Part One Video Teaser
When students are faced with a daunting amount of school work, they might reach for a cup of coffee, however, on college campuses around the country more students are reaching for amphetamines to power them through their all-nighters.
When one thinks of amphetamines, scenes of clandestine laboratories and sore covered junkies probably spring to mind. The popular television series, Breaking Bad, painted a lurid picture of violent criminals and hopeless addicts in the world of illegal methamphetamine. The reality of typical amphetamine use in America is a far cry from Walter White. While illicit methamphetamine has taken a strong foothold in the American South and Midwest, the most commonly used and abused iterations of amphetamine are completely legal with a doctors prescription.
Amphetamines were first introduced onto the medical market as an active ingredient in chest congestion inhalers in 1932. A few years later, in 1937, amphetamines were found to be an effective treatments for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder(ADHD), which at the time was called hyperactivity disorder. After 78 years, little has changed in the pharmacology of treating ADHD and amphetamines are still used extensively.
When a ADHD diagnosis is made, the doctor will typically recommend some kind of prescription medication. The medication promises parents and teachers a focused and studious child, without the hassle of having to adapt teaching styles or go through lengthy drug free treatments. What parents often neglect to learn before giving their children these medications, is that they contain Methylphenidate or Amphetamines, which are both powerful central nervous system stimulants and schedule 2 narcotics.
According to a study conducted by the Center for Disease control, the number of children diagnosed with ADHD dramatically increased during the 1990’s. In some states, diagnosis and treatment of ADHD rose by as much as 800 percent. During this time, the number of U.S. children prescribed amphetamine based medication was multiple times higher than at any other point in American medical history.
The many children of the 90’s who were diagnosed with ADHD, now find themselves in universities and increasingly they are finding a new lucrative use for their medications. The dramatic increase in prescription rates of amphetamine based ADHD medication has led to a state of ubiquitous amphetamine use and sales on college campuses nationwide. The University of Maryland in no different and harbors a vibrant trade of diverted medicines.
While selling or giving amphetamine based medication to an unauthorized person can result in a felony conviction, many maryland students are selling their medication with an air of impunity. Markus, a junior at UMD who is prescribed and also sells ADHD medicine, agreed to share his experience in the collegiate world of amphetamines on the condition that his identity be hidden.
Barber: How long have you been prescribed ADHD medication?
Markus: Since I was around eight. I have been on a few different kinds and about two years ago I started on Adderall.
Barber: When did you start selling your medication?
Markus: Pretty soon after I started my first semester at the University of Maryland, so around two years ago. I actually switched to the Adderall around that time because more people wanted it.
Barber: What motivated you to start selling your medication?
Markus: Money.
Barber: Is the money good in selling your prescription?
Markus: I mean it literally costs 10 or 20 dollars a month and if someone doesn't actually take it they can make hundreds.
Barber: What is your opinion of college students and other people not prescribed your medication taking it?
Markus: I honestly believe that the world would be a more productive place if people all took Adderall because it does make people focus.
No comments:
Post a Comment