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InvisibleGreen_T
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Registered: 10/02/08
Posts: 4,042
Loc: UK Flag
Ritalin to study
    #9129222 - 10/24/08 10:06 PM (15 years, 5 months ago)

This article is about how people use ADHD medication to study, and how it is similar to using drugs for sport.

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source: BBC Magazine

  By Dominic Koole

People are well used to seeing performance enhancing drugs in the world of sport, but now chemical enhancement is spreading to the world of academia as students go to extreme lengths to get the right grades.

EPO. Nandrolone. THG. Ephedrine. Anybody who follows sport will have heard of these performance enhancing drugs, usually accompanied by the word "cheat". Now students are taking the same route, using illicit drugs to gain an advantage over their peers in the exams that will shape their lives. Students have long used plentiful cups of coffee, as well as caffeine in pill form, to stay up revising late into the night. But now some are going a step further and taking "study drugs".

At the top of the list of study drugs are Ritalin, a drug prescribed to children who suffer from Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD), and Modafinil, a narcolepsy drug. If not prescribed, Ritalin is a class B drug in the UK, meaning possession can lead to a five-year prison sentence and dealing could put you behind bars for 14 years. Modafinil is also not available over the counter.

So why are students taking them? Modafinil and Ritalin are drugs that stimulate the brain. They make people feel more awake and alert, and help control the behaviour and concentration of children with ADHD.

'Pulling all-nighters'

"It helps me stay awake and stimulates my mind," says Linda - not her real name - who graduated from Manchester University in June. The 22-year-old psychology graduate took Modafinil with a group of friends several times while working on her dissertation. She used the drug to help her "pull all-nighters" and said that it allowed her to focus on her work for hours at a time. "It's a stimulant, similar to caffeine or Red Bull although I didn't get distracted and feel jumpy like you sometimes do on caffeine. You don't feel wired but I did lose my appetite... I found it dificult to eat afterwards. "It's easy to buy and very cheap," says Linda, who bought the drug online, for, she claims, 40p per tablet.

A recent study published in the Pharmacotherapy journal shows that Linda is not alone. At the US university surveyed, 18% of 1,253 first year students had used non-prescribed stimulants, primarily to help with their studies. Other studies have found similar results. After a few clicks the drugs can easily be found for sale on the internet at affordable prices. This is the source of the pills used by many UK students, although some say they buy their tablets from friends who are prescribed them. Carson, an 18-year-old high school student, takes Ritalin and Adderall, another drug with similar effects, two or three times a week to help him study and socialise. Studying in Utah, US, he buys the pills for $4 (£2.50) each from a friend at college.

Poor results

"When I take Ritalin, I can stay awake in class, concentrate on the subject matter, and even take notes during class. I have more energy, I am more outgoing, and more sociable," says Carson. Carson began taking Ritalin - one every other school day - after a run of poor exam marks, and says that his grades improved dramatically as a result. "By the end of the school year I was passing every class I was taking." But Carson's reliance on performance-enhancing drugs has spilled over from his study life to his social life. "I now take it recreationally, to help myself be more outgoing and socially at school. This morning I took two Adderall capsules. Subsequently, I talked with more people than I would have otherwise and I spent about five hours studying mathematics, which is completely out of my nature."

While the drugs are considered simply as another study aid to those who use them, there are hidden and potentially very dangerous health hazards, according to Dr Ros Maycock, a general practitioner in Poole.

RITALIN
Brand name for methylphenidate
Stimulant
First used to treat ADHD in 1960s
Possible side effects include loss of appetite, nausea, headaches, blurred vision


"[These drugs] put a rush of adrenalin into the blood. Your pulse rate and blood pressure increase and your pupils dilate," she says. "There can be potentially very dangerous physical side effects if you have an underlying cardiac disorder. The effects could lead to a heart attack or similar." When the drugs are prescribed, a doctor usually carries out checks on a patient's blood pressure and susceptibility to side effects and a careful risk verses benefit calculation is made, says Dr Maycock. But for the students, none of these checks are performed and the taker may not know that they are at risk.

