Adderall is commonly prescribed to patients who have difficulty controlling their actions, maintaining focus, or staying awake. It contains the active ingredients dextroamphetamine and levoamphetamine, both of which are psychostimulant amphetamine molecules. Adderall was first introduced into the public in 1996 as an instant-release drug by Shire Pharmaceuticals. In 2006, a new version, Adderall extended release , was made available as well. While the instant-release drug requires 3 hours to reach its maximum plasma concentration after consumption, the extended release version takes 7 hours to do so. Known side effects of Adderall include insomnia, loss of appetite, nausea, and hallucination. Adderall has been found to be addictive and dangerous to the health of some patients. Several withdrawal symptoms include panic attacks, seizure, fatigue, and depression 

Adderall abuse can also cause dangerous physiologic effects such as hypertension, seizures, and mydriasis (dilation of the pupil). Increase in blood pressure is thought to be caused by the continued release of norepinephrine. The constant stimulation of nerve receptors is the mechanism behind Adderall addiction. With continued use over time, a tolerance is developed to Adderall, as seen with other addictive drugs as well – the more frequently these drugs, including Adderall, are used, the greater the amount that is needed to supply a response. The reinforcement behavior produced by Adderall can eventually cause long-term dependence.

In a study conducted by Surles et al., it was found that under some circumstances, Adderall can induce psychosis in adolescents comparable to schizophrenia. Though the precise mechanism is not clear, it is possible that this effect is due to an increased amphetamine-induced dopamine release. The symptoms cleared in patients who withdrew from using Adderall.

·      Talk to other student who take Adderall

§  Side effects

§  If actually improves studying

§  Long term side effects

§  If they are being prescribed them or taking on their own

§  Do they feel like they have an advantage

·      Be informed of the consequences

§  Health consequences of Adderall

v Heart

ü  Increased blood pressure

ü  Stimulant

v Appetite and Weight

ü  Suppressant

v Effectiveness

ü  Build up tolerance

ü  Stop working

§  Health consequences of Xanax

v Brain

ü  Blocks benzodiazepine on gamma receptor

ü  Feeling of anxiety

ü  Fear less active

ü  Withdraw

§  Health consequences of Codeine

v Repertory Depression

v Decrease in libido (sex drive)

v Tolerance build

§  Health Consequences for Vicodin

v Tolerance build

v Liver damage

v Likely hood of a overdose

v Withdraw

§  Legal Consequences for CU

v Suspension

v Expulsion

v Ticket

v Jail time

v Probation

v Suspension in abeyance

v Exclusion

ü  Denied access to all or portion of university property

v Restriction/ denial of university

v Delayed conferral of degree

v Recommendation for revocation of degree

Click on this link to go to CU Boulder Alcohol and Drug Policy
Drug and Alcohol Policy

Why Students Do These Drugs!

Adderall:
Students take it to focus on their schoolwork and to pay full attention in class. It also helps them to create an outstanding essay, they can just sit down and write a 5-6 page paper without stopping in the matter of hours.
Becoming addicted to adderall is actually dependent on the person taking it, for some it takes as little as 2 weeks to never at all. People prescribed to adderall get addicted because they are taking it everyday, so addicted that after a certain amount of months their doctors have to up their dosage. Signs of addiction are if someone can't focus without using adderall.
Getting adderall is very easy, as easy as going up to a fellow student and saying "hey do you have an adderall? I really need to study for this exam."

Xanax:
It is said that people take it to maximize the effects of alcohol and it gives users a different type of buzz than alcohol alone. It is also taken sometimes as a buffer drug after they are coming down from a roll. When coming off a roll some can get panic attacks.
This drug is very addictive and one of the hardest drugs to detoxify from. Side effects are dizziness and sleepiness. When detoxing, users can experience a range of withdrawal symptoms: panic attacks, increased anxiety depression, muscle cramping, nausea, blurred vision, and sinus congestion.
Xanax is also easy to come by because many students are prescribed this drug whether for real or fake purposes.

Codeine:
Students take it as lean, which is jolly ranchers, sierra mist or sprite, and codeine. If taken over the course of a day, you are high all day until you eventually pass out. Gives the students feeling of euphoria.
Codeine is VERY ADDICTIVE, it only takes a couple weeks maybe even days if you take it everyday, over the course of a day. When addicted it is a physical and psychological problem.
Somewhat hard to obtain. Not a lot of people are prescribed until you are sick, but some people are very easy at faking being sick to get it. But if the person faking isn't skilled enough the person is then blacklisted in the computer and can never be prescribed codeine.

Vicodin:
People are known to take this drug orally, injecting it, or snorting it. The high is said to make a student feel that life is beautiful, crystal-clear and warm.
This is also very addictive. Signs of addiction are, mood swings--from feelings of euphoria and positivity to despair and depression--, anxiety, poor performance at work or school, stealing from medicine cabinets, faking injuries to doctors, and reckless behavior.



IF YOU SEE ANY OF THESE SIGNS IN YOUR CHILDREN, SIT THEM DOWN AND TALK TO THEM ABOUT IT. GET THEM TO REHAB IF ADDICTED.

Article on Study Drugs

http://as.wwu.edu/asreview/study-drugs/

Article on the drug abuse for students in college in order to study, and take exams in college.

The audience meant for this blog is the parents of current CU Students. This blog is meant to inform parents of college students that abuse of prescription pain pills is on the raise especially among the college campuses. If you are a CU parent I would encourage talking with your children about the dangers that come with taking drugs that aren’t prescribed to them.

