Freshmen turn to psychostimulant during finals week

As the end of the fall semester steadily approaches at Saint Joseph's, more and more students are feeling the stress of cramming for finals.

For some, the pressure has resulted in seeking the assistance of the pharmaceutical psychostimulant Adderall. The drug which is primarily used for treating narcolepsy and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), has become increasingly popular among college students across the country due to its reported side effects, which include increased alertness, ability to focus, and excess energy.

Saint Joseph's is no exception. Many students report their intention to take advantage of the drug's effects during finals week, despite the fact that they lack a prescription for it. Others, however, point out that the drug helps tremendously with potentially disruptive health conditions.

"Since my diagnosis with ADHD, and being prescribed Adderall, I have noticed significant changes for the better in my daily lifestyle," said a freshman biology major. "I have realized that it has been easier to manage my time."

Because the freshman class is a large contributor to the increased popularity of Adderall at Saint Joseph's, many students regard the increase in the workload from a student's high school years to their transition to college as a leading cause of the drug's consumption.

"It's probably the heavier workload that has pushed some kids in our class to abuse it," said a freshman food marketing major. I've heard people asking around for it because they found it difficult to be productive while studying. I feel more pressure this year that last, especially now with finals coming up, as it is my first year here."

While some claim that the drug has helped them to focus on and comprehend large amounts of information, government warnings tell of rare but serious side effects including paranoia, hallucinations, and heart attacks when Adderall is used to avoid regular sleep patterns. Despite such cautionary instruction, students still insist on taking the drug as a method of increasing mental efficiency during last minute cramming.

"I took it last year for finals, and at first it did nothing for me," said a junior finance major. "Next thing I knew, it was five o'clock in the morning, I was reading stuff, and actually comprehending it."

Even students taking Adderall for medicinal purposes confirm that the drug has helped them to concentrate more efficiently on their schoolwork.

"My study habits have changed drastically over the few months since being prescribed Adderall," one said. "Before I felt the workload in school was overwhelming and left me tired. Now, I've become more organized and it has been easier to sit down and focus on schoolwork."

Aside from aiding in work efficiency, this freshman biology major points out that use of the psychostimulant has allowed her the time to enjoy social activities as well.

"While Adderall has helped me pay attention in class and left me feeling productive, it has also helped with managing my social time," she said.

Despite its increasing popularity on campus, Adderall is not considered a leading cause of student health emergencies. While the drug exists in many for­ms and may be consumed through different means (i.e. by syringe or inhaler), these students have only encountered the drug in capsulated form.