An alarming new drug abuse trend has surfaced in high schools and colleges across the United States.  Thousands of high school and college students have turned to the use of medications typically prescribed for individuals diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) to improve their concentration and academic performance.  These medications are often obtained by purchasing them illegally from others who have been prescribed them by their doctors. Some youngsters have even faked symptoms to get prescriptions for the medications.

These medications have proven to have great value for some individuals who truly suffer from ADHD, however, for those without the disorder their use can have serious side effects including depression, mood swings, heart irregularities, acute exhaustion or psychosis.  Many of these substances are also highly addictive. 

The most commonly abused ADHD medications include Adderall, Vyvanse, Ritalin, and Focalin.  The D.E.A. classifies many of these medications as Class 2 Controlled Substances.  The illegal sale or purchase of these medications can be prosecuted as a felony. 

Parents are encouraged to discuss with their children the physical and legal dangers associated with using these medications without a prescription and close monitoring by a physician.

Information included in this announcement was obtained from the New York Times article, Risky Rise of the Good Grade Pill, by Alan Schwarz.  The article was published on June 9, 2012.  The full article can be viewed online at http://www.nytimes.com/2012/06/10/education/seeking-academic-edge-teenagers-abuse-stimulants.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&hp.