Students Speak Out About Misusing ADHD Medication

Students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) who are prescribed medication have spoken out about the misuse of ADHD medication. ADHD is a disorder that affects many children and adults worldwide.

It is characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. These effects can negatively impact a person’s academic, social, and professional life.

To manage ADHD symptoms, doctors often prescribe medication such as Ritalin (methylphenidate), Adderall (amphetamine/dextroamphetamine), and Concerta (methylphenidate).

These medications are effective when taken as prescribed and under the guidance of a professional. However, authorities have noted a growing trend of misusing ADHD medication, particularly among students.

The ADHD Drug Abuse Problem

Researchers discovered that some middle and high schools in the United States have a significant issue with prescription stimulant medication misuse, as reported by nearly 3,300 students. Over 25% of students admitted to misusing these drugs the previous year.

In some middle and high schools in the United States, about 1 in 4 students report misusing ADHD drugs, during the year prior, according to a new study. https://t.co/E8GMxklEVT

— CBS News (@CBSNews) April 19, 2023

This problem was even more noticeable in schools where many students had valid stimulant prescriptions, suggesting that some students may be sharing their medication with others.

The reasons behind the misuse of ADHD medication vary, but one of the most common reasons is to enhance academic performance. However, misusing ADHD medication can have serious consequences. It can lead to addiction, dependence, and even death.

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A higher dose than prescribed can cause heart problems, seizures, and other adverse effects. Misusing ADHD medication can also lead to tolerance. Essentially, a patient will need higher doses to achieve the same effect, increasing the risk of overdose.

According to a Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) study, college students’ non-medical use of prescription stimulants increased from 5.7% in 2006 to 6.4% in 2016. ADHD medication misuse involves taking medication without a prescription or a higher dose than prescribed.

A new study finds more students from middle school to high school are misusing ADHD prescription drugs. At some schools, as many as 1 in 4 students are misusing the medications. https://t.co/mSvd7k664z

— Berkeley Lovelace Jr. (@BerkeleyJr) April 18, 2023

Why Do People Misuse Drugs?

According to Sean Esteban McCabe, the director of the University of Michigan’s Center for the Study of Drugs, Alcohol, and Health, there are various reasons behind the misuse of drugs.

Sometimes, youngsters falsely believe stimulants can enhance their thinking abilities and academic performance, which will help them study longer and perform better in exams. Others resort to drug abuse to experience a euphoric high, lose weight, or out of sheer curiosity.

McCabe and his colleagues discovered in a previous study that stimulant misuse among students in U.S. colleges varied, with some colleges having minimal abuse. In contrast, others experienced it as a significant issue.

Details of the Study

In a new study, researchers examined data from a government survey conducted yearly among students in schools nationwide. The data came from over 230,000 students surveyed from 2005 to 2020. The study discovered that the overall scenario was similar to what is observed on college campuses.

McCabe stated that stimulant misuse ranged from zero to over 25% in different schools. The variation depended, in part, on the percentage of students who were using stimulants to treat ADHD.

Children in schools with a higher percentage of students on ADHD medication were likelier to report stimulant misuse than in schools where no students were taking ADHD medications.

However, McCabe mentioned that stimulant misuse still occurred in some schools, with only a few students using ADHD medication. He also emphasized that no one recommended withholding medications from children who require them.

He suggested that children taking ADHD medication should prepare to respond if their peers pressure them to share their medication. Many do not know how to react in such situations.

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Linda Richter, vice president of prevention research and analysis for the nonprofit Partnership to End Addiction, said, “It’s imperative for parents to have talks with their children about prescription medications from an early stage. They should be a credible source of information about the risks of using any medication not specifically prescribed for you.

“Kids should understand that sharing their prescribed medication with a friend could put that friend at risk,” she concluded.

Students with ADHD have spoken out about the misuse of ADHD medication. They argue that misusing medication undermines their diagnosis’s legitimacy. It can also lead to a medication shortage, making it harder for those who genuinely need it.

Many universities have taken steps to address the misuse of ADHD medication with policies in place to monitor ADHD medication use and prevent abuse. It is essential to address this issue among students to ensure they understand the risks and consequences of their actions.