This is a news story from the U.S. that reports on the misuse of ADHD medicine - usually amphetamine-based - by college students, as well as outlining its side-effects. It raises a number of interesting points. I'm not familiar with current Australian data, but am wondering if the trends are reflected here? (e.g. the first person interviewed estimated 75% of people she knew took them!??). And what proportion would be aware of the potential negative side-effects?
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apothecary
over 2 years ago
Among Australian regular ecstasy users (REU) in 2008 as part of the Ecstasy and Related Drugs Reporting System (EDRS)
- Only 14% of had used a pharmaceutical stimulant recently.
- only 18% had used any Amphetamine (speed, ice or base) recently, and decreasing.
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NaNdeR
over 2 years ago
I was always under the impression that this was a big problem in the USA but not so much here. Though I have nothing to back that up - I'm sure I heard a lecture discuss this. Being a University student I've not been aware of anyone using pharmaceutical stimulants. Tough I think it's fair to say that (most) university students are smart and would be aware of their side-effects. However as for the reason one might take them in spite of such knowledge is beyond me.
I'd actually be interested to know maybe how much caffeine Aussie students use, and if they are aware of high dose side effects (if their are any?).
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Sparke
over 2 years ago
I have a friend who had anorexia who snorted ADHD medication to lose weight. It didnt' work and she ended up having to have her heart stopped in the back of an ambulance to slow it down. Then spent a week in a cardiac ward.
I think it's mainly caffeine abuse in Aussie students - although I'm aware of some abusing ADHD medication, as well as uppers to get through assessment weeks.
I think also - a lot of us are so burned out and run off our feet that we abuse things like paracetamol, antihistamines and sometimes psychiatric medication which isn't prescribed to us, to get some sleep.
Besides that - I don't think abusing "upping" medication/caffeine really gives much of an advantage. From experience it makes me wired, lowers my ability to concentrate and gives me a fairly epic crash, exceedingly quickly.
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