NIU students turn to ADD prescription drugs to help with academics

By DESMOND LAWE

Next week, students at NIU will once again begin the semiannual cram sessions that preface finals.

These study sessions, often fueled by late-night caffeine binges, have been around since finals began.

Now, some students are seeking other study aids besides tremor-inducing beverages.

“I’ve taken Concerta and Aderall to help me stay focused while studying,” said Glenn, a junior at NIU. “I’ve taken them before tests too, and they helped me on the test.”

Concerta and Aderall, along with Ritalin and others, are drugs frequently used to treat the symptoms of attention deficit disorder. These stimulants increase the release or block the re-absorption of dopamine and norepinephrine, two neurotransmitters in the brain, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

It is believed that increasing the amount of dopamine in the brain improves focus. Some abusers of the drugs crush the pills and either snort them or mix them with water and inject them, causing a sudden rush of dopamine.

These drugs are tightly controlled and are only given with a prescription. This makes possessing them without a prescription illegal. Stimulants such as Concerta and Aderall are classified as amphetamines, and illegal possession or usage of amphetamines could result in arrest.

“Possession of less than 200 grams of these types of prescription drugs is a Class 4 felony which could result in one to three years in jail plus probation,” said Lt. Todd Henert, director of police operations for the Department of Public Safety. “Possession of more than 200 grams is a Class 1 felony and could lead to up to 15 years in jail.”

“Once the drugs have run their course, they may leave the user with similar feelings to a hangover,” said Steve Lux, health educator from Health Enhancement Services. “Following use, they may leave the user even more unfocused than they were before taking the pill.”

“I know there are risks associated with having the pills and taking them,” said Brent, a sophomore NIU student. “I don’t mind the risks because the pills work.”

There are several side effects associated with ADD medications. One-time use can lead to increases in heart rate, body temperature and blood pressure. Repeated use can cause major cardiovascular damage due to these increases.

“Students should know that there is no such thing as a free lunch,” Lux said. “These are powerful psychoactive drugs that are not safe just because their production is controlled.”

EDITOR’S NOTE: The Northern Star has allowed the students who were interviewed for this story to appear by first name only due to possible legal ramifications.