As the nice weather approaches, the frequency and amount of alcohol consumed increases across campus. These behaviors also are reinforced by the vast amount of fests that seem to multiply each year. These are concerns, but there might be more important concerns around campus as the end of the quarter approaches. I'm talking about the abuse of prescription drugs such as methylphenidate - Ritalin - and amphetamines - Adderall.
The most appropriate usage of these drugs is for attention deficit disorder or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, via prescription. It has been the focus of much controversy, whether prescribed or not, because methylphenidate is chemically and pharmacologically similar to cocaine and its course of action. As final exams approach, more and more students begin to illegally purchase and sell these drugs. The drugs are commonly used to stay awake and focus on final studies. These drugs are very dangerous, and studies have shown they have a very high reinforcement and abuse potential.
Methylphenidate is a central nervous system stimulant that increases synaptic levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine. This increase in dopamine provides stimulation and activation to the motor inhibitory system in the orbital-frontal-limbic axis. This activation results in an increase in inhibition of impulsiveness, thus assisting children with ADD or ADHD by helping them focus their attention when necessary. Similarly, Adderall mimics the hormone/neurotransmitter epinephrine, thus causing the same outcome as methylphenidate: an increased alertness. Acute toxicity due to methylphenidate overdose results in symptoms similar to those of acute amphetamine intoxication. These include euphoria, delirium, confusion, toxic psychosis and hallucinations.
There are also serious chronic systemic effects related to the abuse of these drugs. These effects include, but are not limited to, anorexia, heart palpitations, blood pressure and pulse changes, cardiac arrhythmia, and anemia. The thesis of this statement is to promote the seriousness and prevalence of methylphenidate and amphetamine abuse. The consequences of toxicity and addiction can be quite devastating.
This letter is not to bash users, nor to tell them how to behave. Most students here are adults and should be able to make intelligent decisions on their own. These facts are meant only to open eyes and inform those who might not be aware of the use and abuse of such drugs.
Michael Schetter is a senior studying biological sciences.
4 Opinion
