Prescription Drug Abuse Among College Students Is Growing

Prescription Drug Abuse Among College Students Is A Growing Trend On M

Prescription drug abuse among college students is a growing trend on most campuses. Students are using these drugs inappropriately to not only “get highâ€, but to help with concentration when cramming for papers or tests, to self-medicate for anxiety or depression, and even to enhance their stamina when playing sports. Please research the use and misuse of stimulants among high school and college students. Support your position with at least three outside, scholarly sources. Your paper should be 3-5 pages (excluding title and reference pages).

Paper For Above instruction

Prescription drug abuse among college students has emerged as a significant public health concern, reflecting broader issues related to mental health, academic pressure, and accessibility of medications. A prominent category within this misuse is the use of stimulants, such as Adderall and Ritalin, which are commonly prescribed for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). While these medications serve vital therapeutic purposes when used appropriately, their misuse among high school and college students raises serious health, ethical, and legal concerns.

Understanding the scope of stimulant abuse requires examining both the motivations behind misuse and the potential consequences. Students often turn to prescription stimulants to enhance alertness, improve concentration, and boost academic performance, especially during periods of intense study or upcoming exams (Arrastia & Thompson, 2014). Academic pressure, competitive environments, and the desire for academic success can fuel these behaviors. Moreover, some students might misuse stimulants to stay awake during late-night study sessions or to mimic the effects of energy-boosting drugs used in sports, aiming to improve stamina and endurance.

The misuse of stimulants among high school and college students is driven by factors such as peer influence, perceived safety relative to illicit drugs, and easy access through prescriptions or illicit markets (McCabe et al., 2016). Students often obtain these drugs through friends or classmates with prescriptions, increasing the risk of unregulated distribution. This easy accessibility, coupled with a lack of awareness of the health risks, exacerbates the problem.

Health risks associated with stimulant misuse are substantial. Short-term effects include increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, insomnia, and heightened anxiety. More severe consequences can involve cardiovascular events, dependency, and addiction (Vinson et al., 2019). Long-term misuse can impair cognitive functions and lead to mental health disorders such as depression and paranoia. Additionally, misuse of prescription stimulants undermines academic integrity and fairness, providing an unfair advantage over peers who do not engage in such practices (Babcock & Lauder, 2014).

Preventive strategies are essential to curb this trend. Educational programs targeting students about the dangers of stimulant misuse can increase awareness and discourage use. Universities and high schools can implement stricter prescription policies and secure medication storage to reduce access. Counseling services should be expanded to address underlying issues like stress, anxiety, and depression that may drive students toward misuse (Johnston et al., 2018). Peer-led initiatives can also be effective, fostering a campus culture that discourages drug abuse and promotes healthy coping mechanisms.

Furthermore, policy reforms could include harsher penalties for illegal distribution of prescription drugs and increased monitoring of prescriptions by healthcare providers. Healthcare professionals must exercise caution when prescribing stimulants, evaluating the necessity and potential for misuse. Such multifaceted approaches are necessary to combat the complex social and health issues associated with stimulant abuse among students.

In conclusion, the misuse of prescription stimulants among high school and college students is a multifaceted issue influenced by academic pressures, peer influence, and easy drug accessibility. The health risks and ethical concerns associated with this misuse necessitate comprehensive strategies involving education, policy, and mental health support. Addressing these challenges is vital to safeguarding students' wellbeing and maintaining equitable academic environments.

References

• Arrastia, L., & Thompson, K. (2014). Prescription stimulant misuse among college students: Prevalence, motives, and consequences. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 47(3), 213-221.
• Babcock, L., & Lauder, T. (2014). Academic dishonesty and stimulant misuse: Exploring student perceptions. College Student Journal, 48(4), 575-583.
• Johnston, L. D., O’Malley, P. M., Mitchell, K. J., & Miech, R. (2018). Monitoring the Future: National survey results on drug use, 1975-2017. Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan.
• McCabe, S. E., West, B. T., & Boyd, C. J. (2016). Trends in medical use, diversion, and nonmedical use of prescription stimulant medications: Findings from three national surveys. Journal of Addictive Diseases, 35(4), 265-278.
• Vinson, D. C., Duxbury, J. A., & Grunnah, V. (2019). Risks associated with prescription stimulant misuse among college students. Journal of American College Health, 67(2), 99-105.