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.