Students with a valid diagnosis of ADHD do much better socially and academically with legally prescribed stimulants. These drugs improve inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity in people with ADHD, and also increases central dopamine and norepinephrine activity. According to a survey of college students, illicit use of ADHD 'study drugs' might help with short term cramming and getting a 'high' similar to cocaine, but the risks might well outweigh the short term benefits. Moreover, children, teens, and adults with ADHD who really need the drug to perform at school, work, and home are often denied medication or are forced to switch to another stimulant formulation (such as from long acting to short acting), or to a new stimulant medication altogether, because of the well known national shortage of these medications.
Not only has illicit stimulant use been on the rise, but so has cannabis use and nicotine use. People use cannabis to ease emotional distress such as anxiety or to seek relief from acute stressors such as dating, sex, and academics. Studies have documented respiratory, cardiac and adverse brain effects such as poor memory and poor mental health. We all know that nicotine is similar in its adverse respiratory and cardiac effects. Smoking has been associated with depression, anxiety, alcoholism, and eating disorders too.
The misuse of ADHD and other drugs represents an opportunity for the health care and the college education communities to teach effective coping skills to better deal with life stressors. These include exercise, adequate sleep of at least 7-8 hours a night, meditation, journaling, and mindfulness. Read the study to find out more and to see original references.
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