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Adderall Abuse By College Students On The Rise

Last updated on Monday, March 5, 2012

(UNDATED) - The days of pulling all nighters with caffeine and no sleep are over. Now, students are taking Adderall without a prescription.

Students claim helps them focus and stay motivated and it gives them the extra push they need. These college students said the popularity of Adderall is skyrocketing.

Adderall is one of the most prescribed drugs in the United States. It is designed to help kids who cannot focus and are diagnosed with ADHD by a doctor.

However, students who are not seen by doctors are getting the drug easily.

Doctors say students are doing this without knowing the risks, and their parents may have no idea, until it is too late.

Adderall, an amphetamine, is the most commonly misused prescription drug on Indiana college campuses, according to the 2011 Indiana College Substance Use Survey.

Ten percent of college students surveyed say they abused Adderall in a six-month period, which is one in seven male students and one in eight female students.

Adderall is designed to increase focus and productivity. Those who take it without a prescription risk taking a dosage that is dangerously high. Side effects include weight loss, sleeping problems and headaches. Additionally, users can become addicted. Experts say it can be a gateway to other drug use like cocaine or meth.

Nearly 6,000 college students took part in the 2011 Indiana college substance use survey. Vicodin was the second most commonly misused prescription medication, behind Adderall.

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