"Academic Steroid"

**Anabolic CEO** · 12-13-2005, 12:49 PM

I mentioned this in the ADHD thread. The prescription drug Adderal was on dateline or some big news channel and they stated that Adderal might be a Academic Steroid . For those of you that need to make your grades BIGGER....Hope this helps.

**Mizfit** · 12-13-2005, 12:56 PM

NOOOOO it's not..

It's a drug that helps ppl with ADD/ADHD..

In recent time it has been suggested it is over presribed ...

I hate hearing about the abuse of presribe medication

Yes it does help to better focus etc.. some people actually do need it just to be up to par with the rest of society

**Myka** · 12-13-2005, 01:00 PM

Do I NEED a presciption for this...errr what...

Or can I get it from my source...

**Mizfit** · 12-13-2005, 01:00 PM

Perspective: Miracle drug?
Adderall is prescribed for individuals with ADD and ADHD; for nonprescribed users there can be some serious risks

By Brooke Daley
Daily Pennsylvanian
April 20, 2004

Courtney* uses Adderall to help pull all-nighters finishing papers or studying for tests, even though she does not have a prescription.

"I use it every time I have a big paper or exam due," she says. "I primarily use it for study, basically any major assignments."

Courtney gets Adderall from her friends who have prescriptions.

"I never have to buy it," she says. "I just ask my friends for some whenever I need to study."

Susan has been taking Adderall since 11th grade.

"I was having trouble concentrating in school and got kicked out of all my classes for disruptive and inappropriate behavior," she says. "It's all fun and games when you get kicked out of class in third grade, but by 11th grade, it's just not cool anymore."

She was diagnosed with attention deficit disorder in kindergarten, but her parents did not want her taking medications for fear of damage to her developing brain.

"I functioned for a good part of my life without it, and I managed to do well with grades and classes," Susan says. "It just took me a lot more effort than the average bear. My attention span is less than normal."

It is the heightened sense of concentration and the ability to focus that has resulted in the rampant use of Adderall among college students, many of them unprescribed users.

The University does not specifically track the number of students using Adderall, because it is difficult to discern the difference between prescription and nonprescription users.

But what is certain is that in the high-pressure environment that many college students find themselves in, where grades and GPA determine future job offers and career paths, a drug that allows the user to study for extended periods of time without sleep is becoming increasingly popular.

The study drug

Adderall, or amphetamine-dextroamphetamine, was first marketed in the 1960s as the diet pill of choice. It is currently classified as a stimulant medication and appetite suppressant and is mostly used to treat both ADD and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Adderall stimulates the central nervous system by increasing the amount of certain chemicals, such as dopamine and norepinephrine, in the brain. These chemicals, or neurotransmitters, help the brain send signals between nerve cells.

Adderall helps restore the balance of these neurotransmitters to the parts of the brain that control the ability to focus and pay attention.

"Think of a staticky radio signal," says Anthony Rostain, professor of Psychiatry and Pediatrics at the Penn School of Medicine. "You turn the dial, and you get a better signal. It's roughly the same thing as Adderall -- the focusing and concentration are better."

For those who have prescriptions for the drug, doctors say it is almost completely safe. It is nonprescribed users who sometimes run into health risks.

Availability

There has recently been a flurry of national discussion over possible overdiagnosis of ADD and ADHD. The number of prescribed users has increased rapidly, and the increase in diagnoses has carried with it a rise in supply for users without prescriptions as well.

"I really only take Adderall twice every semester, on average," Jane says. "Maybe once during midterms and once during finals."

Jane, a nonprescription user like Courtney, gets her Adderall from friends who have prescriptions.

"I would just get it from one of my friends who have it," she says. "I definitely would never have to pay for it -- we have lots of ADD buddies running around here."

However, many doctors still believe the diagnostic system makes it difficult for people without ADD or ADHD to get prescriptions for Adderall.

"You can't just walk into a doctor's office and say, 'I have ADD, give me Adderall,'" says Rostain, who also directs the adult ADHD treatment and research program. "It shouldn't be too easy and should only be given when someone needs it, because there is an extensive process of evaluation before you are diagnosed and prescribed."

