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by alison b
Posted: Thu., April 10, 2008, 03:00 pm
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What do you think about prescription drug misuse becoming more common? Do you have experience with this, either yourself or someone you know?
The misuse of prescription drugs ("misuse" means using a drug for a reason other than what it was prescribed for and/or a person using the drug that was prescribed to someone other than themselves) is on the rise, and are being used as study aids, cognitive-enhancers (to boost concentration, focus, attention). What do you think about the dangers, side effects or other negative consequences?
One parent in an article mentioned that "if other parents are giving their children an academic "boost" via prescriptions, that they don't want their child to be "left behind". What do you think about that?! Beyond the obvious dangers, etc... are academics this competitive that parents are thinking about drugging their children?
I remember my first week, living in the dorm as a college student, away from my parents for the first time... the school gave us all "welcome baskets"...and inside was a sample of No-Doz...no kidding! Times have changed (Universities don't give out drugs, or allow companies to include "samples" anymore to their freshman...), but I didn't realize how AWFUL the consequences would be once I tried them! I was up late studying, and decided to try a No-Doz. It made me physically jittery and unable to concentrate. My eyes were still heavy and "sleepy", but I couldn't sleep with the jitters. It was the worst possible side effect...not able to study or sleep!
So, now, many students are using drugs to help them study more than ever... what are your experiences?
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Prescription/OTC Drug Misuse
In addition to coupons for local restaurants, a campus map and a key chain, No Doz was also in my college goodie bag. The last thing an 18-year-old needs is something to feel more amped. People at that age seem to be at the height of energy!
I did try it a couple of times, though and frankly, it wasn't for me. I had the same reaction you did Alison, jittery but also agitated. Everything seemed to make me angry.
Have noticed a lot of kids (including highschoolers) swilling energy-enhancing drinks and have heard people tell me it really helps their energy and concentration. Personally, I'll leave it to someone else.
On the other side, a few years ago, at least here in the Phoenix area, prescription drug abuse of a different kind was growing in popularity in schools.
Apparently, teens were raiding their parents' medicine cabinets looking for downers. There was one story out here involving kids who had started what authorities called a SOMA ring. They apparently made the three-hour drive to Mexico to load up on the stuff and began selling it around campus.
Sometimes, anything to not feel like yourself...or what we perceive as a better version.
Posted: Fri., April 11, 2008, 12:23 pm
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