Long term effects

"If you had a hidden aneurysm in your brain, it could blow it apart. People never think that they are the ones at risk." In the short term, Ritalin users can suffer from an array of side effects - anxiety, insomnia, loss of appetite, irritability and headaches and all common. The long-term effects of the drug are largely unknown. But potential health risks aside, some will feel the use of illegal stimulants gives an unfair advantage in exams and essays. While caffeinated drinks and other legal stimulants are available to everybody, amphetamines such as Ritalin are not, says Hazel Biggs, professor of medical law at Lancaster University.

"If people need the drug, it levels the playing field, but if they do not, it may give people an unfair advantage," she says. There is very little that universities can do to police the use of these substances, short of performing a drugs test on every student entering the exam hall. Manchester University, where Linda studies, has no policy about the use of such drugs. But did Linda, who got a first for her dissertation, not feel she had been dishonest? No. "I didn't feel like I was cheating. If it was that good, everyone would be doing it," she says. While the practice was not condemned by her university friends, she concedes that her parents probably wouldn't approve.

And of course, whatever the rights and wrongs of Ritalin as a "study drug", students are still going to have to do the work and perform in the exams. A good night's sleep might not be a bad idea.
What drugs do you take to study?
You may choose 5


Votes accepted from (10/24/08 10:03 PM) to (No end specified)
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InvisibleDieCommie


Registered: 12/11/03
Posts: 29,258
Re: Ritalin to study [Re: Green_T] * 1
    #9129226 - 10/24/08 10:07 PM (15 years, 5 months ago)

Man, I wish I had access to it.  I could really use it once in a while.

For now, I can only use caffeine.

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Offlinewildchild68
lion in a coma
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Registered: 11/19/07
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Re: Ritalin to study [Re: DieCommie]
    #9129429 - 10/24/08 11:13 PM (15 years, 5 months ago)

Oddly enough, I can't study for shit when I'm on any upper.

I'd do a better job stoned or a little drunk even.


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InvisibleaDoS
freedom lover
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Registered: 06/18/05
Posts: 7,590
Loc: land of the free
Re: Ritalin to study [Re: DieCommie]
    #9129727 - 10/25/08 12:24 AM (15 years, 5 months ago)

I use to take 60-90mg of time released adderall a day. At first I was using it to study, but then it became more of a recreational thing. It was nutz, I knew like 4 people with prescriptions that would give me pills for free if I asked. There were a lot of negative side effects like going a little psychotic. But I did have a 3.8 gpa. :poopbanana:


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"If we could sniff or swallow something that would, for five or six hours each day, abolish our solitude as individuals, atone us with our fellows in a glowing exaltation of affection and make life in all its aspects seem not only worth living, but divinely beautiful and significant, and if this heavenly, world-transfiguring drug were of such a kind that we could wake up next morning with a clear head and an undamaged constitution - then, it seems to me, all our problems (and not merely the one small problem of discovering a novel pleasure) would be wholly solved and earth would become paradise." - Aldous Huxley
:drooling:GIVE ME OPIATES OR GIVE ME DEATH:drooling:

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InvisibleAdden
I'm a teapot

Registered: 06/04/03
Posts: 39,201
Loc: Flag
Re: Ritalin to study [Re: Green_T]
    #9129774 - 10/25/08 12:39 AM (15 years, 5 months ago)

Taking drugs to study is the procrastinator's way out.

If you're going to put your studies off until it's crunch time and rely on a drug to make up for it, you're not procrastinating properly.

If such is the case, you're just not taking your education seriously, and you're relying on something outside of your intellectual capacity to fill the gap.

Shoot the messenger if you so please.

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InvisibleDieCommie


Registered: 12/11/03
Posts: 29,258
Re: Ritalin to study [Re: Adden]
    #9129888 - 10/25/08 01:01 AM (15 years, 5 months ago)

So what?  I take my education seriously, but I wouldn't mind some chemical stimulant once and a while to make my studying more efficient.

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InvisibleaDoS
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Registered: 06/18/05
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Re: Ritalin to study [Re: DieCommie]
    #9129909 - 10/25/08 01:03 AM (15 years, 5 months ago)

It is ok once in a while, it takes a lot of self control to not become completely dependent on it though...well, for me at least, because I have no self control at all.

