A's in a pill

Adderall, whether obtained legally or illegally, has often been the cure for many students who struggle to concentrate in lecture halls, libraries and computer labs -- and the demand seems to be constantly increasing.\nNancy Stockton, director of counseling and psychological services at the IU Health Center, said the facility has evaluated more students for attention disorders after they've requested the drug over the last few years, particularly around the beginning of each semester. \nShe attributed the influx to increased public knowledge of the drug, which she said stems from more media attention given to the drug and heavier advertising from pharmaceutical companies.\nAdderall is typically used to treat symptoms of Attention Deficit Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Students who wish to receive a prescription through the health center must undergo a psychological evaluation.\nStockton said her staff evaluates students who come in with attention problems to determine if Adderall is the right solution. Stockton said she and her staff pay close attention to childhood records to see if there is a history of impulsivity. They also look into family history and talk with parents.\nStockton said only 5 percent to 10 percent of students who come in for evaluations actually receive the medication, so many buy Aderall illegally, which Stockton said could compromise their health.\n"Almost anyone will have an immediate energy boost or feel productive," Stockton said. "However, there are numerous side effects they will experience, like difficulty sleeping, cardiac problems, disorganized thoughts and consistently jumpy, anxious and irritable (moods)." \nStill, several students, even those who might obtain prescriptions legally, eagerly sell the pills for profit. A junior student who spoke on the condition of anonymity said he took Adderall for three years illegally. He eventually went to his doctor and was diagnosed with attention deficit disorder, and now he has a prescription for 60 pills every month. He said he only takes an average of one pill each day, so he has 20 or 30 extra pills to sell each month. \n"I sell (Adderall) pretty steady all semester, maybe with a little increase during finals time," he said. "When people take it for the first time, they realize how it helps in a positive way. Once they take it, they want more. I do not see any problem with those I sell it to regularly."\nSome students who take it illegally, however, do say they recognize the health consequences. A sophomore who spoke on the condition of anonymity said he takes Adderall to perform in the competitive Kelley School of Business. He said he uses it for stressful tests and finals so he can focus longer and execute at his highest capacity for a greater amount of time. But he said Adderall can take a toll on his body after three or four straight days of use.\n"It makes you more introverted as a person, with sadness, depression and a suppression of hunger," the sophomore said. "I would say I need it because it seems like everyone has it and I need it to compete. But it might be better if no one had it"