This process includes objective assessments, clinical interviews, testing, psychiatric interviews and a standardized approach to diagnosis across the country.

"You really have to, in essence, demonstrate why you think you have it, as well as go through a series of tests that determine whether or not you indeed will be diagnosed with ADD or ADHD," Rostain says.

Hard data on how many Penn students are prescribed Adderall or take it on a regular basis is largely unavailable due to the nature of the prescription process.

"We know that it's pretty common among young people, especially undergraduates," says William Alexander, deputy director of Counseling and Psychological Services at Penn. "It's hard to estimate how many Penn students take it regularly, because many students have prescriptions from doctors at home that we don't even know about. It is definitely one of the most widely prescribed drugs."

Side effects

One of the most apparent side effects of Adderall is loss of appetite, one of the main reasons it was originally marked for the diet craze.

Those who are prescribed the drug and take it on a daily basis learn to adjust their schedules to make time for meals.

"When I first started taking it, it suppressed my appetite," Susan says. "Then you learn that you can't let it do that, and now my body has adjusted, [so] I still get hungry when I'm on it."

"I'm obsessed with food, so when I first started Adderall, it was weird," says Josie, who has a prescription for Adderall for her ADHD. "I won't know what I'm in the mood for, because I don't have an appetite, but once you start eating, you get over it. You just need less to get full."

The appetite-suppressant aspect of Adderall is one of the contributing factors to its popularity among female college students, some of whom use it as a diet pill.

There are other side effects, as well, that include dehydration, hot flashes, stomach pains, nausea, heavy sweating, headaches and even involuntary movements.

"Sometimes I get really dehydrated, and I need to drink lots of water," Josie says. "My heart starts racing, and I get hot flashes, but only sometimes."

Recreational use

More recently, Adderall has emerged as a recreational drug as well. Once used primarily for studying purposes, its effect as an "upper" drug -- a stimulant -- has increased its popularity among students who use it on weekends. Primarily recreational users snort, rather than ingest, the drug.

"It's probably the most serious health risk a college student can engage in," Rostain says. "By snorting it, you are directly applying it to the brain, injecting it into your brain almost. The amount is much greater, and the resulting blood pressure changes could result in some really ugly heart rhythm problems. You could have a stroke or an arrhythmia. Combine this with alcohol, and the [chances for] cardiac problems get even greater."

But recreational users typically are unaware of the added danger of snorting, and they seek the quick high that accompanies it.

"When I study, I only use it orally," Courtney says. "But if I'm going out, then I'll snort it. Snorting it makes it hit your system faster and have a faster effect. It also tends to go away faster."

"I use it recreationally whenever I can get it," she added. "Sometimes you're going out in Manhattan, and you want to hit a bunch of clubs in one night. If they're not close together, you can't always count on a cab and you have to get there fast. In stilettos, the night doesn't last forever."

Comparative advantage

Adderall is still first and foremost used as a study drug because of its ability to enhance concentration and the ability to focus for long periods of time.

One of the reasons for its popularity is that everyone can benefit from Adderall's performance- enhancement capabilities, not just those with ADD or ADHD. This often gives nonprescribed users an unfair advantage over those who actually are prescribed Adderall to combat the effects of their attention deficit disorders.

"I'm jealous of the people I give my Adderall to who aren't prescribed it," Josie says. "Because I know what it does to them, and I know that it doesn't have that effect on me."

Susan echoed her sentiments.

"It's the kind of medication that can help anyone concentrate, and that's why it's unfair," she says. "It gives people an unfair academic advantage. For people with ADD, it just makes them normal, and for people without ADD, it makes them above average. If both me and someone without ADD were both on Adderall, I could never outdo them."

Dependence/addiction

With the rise in diagnoses of attention deficit disorders and the subsequent increase in Adderall prescriptions, there is a growing fear of a new generation of adolescents growing up addicted to study drugs.

"Technically, any stimulant used at high enough dosages can be addictive," Rostain says. "But with Adderall, I think dependence is more likely than addiction, and there is a difference between the two."

"People with ADD and ADHD who take Adderall need it to help them focus and function better. People without attention problems in the first place are the ones more likely to develop a dependency on the drug, especially if they are taking it every time they have a test or a midterm," he added.

