Treatment of ADHD: Even for individuals with the illness for whom Adderall is most commonly prescribed,
"The effectiveness of ADDERALL® for long-term use has not been systematically evaluated in controlled trials," in a longitudinal fashion and is usually a part of a holistic treatment for the child or adult, combining behavior management and counseling as well as drug therapy (6). Adderall is not prescribed to individuals who merely wish to use it to get an 'edge' on studying. "The use of Adderall by those who are not prescribed is illegal across the United States. The Encyclopedia of Drugs and Addictive Substances said that it is regulated under federal laws and the possession of non-prescribed Adderall can result in imprisonment and fines. Those convicted for selling or giving away Adderall can also face imprisonment and fines up to $2 million." (7).
CONCLUSION: "Once you study with Adderall, studying under normal circumstances by comparison (is harder to do)," said one user (8). The drug is classified as a Schedule II drug according to the law -- a drug that can be legally prescribed, but is still considered highly addictive. As with treating ADHD, its effects vary from person to person -- some experience intense, jittery side effects while others do not respond to the drug. However, for individuals who abuse it, the drug can be both psychologically as well as physically addicted, particularly when taken at very high doses or 'snorted' in powdered form, to intensify the high.
REFERENCES:
1. Daley, Brooke. Perspective: Miracle drug? Adderall is prescribed for individuals with ADD and ADHD;...
April 20, 2004. Available at http://www.vpul.upenn.edu/ohe/library/drugs/adderall.htm Accessed on December 11, 2010.
2. Friedman, Emily. New York Police bust five Columbia students for alleged drug ring. ABC. December 7, 2010. http://abcnews.go.com/U.S./columbia-university-students-nailed-york-drug-bust/story?id=12335634 Accessed on December 11, 2010.
3. Jenkins, Kristen. Adderall: College students' best friend-- or worst enemy? Serendip. April 17, 2007. http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/exchange/node/366 Accessed on December 11, 2010.
4. Takahara, Michael. Five myths of Adderall. Nexus. May 13, 2010. http://www.dailynexus.com/2010-05-13/student-health-debunks-adderall-excuses / Accessed on December 11, 2010.
5. Glick, Marion. Long-term study proves ADDERALL XR is a safe and effective option to treat adults with ADHD. Medical News Today. May 7, 2004. http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/8019.php December 11, 2010.
6. Adderall. RX list. http://www.rxlist.com/adderall-drug.htm Accessed on December 11, 2010.
7. Gallagher, K. Adderall abuse rises nationally as study tool: Illicit use reaches crammers at GU. The Hoya. http://www.thehoya.com/news/adderall-abuse-rises-nationally-as-study-tool / December 11, 2010.
8. Nurko, Andrea. Students turn to study drugs to improve grades, concentration. The Hatchet. April 19, 2004. http://media.www.gwhatchet.com/media/storage/paper332/news/2004/04/19/Style/Students.Turn.To.Study.Drugs.To.Improve.Grades.Concentration-664366.shtml Accessed on December 11, 2010.