Amphetamine increasing performance in studying and daily activities is probably why it is so addicting.

If you have the self control, I don't see a problem using it once in a blue moon to get a big project done or a shitload of studying done in a single session.


--------------------
"If we could sniff or swallow something that would, for five or six hours each day, abolish our solitude as individuals, atone us with our fellows in a glowing exaltation of affection and make life in all its aspects seem not only worth living, but divinely beautiful and significant, and if this heavenly, world-transfiguring drug were of such a kind that we could wake up next morning with a clear head and an undamaged constitution - then, it seems to me, all our problems (and not merely the one small problem of discovering a novel pleasure) would be wholly solved and earth would become paradise." - Aldous Huxley
:drooling:GIVE ME OPIATES OR GIVE ME DEATH:drooling:

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Invisibleblewmeanie
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Folding@home Statistics
Registered: 10/01/06
Posts: 28,984
Loc: Flag
Re: Ritalin to study [Re: DieCommie]
    #9129919 - 10/25/08 01:05 AM (15 years, 5 months ago)

Quote:

DieCommie said:
Man, I wish I had access to it.  I could really use it once in a while.

For now, I can only use caffeine.




You can get a prescription for it just so that you can focus in school, its prescribed for all kinds of things.


--------------------
The Prophecy!

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InvisibleDieCommie


Registered: 12/11/03
Posts: 29,258
Re: Ritalin to study [Re: blewmeanie]
    #9129923 - 10/25/08 01:05 AM (15 years, 5 months ago)

Yea?  You think if I went to a school counselor they would prescribe it to me to take once in a while at my leisure?

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InvisibleaDoS
freedom lover
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Registered: 06/18/05
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Re: Ritalin to study [Re: DieCommie]
    #9129925 - 10/25/08 01:07 AM (15 years, 5 months ago)

It is pretty easy to get a script of it. Well, depending on the doctor you have. For some, all you have to say is you are having a hard time focusing, and they will give you adderall. Other doctors might instantly diagnose someone with drug seeking behavior if they ask for something to help them focus.


--------------------
"If we could sniff or swallow something that would, for five or six hours each day, abolish our solitude as individuals, atone us with our fellows in a glowing exaltation of affection and make life in all its aspects seem not only worth living, but divinely beautiful and significant, and if this heavenly, world-transfiguring drug were of such a kind that we could wake up next morning with a clear head and an undamaged constitution - then, it seems to me, all our problems (and not merely the one small problem of discovering a novel pleasure) would be wholly solved and earth would become paradise." - Aldous Huxley
:drooling:GIVE ME OPIATES OR GIVE ME DEATH:drooling:

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InvisibleDieCommie


Registered: 12/11/03
Posts: 29,258
Re: Ritalin to study [Re: aDoS]
    #9129932 - 10/25/08 01:09 AM (15 years, 5 months ago)

I havent been to a doctor in 14 years.  :shrug:  Im to busy to find one and not rich enough to afford one.  :tongue:

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Invisibleblewmeanie
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Re: Ritalin to study [Re: DieCommie]
    #9129945 - 10/25/08 01:10 AM (15 years, 5 months ago)

You might.

I know a few people who take adderall for things other than ADHD. Just tell them you're having trouble staying motivated. I have a prescription for 10mg 3 times a day, but I never actually take it unless I'm going to class or studying so a 30 prescription can last a while.

Too bad your in AZ or I'd hook you up. :wink:


--------------------
The Prophecy!

Learn To Code

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InvisibleaDoS
freedom lover
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Registered: 06/18/05
Posts: 7,590
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Re: Ritalin to study [Re: blewmeanie]
    #9129953 - 10/25/08 01:13 AM (15 years, 5 months ago)

I use to be really dependent on amphetamine. But about, 10-12 months ago I binged on speed for a few days, and I don't know, it totally put me off on it. I don't crave it at all anymore, I get sick thinking about the effects and shit now.


