Being at university, I have come to realise the number of students going to extreme lengths for good grades. Students are buying drugs to help the brain focus for study. Ritalin, or methylphenidate, is a psychostimulant drug. You only need to type it into Google to realise the vast online market it has. Students have long used caffeine in the form of plentiful cups of coffee or in tablets. However, now it is common to go a step further, and buy ‘study drugs’.
Risks
Traditionally Ritalin has been prescribed to children who suffer from Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD). Ritalin is classified as a class B drug in the UK. So, if not prescribed possession could lead up to a five-year sentence. Dealing can put you away for up to fourteen years. However, with online pharmaceutical companies making it so readily available, students are willing to take the risk to benefit from intense periods of concentration.
At a US University surveyed up to 18% of first-year students admitted to buying non-prescription stimulants, primarily to help their studies. However, criminal risk aside, many students are not aware of the dangers for health in taking illegal stimulants. Almost unanimously most health experts would agree with it having the ability to enhance concentration. But, there are other factors that need to be taken into account. The drugs put a rush of adrenalin into the blood which serves to increase pulse rate, blood pressure and dilate pupils. Prior to a prescription a doctor will carry out simple tests to reach a verdict on whether it is safe for the patient to take the drug. However, students buying this online or from a dealer are bypassing these vital safety checks.
Side Effects – Study Drugs
Like with all drugs, there are unpleasant side effects. In the short term, Ritalin users most commonly suffer from headaches, difficulty sleeping, loss of appetite and anxiety. Rarer side effects include psychosis, anorexia and depression. And the long term effects are yet to be determined. Although still the subject of study, Ritalin can be linked to cocaine and amphetamines due to its similar chemical structure. Therefore, it has a high potential for drug abuse due to its pharmacological similarity to more hard-core and illegal drugs.
Moreover, morally the use of the Ritalin is unfair. Why should students who have studied without chemical enhancements. Be at risk of doing worse than those who, one could easily argue, are cheating? Sadly there is very little universities can do to stop students taking drugs such as Ritalin. Short of performing a drug test on every student entering an exam room. Most big universities, including the University of Manchester, have no such policy on drugs such as Ritalin. Professor John Harris from Manchester even declared it ‘unethical’ to stop healthy adults using it. Also stating it enhanced study skills and concentration.
The Haynes Clinic is an alcohol rehab and alcohol addiction treatment centre which not only successfully teaches people how to stop drinking but also offers drug rehabilitation treatment.
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