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Numero Dos
Grace Holland, Pete Mikaele, Chase Chilson
English 1102-051
26 February 2014
Negative Effects of Using ADHD Medications Non-medically
Among college campuses there is a problem with student using ADHD medications for
non-medical purposes. There are many negative effects associated with using ADHD
medications without having them prescribed by a doctor for a diagnosed medical reason. This is
a problem because college students do not realize the negative side effects of taking these drugs.
They only pay attention to the part that helps them focus and study for finals and exams or
loosen up at parties and other social gatherings.
Consequences of Use:
The illegal usage of ADHD medication in college environments is very much a
problem for various different reasons. For one the illegal usage of ADHD medication is in
fact illegal, and buying/using could result in prosecution.(DeSantis) Ultimately this will
most likely lead to expulsion from that individuals school. Adderall is a central nervous
system stimulant, which affects the brain in order to increase control over hyperactivity
and impulses. Positive effects of Adderall are that it can help people with attention deficit
hyperactivity disorder or ADHD to calm down and concentrate. (J.Hom) There are also
negative side effects with using Adderall. Abuse of the drug has shown to cause headaches,
jitters, and stomach problems. It has mind-altering effects such as psychosis, which is the
confusion of reality. (J.Hom) Another problem with taking Adderall illegal is that without
the consent of a doctor, the users body could possible react differently than normal users.
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Adderall has permanent consequences on people who have glaucoma, anxiety, and a
history of muscle twitches. (J.Hom)
Pressure on College Campuses:
With the constant pressure to succeed in college now a days, many college student feel
the need to take prescription medication such as ADHD and ADD medicines. (Elaine) Many of
these students are self-diagnosing these prescription pills by ways of buying and stealing these
pills. Many of the common pills include Adderall, vyvanse, and many more. College students are
using these pills for many reasons. Most of which have good intentions of using the drug even
though these students are doing it illegally. These students are abusing these drugs for the ability
to focus and work longer hours in the library, classroom, and even in the dorm. (Elaine) Many
students feel the drugs give them an upper hand or one must take the medication to keep up with
the performance of the students prescribed the medication. The pressure to keep up is driving
students to take these harmful drugs in order to compete at a higher level academically with out
knowing the side effects. (Elaine) Also many students to decide to take these drugs for of a more
recreation use such as popping or snorting these pills before indulging in many activities such as
drinking alcohol and other dangerous recreational habits. Many of these students do not realize
that these drugs are equal to cocaine and speed. Which can seriously inhibit ones abilities and
alter and hurt the health in the long run. (Serendip)
Statistics and Surveys:
The nonmedical use of ADHD medications among college students has many negative
effects. In 2004 the government conducted a survey of hospital emergency departments and
found that methylphenidate, the main drug in ADHD medications, had a connection to 1,541
drug-related emergency visits. The next year, 2005, the survey was conducted again and it was
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found that the previous years number had been more than doubled and was now 3,212. (DuPont,
Bucher, Coleman, Wilford) Robert DuPont MD, John Coleman PhD, Richard Bucher PhD, and
Bonnie Wilford MS conducted an online survey through Harris Interactive to find out more
about college students and their nonmedical use of MPH. Table 1 shows how often students use
these drugs and the brand that they use. (DuPont, Bucher, Coleman, Wilford)
TABLE 1. Frequencies and brands of MPH used Nonmedically
Query N=110
Used methylphenidate nonmedically
Within past 30 days 15 (13%)
Within past 12 months but not past 30 days 27 (24%)
More than 12 months ago 68 (62%)
Frequency of use in preceding 12 months

Only once 35 (32%)
210 times 49 (45%)
1150 times 20 (18%)
51100 times 1 (1%)
More than 100 times 1 (1%)
Not sure/decline to answer 4 (4%)
Brand-name product used most often

Ritalin 59 (54%)
Concerta 15 (14%)
Metadate 0
MPH HCL (generic) 1 (1%)
Dont know 38 (35%)
Declined to answer 2 (2%)

Students who had not used MPH in the past 12 months were asked about use in the 12 month period before that last
used/stopped using the drug.

Five students selected more than one brand.

