The “Good Grade Pill:” Graduating to Addiction

The “Good Grade Pill:” Graduating to Addiction

Adderall, Vyvanse, Concerta, Focalin and Ritalin are all drugs prescribed to treat people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, many high school and college students are faking symptoms of ADHD or getting pills from others to help them perform better at school. This growing epidemic of misuse of these prescription drugs can have consequences for those academically competitive students. These “good grade pills” may help the prescription drug abuser graduate from school, but also graduate to using other drugs.

ADHD drugs are classified as Schedule II controlled substances by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), which means they have a legitimate medical use but also a high potential for abuse, which may lead to physical or psychological dependence. These prescription drugs are in the same group as morphine or opium.

Many young people may lie to their psychiatrists about having symptoms of ADHD to get a prescription. These drugs cause the user to experience increased alertness and concentration, and can help them stay awake to study longer. However, taking these drugs may cause complications such as psychotic episodes, cardiovascular complications, seizures and severe psychological addiction. The misuse of these prescription drugs may lead to using other drugs, such as heroin or cocaine.

The desire for better grades and more prestigious schools is spurring some young people to use these drugs despite the consequences. Students may be so competitive that they lose control and become addicted to prescription drugs. Seeking treatment from a drug rehab center can help addicts break away from the dependence of prescription drugs.