Campus Carrier Editorial Board
Midterms week is upon us and with it, we find students trying out a range of different methods to ace their tests. These techniques can range from the normal methods of studying, such as reviewing notes and re-reading books, to more questionable methods, like hoping for osmosis while sleeping with a textbook under your pillow. From online note cards to instructional YouTube videos to even Wikipedia for the smaller questions, students have a multitude of study options.
However, even with all of these study options readily available, others still choose less ethical routes to get the grade. An article published on CNN on Sept. 1, 2011, reported that many college students use “study drugs” for a focus boost during exam season. The article focuses on Auburn student Jared Gabay who admitted to taking Adderall, a medication used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Gabay does not have ADHD. He just takes the medication to help his study habits.
Gabay is not alone. The article quotes Alan DeSantis, a professor and researcher at the University of Kentucky, who said that study drugs are “abused more than marijuana and easier to get.”
It’s no wonder that the drugs are easier to get. An article published on the New York Times website on Dec. 14, 2013, reports on the over diagnosis of ADHD and the over medication. The article quoted psychologist Dr. Keith Connors who stated that the number of children prescribed medication has risen from 600,000 in 1990 to 3.5 million in recent data. With so much medication floating around, students just using it as a study boost are having an easier and easier time getting it.
But, so what if some students are using ADHD medication to help them study? How is this a problem?
The problem comes from two sides—the immorality of misusing prescription drugs and the stigma it places on those with ADHD.
Not even naming the medical issues of misusing prescription drugs, those with unneeded medication are unjustly benefited. For those with ADHD, they are at a disadvantage and the medication puts them on a level playing field with everyone else. By taking the medication without needing it, you are using an unfair advantage to put yourself ahead of not only those who need the drug, but also those who don’t have access to it.
The misuse of ADHD medication also puts a stigma on those with ADHD who need the medication. If doctors know college students are trying to get unneeded ADHD medication and they know there has been criticism on over medication, they can be less likely to prescribe medication until a clear need is presented. This delay can be costly for those suffering with ADHD who actually need the medication. This stigma also can exist outside of the medical community. People can see those taking ADHD medication and downplay their disease because they think they are just doing it for the medication. This stigma is wrong and is created by the misuse of ADHD medication by those just using it to study.