Access Type
Open Access
Start Date
4-17-2024 12:00 AM
End Date
4-17-2024 12:00 AM
College
College of Education, Leadership Studies, and Counseling
Department
Counseling and Human Services
Keywords
Prescription Stimulants, Adderall, Ritalin, Prescription Stimulant Misuse, Polydrug, Education, Treatment Options, Resources
Abstract
Prescription stimulants have become increasingly available on college campuses and misusing them has developed into a growing problem (Benson et al., 2015; Kennedy, 2018). Prescription stimulants fall into two categories: Methylphenidates or Amphetamines (e.g., Ritalin, Adderall, and Vyvanse), and are typically prescribed to patients diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), with the intended purpose of allowing the user to function more effectively in daily life (Arria & DuPont, 2018). While prescription stimulants are acknowledged for their effectiveness in increasing the user's attention and focus, they pose potentially dangerous short and long-term side health effects, especially in those taking the substance who have not been directly prescribed the medication (Kennedy, 2018). On college campuses, there is a real problem with misusing prescription stimulants to boost cognitive abilities, as a study aid, and/or as a partying drug. Additionally, prescription stimulants are frequently used as a polydrug, meaning they are often combined with alcohol or other substances to magnify their effects (SAMHSA, 2021). Prescription stimulant misuse is also linked to an increased risk of use of other illegal or illicit substances and is connected with an increase in heavier drinking (Arria & DuPont, 2018). Although social and diagnostic growth has increased accessibility to much-needed medication, the COVID-19 pandemic has led to unregulated prescribing (Chan, 2023). The recent increase in prescriptions, paired with the lack of adequate treatment options, support, and education for students surrounding prescription stimulant misuse is dangerous, and the presenters will suggest and provide education, important resources, and treatment options in both the University and greater Lynchburg community.
Faculty Mentor(s)
Dr. Sara W. Bailey
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Prescription Stimulant Misuse: A Silent Epidemic
Prescription stimulants have become increasingly available on college campuses and misusing them has developed into a growing problem (Benson et al., 2015; Kennedy, 2018). Prescription stimulants fall into two categories: Methylphenidates or Amphetamines (e.g., Ritalin, Adderall, and Vyvanse), and are typically prescribed to patients diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), with the intended purpose of allowing the user to function more effectively in daily life (Arria & DuPont, 2018). While prescription stimulants are acknowledged for their effectiveness in increasing the user's attention and focus, they pose potentially dangerous short and long-term side health effects, especially in those taking the substance who have not been directly prescribed the medication (Kennedy, 2018). On college campuses, there is a real problem with misusing prescription stimulants to boost cognitive abilities, as a study aid, and/or as a partying drug. Additionally, prescription stimulants are frequently used as a polydrug, meaning they are often combined with alcohol or other substances to magnify their effects (SAMHSA, 2021). Prescription stimulant misuse is also linked to an increased risk of use of other illegal or illicit substances and is connected with an increase in heavier drinking (Arria & DuPont, 2018). Although social and diagnostic growth has increased accessibility to much-needed medication, the COVID-19 pandemic has led to unregulated prescribing (Chan, 2023). The recent increase in prescriptions, paired with the lack of adequate treatment options, support, and education for students surrounding prescription stimulant misuse is dangerous, and the presenters will suggest and provide education, important resources, and treatment options in both the University and greater Lynchburg community.