--------------------
"If we could sniff or swallow something that would, for five or six hours each day, abolish our solitude as individuals, atone us with our fellows in a glowing exaltation of affection and make life in all its aspects seem not only worth living, but divinely beautiful and significant, and if this heavenly, world-transfiguring drug were of such a kind that we could wake up next morning with a clear head and an undamaged constitution - then, it seems to me, all our problems (and not merely the one small problem of discovering a novel pleasure) would be wholly solved and earth would become paradise." - Aldous Huxley
:drooling:GIVE ME OPIATES OR GIVE ME DEATH:drooling:

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Offlineumbrellamaker
Intergalactic Sociopath


Registered: 05/03/05
Posts: 573
Loc: Houston TX
Last seen: 15 years, 4 months
Re: Ritalin to study [Re: aDoS]
    #9129969 - 10/25/08 01:16 AM (15 years, 5 months ago)

"doc, I got a lot of anxiety, and pain from arthritis"

"But I used to take Ritalin, and I felt relaxed and great with no pain"


ok Mr. X  here you go.  See you next month.  Thanks for the cash:)

:gethigh:

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Invisibleblewmeanie
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Re: Ritalin to study [Re: aDoS]
    #9129971 - 10/25/08 01:16 AM (15 years, 5 months ago)

Yeah, it can be troublesome for people who are predisposed to addiction. Its good that you realized it was an issue and got off of it. :thumbup:


--------------------
The Prophecy!

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Invisibleblewmeanie
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Re: Ritalin to study [Re: umbrellamaker]
    #9129978 - 10/25/08 01:18 AM (15 years, 5 months ago)

Quote:

umbrellamaker said:
"doc, I got a lot of anxiety, and pain from arthritis"

"But I used to take Ritalin, and I felt relaxed and great with no pain"


ok Mr. X  here you go.  See you next month.  Thanks for the cash:)

:gethigh:




Any doctor who prescribes Ritalin for anxiety should be shot in the fucking head. That shit makes me furious, but I see it all the time.


--------------------
The Prophecy!

Learn To Code

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Offlineumbrellamaker
Intergalactic Sociopath


Registered: 05/03/05
Posts: 573
Loc: Houston TX
Last seen: 15 years, 4 months
Re: Ritalin to study [Re: blewmeanie]
    #9129992 - 10/25/08 01:21 AM (15 years, 5 months ago)

I don't believe that Rits are addictive.

Amphetamines....maybe...yeah ok...I buy that.


But I have purposely tried to abuse Rits before, and they just stop working at doses over 60 mg per day.

It is better to keep it at 20 mg max per day, and be able to raise up to 60 mg in crunch time, but then after 7 days off, 10 mg will make you happy as a songbird:)

Edited by umbrellamaker (10/25/08 01:24 AM)

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Offlineumbrellamaker
Intergalactic Sociopath


Registered: 05/03/05
Posts: 573
Loc: Houston TX
Last seen: 15 years, 4 months
Re: Ritalin to study [Re: umbrellamaker]
    #9129999 - 10/25/08 01:23 AM (15 years, 5 months ago)

BlueMeanie,

You aren't qualified to judge a doctor now are you?

Remember your PM's to me?

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Invisibleblewmeanie
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Re: Ritalin to study [Re: DieCommie]
    #9130002 - 10/25/08 01:23 AM (15 years, 5 months ago)

Quote:

DieCommie said:
I havent been to a doctor in 14 years.  :shrug:  Im to busy to find one and not rich enough to afford one.  :tongue:




I'd also suggest looking into Nootropil.


--------------------
The Prophecy!

Learn To Code

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OfflineCycnyg
Without evil, there is no good.


Registered: 12/11/13
Posts: 15
Last seen: 9 years, 6 months
Re: Ritalin to study [Re: Green_T]
    #19261883 - 12/11/13 06:37 PM (10 years, 3 months ago)

Ritalin is probably the best study-aide you can get. It makes you focus. All you care about is getting shit done. It makes you more social, not being shy anymore, plus it lasts for 12 hours. (Usually) I only recommend taking 1-2 pills or doses, you can overdo it.


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