her heart pounds and she talks so fast she gets out of breath, but the benefits outweigh the side effects.     

"With the Adderall I was able to tune everything else out. I definitely noticed an improvement in my ability to concentrate," she said.

Another UCF sophomore, who admitted using a couple of pills occasionally to study, said the most prevalent side effects he experienced were lack of appetite and no sleep.

"I went 48 hours without sleeping because of the Adderall," he said.     

When asked if he'd continue using Adderall even though it was illegal without a prescription, he said most likely.

"It definitely blocked out distractions. It also gave me plenty of hours to study instead of sleep," he said.     

Adderall is designed to release the medicine slowly throughout the body, when swallowed whole.  So if taken improperly by breaking it open or chewing it, too much of the drug can be released at one time. Although doctors may prescribe this medicine to children, an overdose of Adderall can still be fatal, according to www.drugs.com.

Christine Dellert with UCF News & Information said the Office of Student Conduct typically handles fewer than 10 cases a year of students taking smart drugs and no one has been expelled for its use.  

Using prescription drugs without a prescription is against the law.  People caught with nonprescribed drugs are subject to arrest and criminal prosecution. Using prescription drugs without a prescription also violates the university's Golden Rule.  This rule bans the "use, possession, sale, distribution, cultivation, manufacture or attempt to obtain any narcotic or other controlled substances, and possession and/or use of drug paraphernalia, except as expressly permitted by law."

Tom Hall, the director of the education and training programs with Alcohol and Other Drug Prevention Programming Center, works with students affected by substance abuse.

After the student is assessed to determine what the underlying issue may be, the student is offered substance education services that are "developed by students, for students." Hall also said they help students balance their academic and social needs by teaching relaxation and time management.