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The misuse and abuse of medications prescribed for ADHD has become a widespread problem. In December, 2007, the findings of the largest study of its kind were released. In 2001, almost 11,000 students from 119 nationally representative 4-year colleges in the US were questioned about their non-medical use of stimulant medications. Every participant was assured that personal identities would not be revealed so that responses would be open and honest.
Results included the following:
- The percentage of students that have used the stimulants during their life time is about 6.9%. 4.1% reported that they have used such stimulants in the past year and 2.1% in the past month
- Males used non-medically twice as much as females. Caucasians used at a significantly higher level that African Americans.
- Sorority and fraternity members used at a rate of more than double than nonmembers.
- Stimulant abusers are more likely to be a student with GPA B or below.
- Use was highest at colleges where the admissions criteria were the most competitive and were lowest where the criteria were the least competitive.
Usage of stimulants not for medical purpose is associated with usage of other substance. Observe the following statistics that compares those who uses stimulants versus those that don’t.
- Use of cigarettes: 67% vs. 24%
- Frequent binge drinking: 69% vs. 21%
- Use of ecstasy: 19% vs. 1%
- Use of cocaine: 17% vs. 1%
- Driving after binge drinking: 35% vs. 9%
- Being the passenger of a drunk driver: 66% vs. 21%
The number one reason for using stimulants according to respondents were to enhance academic performance outside of class. Stimulants are also used for leisure but no significant findings are tied to this belief.
There is also reason to believe that students who uses these stimulants have undiagnosed ADD but then again, what are the reasons for students who do not have ADD yet still feel the need to stimulate concentration? Many who claims they have no problem with paying attention confesses that they find later that it is becoming increasingly hard for them to pay attention.
So what does this mean for parents who are concerned that their children may be using stimulants illegally?
Parents should be on the look out for the following symptoms in their children :
1. Is your child under a lot of academic pressure, either to get in, or to excel, at his particular university? You may notice that he seems obsessed with getting into a school, or once in, worries constantly about keeping up and doing well.
2. How are his grades? If he seems horribly stressed and yet his grades are not reflective of his efforts, check with him.
3. Has your daughter lost a good bit of weight? Is she irritable and does she complain of having no appetite? Is this normal for her?
4. Is there other substance abuse that you are aware of?
5. Is your child complaining of problems with attention?
6. Does your child seem depressed?
Answers to these questions might not reflect that your children be in any way involved with non-medical use of stimulants but you should pay attention to them as they are telling you a lot about what your child is going through.
The findings of this study has shown us many factors that led to stimulant abuse. College students should be adequately educated with knowledge on stimulant abuse and also the correct information on ADD. Treatments of this disorder; be it medical or alternative should also be made known so that people know that they can make choices. They should also know the consequences of self medication as opposed to seeking professional help.
As a leading practitioner in the field of treating attention deficit disorder, Jimmy Brownen has had man years of experience in the treatment of such disorders. For more information on adderall or vyvanse, please visit his site today.
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