Number Of Students Abusing Stimulants Is On The Rise

  Students have long found refuge in the energizing effects of coffee and other caffeine containing products. But it seems these products no longer deliver the boost that modern students crave. This has lead to an ever-growing number of students abusing potentially dangerous prescription stimulants. The most common of these stimulants are drugs, typically prescribed for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), including Adderall (Dextroamphetamine) and Ritalin (Methylphenifdate). Students abuse these drugs with the hopes of increasing their ability to concentrate and focus. Students often obtain these medications by purchasing them from classmates who hold valid prescriptions or by falsely reporting symptoms to a doctor with hopes of receiving a prescription of their own. In Canada, the majority of these drugs are Schedule 1 controlled narcotics and are illegal to sell or possess without a valid prescription. Students who choose to abuse these drugs are increasing their risk of experiencing a number of health problems. Drugs of this nature can be extremely addictive possibly resulting in the development of life-destroying addictions. These drugs may be responsible for many physical health problems such as racing heart rate, shortness of breath and heart palpitations. This has become such an issue that the number of emergency-room visits related to stimulant abuse has more than doubled in the last five years. Despite the possible legal and health implications, the number of students who choose to abuse these medications continues to rise every day. As this problem progresses it will undoubtably have a substantial impact on the reliability of test scores, the health of our youth and the ability for those truly suffering from legitimate disorders to receive the medication they require.

Who knows what impact the increasing prevalence of stimulants may have on standardized 
testing and exams as a whole? In a couple years, we may not be taking exams at all.

If you have any concerns about yourself or someone you know there are a number of supports and services that can help, such as:
- Your Parents
- A trusted adult
- IRHS PCC office
- Kids Help Phone (1-800-668-6868)
- The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (1-800-875-6213)
- Your local hospital