Academic Doping

[brnidokiegurl 0]

Parents want their kids to excel in school, and they've heard about the illegal use of stimulants such as Ritalin and Adderall for "academic doping." Hoping to obtain the drugs legally, they pressure pediatricians for them. Some even request the drugs after openly admitting they don't believe their child has ADHD.

“I’m very concerned that there’s a fair amount — and we don’t know how much — [of ADHD drugs] being prescribed and used for off-label purposes," says Yates.

Academic doping — using these stimulant prescriptions in an effort to enhance focus, concentration and mental stamina — first started on college campuses, especially Ivy League and exclusive, competitive schools. Now, the problem is filtering down to secondary schools, Yates says, and more parents are playing a role in obtaining prescription ADHD medication for their teenagers.

Yates isn't entirely surprised that parents ask for it. He believes that most families simply have a heartfelt — if shockingly misdirected — desire for their children to do their best.

[Hilarious Clinton 452]

Adderall is pharmaceutical grade speed.

[brnidokiegurl 0]

I just thought little "unreasonable" to give someone a drug they didnt require to improve someting like grades. Maybe this achievement thing is getting out of hand, forcing the stress back on the child. Some pre-K now starting at 3, no time to be just a child, pushed into the trend to be better from young age.

[Jenn! 918]

I saw a fair amount of ritalin and adderall use by people without ADD/ADHD when I was in college. Both for academic and recreational purposes.

[Mags 112]

Actually, I find this all a bit ####### backwards to be honest. The majority of children who have ADHD, who are on methylphenidate, can find that these drugs actually slow them down and hold them back academically.

My son is on Concerta XL and is an exception to the rule. So much so that his psychologist did a paper on him. He was in the top 2 percent for maths and science in the UK.

[brnidokiegurl 0]

THe first i heard was on my tv on a newscast to come tomorrow talking on this subject from the local channel, to discuess all the pros and cons i guess. Hope i can catch it and watch

[sparkofcreation 0]

Actually, I find this all a bit ####### backwards to be honest. The majority of children who have ADHD, who are on methylphenidate, can find that these drugs actually slow them down and hold them back academically.

My son is on Concerta XL and is an exception to the rule. So much so that his psychologist did a paper on him. He was in the top 2 percent for maths and science in the UK.

That's the thing about ADHD drugs ... they act as depressants if you have ADHD and stimulants if you don't. In fact, there is one drug (called Provigil in the US) that's used to treat both narcolepsy/apnea and ADHD. It keeps adults with narcolepsy or sleep apnea awake and calms down people with ADHD.

[Mags 112]

That's the thing about ADHD drugs ... they act as depressants if you have ADHD and stimulants if you don't.

Actually, this is a misconception. There was an episode on Desperate Housewives where one of the characters took her child's Ritalin. This would NOT have given her a high. At all. These drugs don't work like that. They might have kept her awake a little, but that would have been it at best.

People would be better off taking Pro Plus IMHO.

[Jenn! 918]

That's the thing about ADHD drugs ... they act as depressants if you have ADHD and stimulants if you don't.

Actually, this is a misconception. There was an episode on Desperate Housewives where one of the characters took her child's Ritalin. This would NOT have given her a high. At all. These drugs don't work like that. They might have kept her awake a little, but that would have been it at best.

People would be better off taking Pro Plus IMHO.

I think people that abuse Ritalin snort it though as opposed to taking it orally.

[DeadPoolX 9]

Ritalin and Adderall can act as a stimulant and give the user a brief "high." This is nothing compared to other drugs, but it can (and does) happen since those without the need for either medication generally crush the pills up and snort them through their nasal passages.

My brother has ADHD. He's had it all of his life. I remember when he forget to take his medication, he'd just get up and walk around the class and begin playing with everything in sight and act out virtually uncontrollably. While on the medication, he was cool, calm, collected, and an A+ student; off the medication, he's a loon!

I do realize that these medications are overprescribed and that's a problem; however, there are many kids today who do need these pills. Without them, they cannot function effectively in society or acedemia.

[brnidokiegurl 0]

I think that is the issue, everyone understands the need for those that do require them, but to take when not necessary to increase grades or whatever this does is what i dont get. To me it looks like after a while, when you dont require, your body would start to get confused with the actions or reactions. IT would be like treating something that not there.

[Mags 112]

That's the thing about ADHD drugs ... they act as depressants if you have ADHD and stimulants if you don't.

Actually, this is a misconception. There was an episode on Desperate Housewives where one of the characters took her child's Ritalin. This would NOT have given her a high. At all. These drugs don't work like that. They might have kept her awake a little, but that would have been it at best.

People would be better off taking Pro Plus IMHO.

I think people that abuse Ritalin snort it though as opposed to taking it orally.

Ah okay. Gotcha.