High School Students Seeking An Edge, Turn To Stimulants

A recent New York Times article, Risky Ride of the Good-Grade Pill  discusses the increase use of prescription stimulants like Adderall and Ritalin by teenagers.  The article explains that high school students feeling extreme pressure over grades and college admissions are turning to prescription stimulants for a competitive edge. 

Many young people believe that because these medicines are prescribed by doctors, they can’t be dangerous.  However, the abuse of prescription stimulants can be very dangerous.  Prescription stimulants can lead to high blood pressure, depression, mood swings, heart irregularities,  nervousness, exhaustion or psychotic episodes.  In addition, stimulants can lead to the abuse of painkillers and sleep aids.  

The article quotes Caron Treatment Center, family therapist, Paul L. Hokemeyer, explaining that, “Children have prefrontal cortexes that are not fully developed, and we’re changing the chemistry of the brain. That’s what these drugs do. It’s one thing if you have a real deficiency — the medicine is really important to those people — but not if your deficiency is not getting into Brown.”

In addition, The D.E.A. lists prescription stimulants like Adderall and Vyvanse (amphetamines) and Ritalin (methylphenidate) as Class 2 controlled substances because they rank among the most addictive substances that have a medical use.  Most teenagers and parents have no idea that giving a friend an  Adderall or Vyvanse pill is the same as selling it and can be prosecuted as a felony.

According to IMS Health, a health care information company, the number of ADHD medications dispensed for young people ages 10-19, has risen 26% since 2007, to almost 21 million yearly.    This article states that doctors and teenagers from more than 15 schools across the nation with high academic standards estimated that the portion of high school students who use stimulants as a study aid ranges from 15 % - 40%.  

It is important for parents to discuss with their children the dangers of taking medications from their friends.  Parents and doctors should discuss the dangers of stimulants with teen agers.