Those who are prescribed Adderall take it on a regular basis as part of their daily routine. They do, however, see a time in the future when they will function normally without the help Adderall provides.

"I don't think I'm addicted, because I don't crave it," Josie says. "I don't really like it that much, and I'd rather not have to take it, but I know I need it when I'm doing work."

"I don't think I'm addicted, because I functioned for so long without it, and I don't need it every day," Susan says. "I guess I can see myself stopping when I have kids -- it's just hard to imagine not taking it."

**Mizfit** · 12-13-2005, 01:01 PM

Originally Posted by NewKid

Do I NEED a presciption for this...errr what...

Or can I get it from my source...

Yes you do

**Keyser Sozey** · 12-13-2005, 01:01 PM

"Steroids are for cheaters." 1

1. Decadbol, The Kenny Loggins Chronicles(Jawga: Dept of interior clothing, 2005) 27.

**Mizfit** · 12-13-2005, 01:04 PM

Originally Posted by Keyser Sozey

"Steroids are for cheaters." 1

1. Decadbol, The Kenny Loggins Chronicles(Jawga: Dept of interior clothing, 2005) 27.

Sadly some people actually need to take these drugs

**Smak** · 12-13-2005, 01:05 PM

Originally Posted by Keyser Sozey

"Steroids are for cheaters." 1

1. Decadbol, The Kenny Loggins Chronicles(Jawga: Dept of interior clothing, 2005) 27.

^ rofl

"Steroids... My anti Drug!"

2. Taiboxa U]The Fatboy Chronicles[/U](Jawga: Dept of interior clothing, 2005) 27.[/QUOTE]

**Keyser Sozey** · 12-13-2005, 01:09 PM

Originally Posted by Mizfit

Sadly some people actually need to take these drugs

Yes, I know. Sometimes I think I may have..........

What the hell was I talking about?

**Mizfit** · 12-13-2005, 01:10 PM

Originally Posted by Keyser Sozey

Yes, I know. Sometimes I think I may have..........

What the hell was I talking about?

Hey im gonna come kick u in the tushy boy

**Hackamaniac** · 12-13-2005, 01:16 PM

damn that's harsh i have add and keep up with rest of society without meds lol what was this about

**Smak** · 12-13-2005, 01:17 PM

Originally Posted by Mizfit

Hey im gonna come kick u in the tushy boy

kick me 2.

**Hackamaniac** · 12-13-2005, 01:22 PM

Originally Posted by Smak

kick me 2.

you've been kicked enough this week smak

**Keyser Sozey** · 12-13-2005, 01:24 PM

Originally Posted by Mizfit

Hey im gonna come kick u in the tushy boy

Bring it, huney buns

Originally Posted by Smak

kick me 2.

Sorry homie, there is only room on here for one cuban butay.

**Anabolic CEO** · 12-13-2005, 01:30 PM

Hi Mizfit

**Mizfit** · 12-13-2005, 01:31 PM

Originally Posted by Anabolic CEO

Hi Mizfit

**chest6** · 12-13-2005, 01:38 PM

I have ADD and studying without meds is hell. I basically cant concentrate for shit.

Hey there was no muscle loss effects. Since it is a sumthin steroid , I forget, it has the opposite effect I think. Thats why I limit it. I used to take well butrin and other sorts of ADD meds..but they didnt come close to adderall.

**Mizfit** · 12-13-2005, 02:06 PM

Originally Posted by chest6

I have ADD and studying without meds is hell. I basically cant concentrate for shit.

Hey there was no muscle loss effects. Since it is a sumthin steroid, I forget, it has the opposite effect I think. Thats why I limit it. I used to take well butrin and other sorts of ADD meds..but they didnt come close to adderall.

People who don't have ADD or ADHd don't really understand what the3 drugs effects have on those who have it and the effects on those who don't

**Hackamaniac** · 12-13-2005, 02:21 PM

Originally Posted by Hackamaniac

damn that's harsh i have add and keep up with rest of society without meds lol what was this about

did u see this mizfit I seriously do have add and haven't used medicine since I was like 10 but seriously thinking about adderal for school.