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Table 1 describes the percent of the surveyed students that used methylphenidate for non-
medical reasons in the past month, the past 12 months, and over 12 months ago. It then takes the
students that used methylphenidate within the past 12 months and shows the frequency at which
they used it. The table also shows which brand-name products are used the most often and the
percent of students who use them. The table concluded that out of 110 students most of them,
62%, used methylphenidate non-medically over 12 months prior to participating in this survey. It
also concludes that out of the students who used in the proceeding 12 months most, 45%, used
between 2 and 10 times. It also shows that the name-brand product used most often, 54%, was
Ritalin.
In February of 2007, the Food and Drug Administration required the manufacturers of
ADHD medications to make it known to patients that there are cardiovascular risks and risks of
adverse psychiatric symptoms that are associated with these types of medications. These health
risks are increased when the medication is taken non-medically or when combined with alcohol
or other types of drugs. (DuPont, Bucher, Coleman, Wilford) Some other negative health
consequences are suicidal or homicidal thoughts or actions, seizures, hypertension, hypotension,
tachycardia, palpitations, and dsyrhythmias. (Jardin, Looby, Earleywine) There are also many
legal risks that go along with the nonmedical use of MPH. Federal law prohibits a patient from
selling or giving away for free their medication and it also prohibits a person without a
prescription from being in possession of these medications. (DuPont, Bucher, Coleman, Wilford)
Bianca Jardin MA, Alison Looby MA, and Mitch Earleywine PhD found that prescription
drug use and illicit drug and alcohol abuse are related. College students who misuse ADHD
medications are also likely to use alcohol, nicotine, marijuana, ecstasy, and cocaine. Table 2
shows some of their research and results.
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TABLE 2. Proportions of Lifetime Illicit Drug Use by Misusers and Non-misusers of Prescription
Stimulant Medication (N = 42)
Illicit drug Misusers reported using Non-misusers reported using
Nicotine 94.7 % 47.8 %

Alcohol 100.0 % 91.3 %
Marijuana 100.0 % 73.9 %
Cocaine 47.4 % 13.0 %
Amphetamine 5.3 % 4.3 %
Hallucinogens 57.9 % 21.7 %
Opiates 26.3 % 0.0 %
Inhalants 10.5 % 0.0 %
Table 2 shows the different types of illicit drugs and the percent of students who misuse
prescription medications that have used them verses the percent of students who do not misuse
prescription medications that have used them. Table 2 concluded that in a survey of 42 students
alcohol and marijuana were the two most used illicit drug between both misusers and non-
misusers. It also showed that only misusers reported using opiates, 26.3%, and inhalants, 10.5%.
Nicotine was the third most used drug between both groups of students while Amphetamines
were the least used drug for both groups; other than opiates and inhalants for non-misusers which
both had 0%.
Tying it all Together:
The illegal use of ADHD medications by students that are not prescribed them is a very
dangerous problem. Aside from the fact that it is illegal and the students could be arrested, there
are many dangerous health risks that come with these medications. When they are prescribed a
doctor is monitoring the student to make sure that they do not develop any of the harmful side
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effects that go along with these medications. However, when a student is taking these medicines
on their own accord no one is monitoring them to make sure that they are staying healthy and
safe. Some students do not realize that there are healthy ways to deal with the stress and pressure
of college. Many claim to use these medications in order to help them study better and get better
grades. It is understandable that students should want to do the best they can but the illegal use of
these medications is not the answer. Students also feel pressure to use these medications in social
settings to help them loosen up or become more relaxed at parties and other events. What they do
not understand however, is that misusing these medications can lead to the misuse of other, even
worse, drugs. Studies have found direct correlations between students who misuse ADHD
medications and the misuse of other drugs such as alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, opiates, etc.
These drugs are even more dangerous especially when mixed together. The problem of students
misusing ADHD medications is very serious and it can lead to more harmful issues down the
road.











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Works Cited
"Adderall: College Students' Best Friend-- Or Worst Enemy??" Serendip Studio. N.p., n.d. Web.
18 Feb. 2014.
"CQC Raises Concerns About Students' 'Smart' Drug Abuse." TherapyToday.net. Sep 2013: 6.
Web. 18 Feb. 2014. <http://www.therapytoday.net/article/show/3858/>.
DeSantis, Alan D., Elizabeth M. Webb, and Seth M. Noar. "Illicit Use Of Prescription
ADHD Medications On A College Campus: A Multimethodological Approach." Journal
Of American College Health 57.3 (2008): 315-324. Academic Search Complete. Web. 18
Feb. 2014.
Dupont, Robert L., MD, John J. Coleman, PhD, Richard H. Bucher, PhD, and Bonnie B.
Wilford, MS. "Characteristics and Motives of College Students Who Engage in
Nonmedical Use of Methylphenidate." American Journal on Addictions 17.3 (2008):
167-71. Print.19 Feb. 2014.
Jardin, Bianca, MA, Alison Looby, Ma, and Mitch Earleywine, PhD. "Characteristics of College
Students With Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Symptoms Who Misuse Their
Medications." Journal of American College Health 59.5 (2011): 373-77. Print.19 Feb.
2014.
J, By Elaine. "Adderall: Uses, Abuses & Side Effects." LiveScience. TechMedia Network, 06
Nov. 2013. Web. 17 Feb. 2014.
J.Hom, By Elaine. "Adderall: Uses, Abuses & Side Effects." LiveScience. TechMedia Network,
6 Nov. 2013. Web. 23 Feb. 2014.