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Final exams dominate college campuses during the month of May. And more than a few students "cram" during the last days and hours before their finals.
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University of Florida drug abuse experts say more and more undergrads, as well as high school
SAT takers, are turning to prescription stimulants to boost concentration during long study
sessions and all-nighters. In fact, in a recent study, nearly ten percent of college students
reported using stimulants at one point or another in their college years. Experts actually equate
the abuse of drugs like Adderall and Ritalin with other forms of performance-enhancing drug use.
And while students may think they’ll improve their memory and performance on test day by using
stimulants, ironically, the opposite is usually the case.
Dr. Scott Teitelbaum / UF drug abuse expert
"When you look at the students that use illicit drugs at the university, actually their performance at school is worse. And that's probably because the need to use it reflects them being behind, and having to cram and catch up."
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Experts say in the days and weeks after abuse of unprescribed stimulants, students can experience withdrawal symptoms, including depression, excessive sleepiness, vivid and unpleasant dreams, and even heart problems. Although friends often supply other friends with stimulants, some students actually go to great lengths to fool health-care providers to get a prescription.
Dr. Scott Teitelbaum / UF drug abuse expert
"There is no question that the modern student is smart, and smart enough to know to go to somebody and to tell them exactly what the symptoms are of attention deficit disorder, to get stimulants."
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At the University of Florida Health Science Center, I'm Mike Garrison
