May 12, 2010

BHS Sophomore Journalism Student

            In today’s society, it is a race to be on top,  and people will do anything to get to that superior position. A number of people will cheat and lie to be successful, and some will work their hardest to earn their positions. What if there was a pill that made college students smarter? Well as a matter of fact it does exist.  It doesn’t exactly make the student “smarter”, but it does help them pay attention, retain more information, and be more alert.

            Adderall, or amphetamine-dextroamphetamine, can be known as one of these “smart pills”. Adderall has soared in popularity among college students fueling them as they pull all-nighters studying for tests. The drug stimulates the central nervous system by increasing the amount of certain chemicals; these chemicals target the brain, tricking it to send signals between nerve cells to cause a heightened sense of attentiveness and the capability to focus for long periods of time. Adderall improves short-term memory, but it can be highly addictive.

            Adderall is not a vitamin. It is prescribed drug that is intended to be used for those diagnosed with ADD and ADHD. There are risks taking it, including loss of appetite, dehydration, hot flashes, stomach pains, nausea, heavy sweating, headaches, involuntary movements, blood pressure changes, heart rhythm problems, and strokes.

            Why do students jeopardize themselves with such a risk? Just so they can get ahead and receive better grades? Well, taking drugs to enhance school work can be considered cheating. It gives students an unfair academic advantage. For example, the National Football League banned players from taking steroids for the reason that it is an unfair athletic advantage. There should be no difference between academic and athletic regulations. However, when it comes to misusing stimulates, college students do not think of it as cheating, they think of it as just a way to study and do better in school.

            Adderall is one of the most widely prescribed drugs in the United States. It is not the only “smart pill” however, there are several manufactured prescriptions that function the same way as Adderall. “Total sales have increased by more than 300 percent in only four years, topping $3.6 billion last year,” stated IMS Health, a pharmaceutical company.    Since Adderall is prescribed, how do so many college students get a hold of the drug? The answer: they can simply buy it on campus from prescribed users for $5. A college student stated, “You could get Adderall in less than 5 minutes at practically any time of the school day.”     

            In spite of almost ninety percent of college seniors who have admitted to using smart pills at least once, we—the upcoming generation of college students—should pass through college based on our pure hard work and dedication alone. Smart Pills may help you focus, but they have serious consequences in the long run. It’s not worth the risk.

Sources:

http://www.vpul.upenn.edu/ohe/library/drugs/adderall.htm

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/06/10/AR2006061001181_4.html