Misuse of Cognitive Enhancing Drugs

     

    The misuse of Adderall, Ritalin, and other prescription stimulants is very common amongst undergraduate students. These drugs are known to increase concentration, improve academic performance, and induce euphoria. The effects of these drugs can be very appealing to overworked, sleep-deprived college students. Up to 20% of college students reported misuse of these prescription stimulants to enhance academic performance (Kennedy, 2018). Prescription stimulants are the second most used illicit drug by college students (Lakhan, Kirchgessner 2012)

    Adderall is composed of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. The drug binds to norepinephrine and dopamine receptors in both the brain and adrenal gland, amplifying the “feel good” chemicals in the body (Lautieri, 2021). It is most often prescribed to people with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).  When used properly, these prescription stimulants help people feel more focused and less impulsive. However, the misuse of these drugs by people without ADHD can have very serious short and long term side-effects. Short term effects include nervousness, interruption of sleep patterns, anxiety, and restlessness (Sison, 2019). Long term side-effects include damage to the cardio-vascular system, which could result in high blood pressure, irregular heart rate, or cardiomyopathy. In some cases, long-term misuse could result in psychosis (Lautieri, 2021).

    Although these prescription drugs increase productivity and concentration, there is little evidence supporting their ability to improve knowledge application. So although a student may complete multiple assignments in one evening with a high level of focus, the quality of work is unlikely to increase (Lakhan, Kirchgessner, 2012). 

Should pharmaceutical companies produce these “cognitive enhancing” drugs for the general public? Is it ethical for people without ADHD to have access to these drugs to improve their performance at school or work? How is the recreational use of these drugs different from caffeine consumption (another enhancing substance)? I think the answer lies in the severe side-effects that come along with the misuse of these stimulants. The misuse of prescription stimulants can cause such intense damage to the body, and ultimately lead to life-altering changes in body function. People with heart conditions are more likely to endure detrimental side-effects that could lead to death (Aberg, 2021). Without extensive public education, allowing prescription stimulants to be available to the general public can be very dangerous. Additionally, allowing the general public to have access to prescription stimulants will likely increase rates of addiction. I believe the risks outweigh the benefits for allowing the general population access to drugs like Adderall and Ritalin. 

Sources:

Aberg, S. E. (2021, January 28). "study drug" abuse by college students: What you need to know. National Center for Health Research. Retrieved October 4, 2021, from https://www.center4research.org/study-drug-abuse-college-students/. 

Kennedy, S. (2018, December 15). Raising awareness about prescription and stimulant abuse in college students through on-campus community involvement projects. Journal of undergraduate neuroscience education : JUNE : a publication of FUN, Faculty for Undergraduate Neuroscience. Retrieved October 4, 2021, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6312145/. 

Lakhan, S. E., & Kirchgessner, A. (2012, September). Prescription stimulants in individuals with and without attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: Misuse, cognitive impact, and adverse effects. Brain and behavior. Retrieved October 4, 2021, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3489818/. 

Lautieri, A. (2021, September 29). Long term effects of adderall on brain, personality, and body. American Addiction Centers. Retrieved October 4, 2021, from https://americanaddictioncenters.org/adderall/long-term-effects. 

Sison, G. (2019, September 3). Adderall abuse among college students: Prescription Stimulant Addiction. American Addiction Centers. Retrieved October 4, 2021, from https://americanaddictioncenters.org/adderall/adderall-abuse-among-college-students.