ATTENTION ALL UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO AT BOULDER PARENTS

·     * Check your medicine cabinet frequently

·      *Talk to your college students about prescription drugs

·      *Watch your college student and look for unusual behavior

Story on Youth and Oxycodone Addiction

This story aired on the ONR on OETA-The Oklahoma Network. The reporter is Lis Exon; photojournalist is Edwin Wilson.

Oxycodone is a drug that is used for severe pain treatment that you can get by a prescription from a doctor. In the state of Oklahoma, there are a lot of teenagers that are getting addicted to this drug. It is a drug that you can get hooked onto and accessing the drug is not that hard to do. Doctors prescribe these drugs to teenagers for many different reasons such as getting your wisdom teeth pulled because of the pain that comes from pulling it out. Teens can even get the drug easier by just stealing it from a family member that gets prescribe the drug medicine. Tulsa police officer says, " oxycodone right now is probably the one I have seen the most on the street because it is really valuable on the street." People sell them on the streets because you can make a big profit selling them to the addicts. 1 30 MG oxycodone pill can cost 30 dollars. The withdraw symptoms are pretty severe says Holly, which were former drug addicts. There are many ways a person can get a hold of a prescription such as: doctor shop, forging prescription, and many other ways. A lot of people are forging the prescriptions by taking the doctor's pads to fuel their high or even to resell it.

Valium

(google)



This is what the Valium looks like, packaging and all. Down below is the description for what exactly this drug is and what it is prescribed for. This is an example of 10mg, but valium also comes in higher mg's.

Top 6 Prescription Drugs Abused by College Students and What They Are

“The top six drugs that are popular right now are Oxycontin, Vicodin, Valium, Xanax, Ritalin and Adderall,” said JD Garza of the Lock It Up Project.

 Oxycontin: also known as Oxycodone, is an opioid analgesic.Oxycodone is a white, odorless crystalline powder derived from the opium alkaloid, thebaine. Oxycodone hydrochloride dissolves in water (1 g in 6 to 7 mL). It is slightly soluble in alcohol (octanol water partition coefficient 0.7). ("Oxycontin (Oxycodone HCl) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions - Prescribing Information at RxList." RxList. N.p., n.d. Web. 04 Apr. 2013.)
 
This picture is the structure formula.

 Vicodin: Contains a combination of acetaminophen and hydrocodone. Hydrocodone is in a group of drugs called opioid pain relievers. Acetaminophen is a less potent pain reliever that increases the effects of hydrocodone.("Vicodin." Information from Drugs.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 04 Apr. 2013.)

 Valium: Also known as Diazepam. Valium (diazepam) is a benzodiazepine (ben-zoe-dye-AZE-eh-peens). Diazepam affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause anxiety. Valium is used to treat anxiety disorders, alcohol withdrawal symptoms, or muscle spasms. Valium is sometimes used with other medications to treat seizures. ("Valium." Information from Drugs.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 04 Apr. 2013.)

 Xanax: Also known as Alprazolam. Xanax (alprazolam) belongs to a group of drugs called benzodiazepines. It works by slowing down the movement of chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced. This results in a reduction in nervous tension (anxiety).Xanax is used to treat anxiety disorders, panic disorders, and anxiety caused by depression.("Xanax." Information from Drugs.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 04 Apr. 2013.)

 Ritalin: Also known as Methylphenidate. Ritalin (methylphenidate) is a central nervous system stimulant. It affects chemicals in the brain and nerves that contribute to hyperactivity and impulse control.Ritalin is used to treat attention deficit disorder (ADD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Ritalin is also used in the treatment of a sleep disorder called narcolepsy (an uncontrollable desire to sleep). ("Ritalin." (methylphenidate) Information from Drugs.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 04 Apr. 2013.)

 Adderall: Also known as Dextroamphetamine/Amphetamine. Adderall contains a combination of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. Both these medicines are central nervous system stimulants that affect chemicals in the brain and nerves that contribute to hyperactivity and impulse control.Adderall is used to treat narcolepsy and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). ("Adderall." Information from Drugs.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 04 Apr. 2013.)

Each description is a very basic description of what they are exactly. This information can be very useful if you catch your child taking them, or have them in their room. Each one is very addictive and though they are not all the same drugs and components, they are all very consequential to their health if abused for the wrong purposes.

NBC Video

TYT University did a report on the correlation between Adderall and college students. They begin by showing a report from the Today show, explaining why students are taking this drug without a prescription to boost their grades, and to get a better GPA. After this is shown the student goes to explain the true consequences of taking this "smart drug" as it is referred to. Consequences being: suicidal thoughts, a sudden confusion or feeling of displacement, tightness in the chest, pain spreading through the back and arms, heart palpitations, inability to breathe or shortness in breath, changes in behavior, etc. 

This video is very important for the parents witnessing in their child and want to know what they are doing, and what could happen if they continue to take Adderall. For parents this can be helpful when trying to explain to their children that even though it is helping them with their school work, they are putting themselves in harms way. What could start out being chest pain could eventually turn into a heart attack. 

http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/exchange/node/366

An article about Adderall being your best friend or worst enemy in college. It has been shown that many students have started to depend on Adderall to get their work done.

Adderall, Double Trouble

Xanax, Brick, Z-Bar