**Mizfit** · 12-13-2005, 02:33 PM

Originally Posted by Hackamaniac

did u see this mizfit I seriously do have add and haven't used medicine since I was like 10 but seriously thinking about adderal for school.

Well hun here is a story... There was a girl who had ADHd and as a child took rid**** from 6-11 years old. Her parents decided to take her off.

She grew up with a few behaviour problems but overall did well in school, learned to read late but had high marks.

Went on to have a pretty good career. She had quirks though. Seem distracted quite often, interrupted alot, never let anyone finish and daydreamed quite a bit and couldn't ever finish a task given to her by a boss. She was also quite hyper and couldn't sit still.

The things that were deemed cute as an adolesecent weren't cute anymore. Her hyperness and inability to focus was now interfering in her career. See this is the difference between someone who has ADDD/ ADHD and just someone who wants an added edge.

Medication in this case was a godsend. Without it the career this girl, now a woman build hard to create, might not have been around for too much longer.

Having ADD/ ADHD also interfers in personal relationships because it's hard to get close to others at times.

Yes i have done a lot of research in this subject

**Slow~Mo** · 12-13-2005, 02:37 PM

Originally Posted by Slow~Mo

Sounds like Adderal is basically like coke or meth?

Sure does Slow~Mo, man your such a smart guy i'm glad you don't need any of that bullsh!t.

Love ya.

**Myka** · 12-13-2005, 02:41 PM

Originally Posted by Slow~Mo

Sure does Slow~Mo, man your such a smart guy i'm glad you don't need any of that bullsh!t.

Love ya.

Except I dont think adderall puts holes in your brain...

**Mizfit** · 12-13-2005, 02:43 PM

Originally Posted by NewKid

Except I dont think adderall puts holes in your brain...

There are side effects as with every medication but if you suffer.. sometimes the side are worth the benefits

**chest6** · 12-13-2005, 03:14 PM

Originally Posted by Mizfit

People who don't have ADD or ADHd don't really understand what the3 drugs effects have on those who have it and the effects on those who don't

yep. You can be the new adderall spokesperson, I have lots of people that I need to send your way

Seems like at every college ppl pop adderall's like m&ms when it comes to exams

**Mizfit** · 12-13-2005, 03:20 PM

Originally Posted by chest6

yep. You can be the new adderall spokesperson, I have lots of people that I need to send your way

Seems like at every college ppl pop adderall's like m&ms when it comes to exams

i'm against ppl taking it who don't need it

**Slow~Mo** · 12-13-2005, 03:21 PM

WTF

Why are students now having to take drugs for studying, taking tests, exams, or whatever? Man this world is getting crazier and crazier. I feel sorry for all you students nowadays to much pressure on ya so you turn to drugs. And the ppl who do take it you were ment to be stupid in life just except it. Like I do.

**Myka** · 12-13-2005, 03:23 PM

Originally Posted by Slow~Mo

WTF

Why are students now having to take drugs for studying, taking tests, exams, or whatever? Man this world is getting crazier and crazier. I feel sorry for all you students nowadays to much pressure on ya so you turn to drugs.

WTF

Dont worry slow~mo...Im a student and I dont take drugs...Just my egg whites oats tuna and rice...and of course water...I dont even use caffeine to study...bwaahahahah...soon the universe will be mine...

**Slow~Mo** · 12-13-2005, 03:25 PM

Requote me I had more to say...

**Myka** · 12-13-2005, 03:26 PM

Originally Posted by Slow~Mo

Requote me I had more to say...

What...that your stupid?...

**chest6** · 12-13-2005, 04:28 PM

Again, I was diagnosed with ADD when I was really young. I have an "extended time" option on all of my tests. I used it during HS for every test, but in college the class periods are much longer and the tests aren't very long and finishing it isn't much of a problem. I've been on meds except the last couple years. I didnt know adderall was such a problem, I actually would get in arguments with my sister, who takes it. She doesn't have ADD/ADHD, she is actually very smart, she just uses it as a crutch. I have often told her if anyone needs it, it is me.... I have a problem, and you are just using it for extra. Im sorry if I offended anybody, I'm not taking it as a crutch. It allowed me to get my work done and study, which would have been near impossible otherwise.