The pressure of final examinations can be a bit overwhelming at times. So overwhelming that many university students decide to buy Ritalin off of their friends in hopes of making it through their classes.
“[T]he popularity of Ritalin as a “universal performance enhancer” has skyrocketed over the last two decades, especially in adolescents and college students.” wrote Svetlov, Kobeissy and Gold in their 2008 article Performance Enhancing, Non-Prescription Use of Ritalin, in the Journal of Addictive Diseases.
Ritalin, or methylphenidate (MPH), is a psycho-stimulant that is understood to be a cognitive enhancer, and works by increasing activity in the central nervous system. There are many debates surrounding the use of Ritalin by “healthy” students who do not need it for ADD or ADHD treatment.
“After four exams, my brain was getting really strung out and I was having difficulty focusing, so when my friend offered to let me buy some, I said sure,” said one student.
Some find it a question of ethics and wonder whether the use of Ritalin can be called cheating, or if the acclaimed boost this drug gives in cognitive function is just a rumoured hype. Others wonder if part of the effects of this drug are placebo related.
The use of Ritalin has become increasingly popular on university campuses, and with final examinations coming up, students are more likely to fold under the pressure. For students who feel that they are truly disadvantaged in their lack of ability to stay focused, a consultation with a school doctor or counselor might prove a safer option.
“Methylphenidate increases activity, arousal, talkativeness, and mood in normal subjects,” wrote Svetlov, Kobeissy and Gold. “However, these effects are a subject of individual differences so that some persons experience anxiety, dysphoria and tiredness.”
Most of the abuse related to this drug is a result of prescription sharing between students. With Ritalin growing more popular on university campuses, more tests are likely required in exploring the harmful side-effects of this drug in order to educate students.
“Maybe it did help, but I don’t like the idea of taking medications that have not been prescribed to me,” said one student.
Loading ...
