Adderall and Ritalin
Prescription medications such as Adderall and Ritalin are prescribed for persons suffering from Attention Deficit Disorder and/or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Usually associated with childhood disorders, ADD/ADHD is also diagnosed in adults.
What Do these Medications Contain?
Ritalin and Adderall are stimulants. For persons suffering from ADD/ADHD, the stimulant properties of these medications help the brain focus more selectively on all the stimuli coming into play. Ritalin was first introduced in 1956 and Adderall in 1996. Adderall is an alternative to Ritalin and lasts twice as long in the brain. In addition, Adderall is prescribed in order to regulate the chemical functioning of dopamine in your brain.
Prescription Stimulants and College Students
As college students attempt to cope with all the academic and social demands, some students turn to the illegal use of Adderall or Ritalin. Many students are taking these drugs as a way to increase focus and gain more energy when faced with many tasks to accomplish in a short period of time. Both medications come in pill form, but the trend today is crushing the pill and snorting the powder—a very dangerous practice. Listed are common side effect from taking this drug when it is not prescribed for someone.
Short and Long Term Side Effects:
- Sleep disturbances
- Dry mouth
- Increased heart rate
- Anxiety
- Snorting
- Paranoia
- Delusions
- Strokes
- Severe depression (upon withdrawal)
Physical Effects on a Short Term Basis may Include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sleep disturbances
- Weight loss
- Headaches
- Palpitations
Final Thoughts . . .
College students are of the largest demographic group who abuses or illegally uses Adderall and Ritalin. Pills are often crushed and snorted, providing a quicker and stronger effect. While chemically different from cocaine, Adderall is habit forming or in other words, addictive. Excessive recreational abuse will cause users to become irritable, withdrawn from normal social interactions, and seem “vacant” to family and friends—much like cocaine and amphetamine abuse.
There are many other healthier ways to learn to manage your time and the demands of your schedule. If you are having difficulties managing academics, social, recreational and spiritual responsibilities, seek education from the University Counseling Center, the University Health Center or the Office of Alcohol and Drug Education.
It is important not to mix alcohol and stimulants such as Adderall. The stimulant effect can cause students to prolong use resulting in consuming unhealthy amounts of alcohol which has lead to cases of alcohol poisoning. Stimulants in the system can block the depressant effect shutting off the warning signs to a person’s body that they may be drinking too much. Studies indicate that adolescents and young adults who are diagnosed with ADD or ADHD are at higher risk to abuse alcohol due to the impulsive nature of the diagnosis.
For more information:
http://www.higheredcenter.org/pubs/factsheets/ritalin.html