Abuse of ADHD Drugs II

Intro: A Moment in Time with Dan Roberts

Content: During the first two decades of the twenty-first century, children and young adults have presented Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (A.D.H.D.) in increasing numbers. The abusive use of those drugs used to treat A.D.H.D has seen a parallel increase during this period. Adderall, Adderall XR, Ritalin, and Vyvance are the primary medications in combatting the disorder as well as being the drugs of choice in enhancing recreational pleasure, academic and athletic performance. In the 2012 Stolz study almost 5% of eighth graders, 8.5% of tenth graders, and at least 10% of twelfth graders have used Adderall with or without a prescription. An estimated 25% of college students admit to an illicit use of the drug to help them focus on their academic work, particularly as they face end of semester deadlines. Often in the past students accessed University health clinics which were easier to engage than an outside psychiatrist, but as abuse has grown, Universities have become much more restrictive, making students undergo a lengthy process prior to prescription and including contracts promising not to sell or share their pills with friends.