Ritalin is a common abused legal stimulant In the Washington Post there was an article about the disturbing increasing rates of Ritalin and Adderall use by college students. It is suggested that late night study habits have produced the need for stimulants to assist with students staying awake. There may be a possibility that these drugs aren’t just being used to increase focus while studying. Presently, there is some concern that this legal stimulant abuse may be more prevalent than alcohol abuse. Ritalin and Adderall can be crushed and snorted mimicking the effect of cocaine. Unfortunately, you cannot be arrested for snorting your prescribed medications. History shows that Ritalin and Adderall are the default drugs accepted by parents for their children who have focusing issues and who are diagnosed with ADD or ADHD (Attention Deficit Disorder/Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity). It is possible that medical doctors may be overprescribing these types of drugs, rather than referring parents to explore home environment, diet, etc. that may be contributing factors.  Sometimes simple behavioral corrections and parental attention may be what the child needs, and if these alternatives do not help, there may be a need for medication. Children grow up too dependent on Adderall and Ritalin and taking the pill becomes second nature. Adderall and Ritalin gained popularity about 15 years ago which would coincide with our college age students who have been dependent on this stimulant since elementary school or younger. As students age, they are experimenting with their medications and discovering that there is a euphoric effect when not taken or ingested as prescribed. Alcohol abuse is just as prevalent; however, stimulant abuse may cover up alcohol abuse issues. Any type of substance abuse should be taken seriously as Adderall, Ritalin and alcohol have negative effects associated with use.
