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keyshawn · 06-14-2006, 08:10 PM

In reference to the question posed: Yes, I do.

I was diagnosed with ADD in 9th grade and was prescribed with Adderall (XR).

As a college freshman at a pretty competitive liberal arts college, I've had a share of experiences. At my school, it's used by some kids non-prescription wise(a small minority, percentage wise, not sure, maybe 5-15% ?!). At school, it's sold between $3-6/pill and I've been asked about ten times this year by others to purchase it (I don't advertise it [the fact I have a Rx for it] I guess word got out from a friend or roommate. All of the times, though, I've declined to sell it to them.

With college (especially at more competitive, elite schools) environments becoming even more competitive than before, every student is looking for an edge; a way to distinguish themselves from other classmates [by producing kick-ass papers through intense concentration, and the ability to stay awake and focused to do all of that research in the library, or excelling on long tests]. We want to maximize our time we put into our school work.
A lot of students who abuse adderall are doing it because they procrastinated and needed to pull an all-nighter. But, I've known some who have taken it because they wanted to put in the hours at the library (not procrasting), and they said they'd do better on a paper if they take it.

To be honest, for me, adderal is scary, for the possibility of abuse and more importantly, for me, dependence; as well as for the difference it has helped me against my ADD.
It seriously helps me concentrate tremendously and stay on task. I don't want to know where I'd be without it. However, it doesn't deserve all the credit, I've also improved my study habits and time management skills. My roomie told me he could when I was on it and when I was not (if the dosage had worn off, or if I forgot to take it). It's a very weird feeling (being on the meds). It's just, my mind is telling me to focus, damn it !!

A turning point that I had was one day at noon, when I was done with class for the day, and had the afternoon to write a paper. I wasn't really hungry (ate breakfast) but I wasn't sure if I should take my afternoon dosage (I sometimes do, sometimes do not; I always take my morning dosage). However, I then wondered if I should even eat lunch, because the drug on the empty stomach is much more potent (I know this just from busying too busy to eat lunch and taking it in the afternoon). I was a bit scared then like a pro wrestler with his steroid needle ready to go before a match.
Although not hungry, I ate lunch. Not having lunch solely for the intent of having an
increase in the drug's effect was a sign of abuse of the drug, and was a wake up call to me.

If you're wondering the difference (between XR and regular Adderall):
XR: extended release. It's supposed to last for 8-10 hrs, I believe. For me, I notice it lasts about 9 hrs.
non-XR: lasts 3-4 hrs (IIRC). I've encountered this kind is more abused by people, because the effects are more 'concentrated' (i was on it very briefly when first prescribed meds, but I forget how it was.) and more importantly, it is able to be snorted for a high. When XR is crushed up, it supposively loses its potency.

I know this ranty, though this an issue close to me.

regards,
will.

06-14-2006, 08:10 PM	#16 (permalink)
keyshawn Psycho	In reference to the question posed: Yes, I do. I was diagnosed with ADD in 9th grade and was prescribed with Adderall (XR). As a college freshman at a pretty competitive liberal arts college, I've had a share of experiences. At my school, it's used by some kids non-prescription wise(a small minority, percentage wise, not sure, maybe 5-15% ?!). At school, it's sold between $3-6/pill and I've been asked about ten times this year by others to purchase it (I don't advertise it [the fact I have a Rx for it] I guess word got out from a friend or roommate. All of the times, though, I've declined to sell it to them. With college (especially at more competitive, elite schools) environments becoming even more competitive than before, every student is looking for an edge; a way to distinguish themselves from other classmates [by producing kick-ass papers through intense concentration, and the ability to stay awake and focused to do all of that research in the library, or excelling on long tests]. We want to maximize our time we put into our school work. A lot of students who abuse adderall are doing it because they procrastinated and needed to pull an all-nighter. But, I've known some who have taken it because they wanted to put in the hours at the library (not procrasting), and they said they'd do better on a paper if they take it. To be honest, for me, adderal is scary, for the possibility of abuse and more importantly, for me, dependence; as well as for the difference it has helped me against my ADD. It seriously helps me concentrate tremendously and stay on task. I don't want to know where I'd be without it. However, it doesn't deserve all the credit, I've also improved my study habits and time management skills. My roomie told me he could when I was on it and when I was not (if the dosage had worn off, or if I forgot to take it). It's a very weird feeling (being on the meds). It's just, my mind is telling me to focus, damn it !! A turning point that I had was one day at noon, when I was done with class for the day, and had the afternoon to write a paper. I wasn't really hungry (ate breakfast) but I wasn't sure if I should take my afternoon dosage (I sometimes do, sometimes do not; I always take my morning dosage). However, I then wondered if I should even eat lunch, because the drug on the empty stomach is much more potent (I know this just from busying too busy to eat lunch and taking it in the afternoon). I was a bit scared then like a pro wrestler with his steroid needle ready to go before a match. Although not hungry, I ate lunch. Not having lunch solely for the intent of having an increase in the drug's effect was a sign of abuse of the drug, and was a wake up call to me. If you're wondering the difference (between XR and regular Adderall): XR: extended release. It's supposed to last for 8-10 hrs, I believe. For me, I notice it lasts about 9 hrs. non-XR: lasts 3-4 hrs (IIRC). I've encountered this kind is more abused by people, because the effects are more 'concentrated' (i was on it very briefly when first prescribed meds, but I forget how it was.) and more importantly, it is able to be snorted for a high. When XR is crushed up, it supposively loses its potency. I know this ranty, though this an issue close to me. regards, will. __________________ currently reading: currently playing :