Suncoast Rehab Warns Students Against “Academic Doping”—Adderall Abuse on the Rise
Spring Hill, FL (PRWEB) July 08, 2013 -- A recent article highlighted the use of Adderall by college students in an attempt to achieve better concentration and drive to complete assignments, coined “academic doping.” (1) Unfortunately, what many students fail to realize is that this so-called “study drug” is, in fact, a prescription drug that brings negative consequences when taken unnecessarily. Suncoast Rehab Center, a Spring Hill drug rehab facility, warns young adults of the dangers of Adderall, and encourages widespread drug-abuse education.
Today, it has become commonplace to find teenagers and college students who readily admit to utilizing Adderall to last through marathon study sessions—young adults today are sharing (and sometimes selling) their prescriptions, or even crushing the drug and snorting or injecting it. Many also take more than the standard dose, having the misconception that “more is better.” (2)
But what many of these students fail to realize are the dangers of prescription drug abuse. Adderall is what can be referred to as a “gateway drug,” or a seemingly harmless drug that leads to harder drug usage. Adderall is comprised of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine—its side effects, both temporary and long-term, are plentiful, and range from mild to severe. Though its side effects are often minimal, in extreme cases Adderall use can cause:
•Dangerous increase in blood pressure;
•Irregular heart rate;
•Fainting or losing consciousness;
•Seizure activity and excessive and uncontrollable shaking; and
•Depression
Suncoast Executive Director, Tammy Strickling, says that education is essential for those young adults who continue to take the drug without a prescription.
“We need to call attention to this very real problem in the lives of many young adults—making them aware of the side effects and potentially addictive qualities of Adderall could go a long way in curbing what I consider to be a rising epidemic,” said Strickling. “By reverting to the basics and solving problems without the use of drugs, students will learn to build and create the energy they need on their own, without the use of a foreign substance. As with any drug, the person runs the risk of becoming dependent and no longer able to function naturally without the use of the foreign substance.”
In addition to education from doctors, Suncoast supports stricter regulations governing prescription drugs. “We have to change the public mindset that prescription drugs are easily obtainable—this formulates the thought that all prescription drugs are harmless, which is far from the truth. The goal is to enable the public to make informed choices about what is best for their health,” said Strickling.
Before taking Adderall, Strickling also encourages that college students ask themselves the following questions:
1.Are the risks/side effects worth it? While small doses of Adderall often result in minor side effects such as shakiness/loss of appetite, heavier doses lead to much steeper consequences—aggressive behavior, uncontrolled shaking, dizziness, vomiting and hallucination are all possibilities.
2.What is the potential for dependence or abuse? Adderall is classified as a Schedule II drug, meaning it has accepted medical use for treatment but has a high potential for abuse, and that abuse of the drug can lead to psychological or physical addiction. (3)
3.Are there any alternatives? Rather than relying on drugs to generate more focus and initiative, consider a more natural means of increasing endurance. Prioritizing, taking mental breaks from working, getting physical exercise and occasionally skipping festivities such as parties all go a long way in establishing a steady supply of motivation.
Suncoast enables its clients to take the first step in conquering addiction and reclaiming their lives from drugs. SRC’s medical team designs treatment programs to physically address the malnutrition spurred by drug abuse, and the SRC counseling team tailors client therapy to help provide insight into the past—all intended to help patients confront life better, and without reverting to drugs.
To learn more about the Suncoast Rehabilitation Center and its rehab programs, visit http://www.suncoastrehabcenter.com/.
About Suncoast Rehab Center:
Located in Spring Hill, Florida, with a 76% success rate, Suncoast Rehab Center provides long-term residential treatment, intensive sauna detoxification, life-skills and cognitive therapy and counseling. Suncoast is licensed by the Florida Department of Children and Families, and was recently awarded a 100% inspection score for the third year in a row. Suncoast has a mission to educate youth and adults about drugs and the dangers of drugs, with the aim of preventing future drug use and abuse. Suncoast handles the physical deficiencies, weakness and problems created through drug use, without the use of additional drugs. Clients are helped to uncover the issues that led to their drug use through counseling, therapy and life skills that put the patient back in control of his/her life and future. Suncoast’s purpose in drug rehabilitation is to heal the whole person and give the person tools and education to remain drug–free. For more information, visit http://www.suncoastrehabcenter.com.
1.Maass, Harold. “Why the Odds Are against Chuck Schumer’s Adderall Crackdown—The Week.” Theweek.com. The Week, 17 June 2013. Web. 25 June 2013. theweek.com/article/index/245730/why-the-odds-are-against-chuck-schumers-adderall-crackdown.
2.O’Neil, Mike. “Mike O’Neil: Be on the Lookout for Students Misusing Stimulants.” Knoxnews.com. Knoxville News Sentinel, 15 June 2013. Web. 25 June 2013. knoxnews.com/news/2013/jun/15/local-voices-mike-oneil-be-on-the-lookout-for/.
3.Takahara, Michael. “Five Myths of Adderall and Ritalin Debunked.” Dailynexus.com. University of California, Santa Barbara, 13 May 2010. Web. 02 July 2013. dailynexus.com/2010-05-13/student-health-debunks-adderall-excuses/.
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