Prescription Stimulants Among College Students: A Sociological Study

In their sociological study, authors Amelia M. Arria, and Robert L. DuPont (2010) explore the topic of illicit non-medical prescription stimulant use among college students. Their research findings outline the non-medical use of stimulants such as Adderall, Ritalin, and Concerta among university students. Arria and DuPont (2010) also propose a possible approach to tackle the growing problem within the student community. These stimulant prescription drugs are originally prescribed to those who suffer from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). These drugs are adversely sought out by students who may not be succeeding academically (Arria, DuPont). The authors begin by defining the current issues aiding in the prevalence of stimulant

Langdon (2008) present their research on the many different motives behind the illicit use of ADHD drugs. In this psychological study the researchers investigate the use of prescription stimulants among undergraduate students. They look at the reasons, knowledge of side-effects, and self-diagnosing tendencies displayed among users. Participants were made up of a total of 333 students from two small, competitive New England colleges (Judson, Langdon). 72% of participants were female, 26% male, and 2% did not specify. The sample included freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors. As an incentive, the participants were entered into a $25 drawing, and participants from college A were offered extra course credit. The focus group was broken down into two categories: prescription holders (6.3%), and non-prescription holders (93.6%). The students were presented with two self-administered surveys, one for prescription holders, and the other for non-prescription holders (Judson, Langdon). The surveys consisted of five sections, the first section consisting of demographics. Section two asked about the history of ADHD diagnosis for prescription holders, and the self-diagnosis of non-holders. The third section evaluated the motives for illicit use. In the fourth section, perceived control and attitudes towards illicit use were questioned. In the final section, knowledge of side effects related to the use of stimulants was

(2012) hypothesize that the use of illicit substances directly predicts a decline in academic performance and attendance. They also seek to associate the non-medical use of prescription stimulants (NPS) to study in order to counteract the decline previously stated (Arria, Wilcox, et al.). This longitudinal perspective study used a group of 984 college students from a large public university. The original sample selection was made through surveying the entire new-student population during orientation of 3,401 incoming students ages 17 to 19. The next step took a stratified random sample of participants to participate in a two-hour interview during their first year. This deduction yielded 984 students as a sample size demographically representative of the first-year class. Participants were assessed as to cannabis use disorder, which can be described as a frequent “need” to use marijuana; this included frequency of use, and tolerance. Several factors that distinguish a focus on attaining, and using cannabis that in return interfere with everyday responsibilities was also outlined. The students were also surveyed about their use of NPS for studying. They were also asked about their class attendance, and lastly their GPA was gathered from university administration (Arria, Wilcox, et al.). In conclusion, the research supported the hypothesis put forth connecting alcohol, and marijuana use to more frequent skipping of