Generation Y is slowly but surely maturing and getting ready to enter the business world. Competition is increasing, and pressure is felt by both college students and corporations to strive for perfection. With pressure comes studying, with studying comes stress, and with stress comes questionable practices that students may feel the need to resort to.
Adderall is not an uncommon medication taken by prescribed and non-prescribed students in college. The effects, however, are overlooked, and the instant gratification is helpful, but future affects may make students reconsider.
"It's a central nervous system stimulant," said Dr. Steven Bass, a Disease Specialist at Cleveland Clinic Hospital. "It affects chemicals in the brain and nerves that contribute to hyperactivity and impulse control."
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy are the main reasons for Adderall use. The majority of college students buy and/or sell their medication for non-prescribed use.
"Being pre-med is very competitive, and using Adderall definitely helps me focus and learn complex concepts easier and quicker. It allows me to study for longer than usual," said Josh Steinberg, a junior at the University of Florida.
Applying to college is a very stressful time for young students. The unknown is nerve-racking, but the anxiety does not stop once acceptance is granted.
Students constantly have to prove themselves and supersede expectations daily. When it comes to in class discussion, 15 page research papers, and four tests inconveniently timed-out to be in the same week, students search for study methods, which may potentially lead to Adderall.
Taking a stimulant like Adderall late in the day may cause insomnia. Considered a drug of abuse, Adderall may be habit forming leading to risk of: heart arrhythmia, circulatory and respiratory problems, psychotic episodes, increased aggression, and toxic shock.
"Adderall is taken to function day to day, not to specifically improve study habits," said Natasha King, a registered pharmacist at Public Pharmacy.
The short-term affects of Adderall may make 10 chapters seem like two, according to Steinberg, but use by non-prescribed students may constitute a violation of the Code of Academic Integrity.
The growing Generation Y is a generation of independence, competitiveness and success. Independence is distinguishing, and life should not be hindered by the dependence on Adderall if its utilization is not necessary. |
