A study done in 2007 shows that misuse and abuse of medication prescribed by ADHD is fast becoming a nationwide problem. This study had participation of nearly 11000 4th year students from colleges all over the US. These students we promised that their identity will be concealed to ensure honest and open answer.

Results included the following:
- About 6.9% of college students reported non-medical use of prescription stimulants during their lifetime, 4.1% reported such use in the past year, and 2.1% in the past month.

- It was also found that there are twice as much as male than female students who abuse these stimulants. Compared to African American, Caucasians uses them at a significantly higher level.

- Those in a sorority and fraternity are likely to use stimulants twice as much as non members.

- Use was higher among students with a GPA of B or below.

- A collage with a more competitive admission criteria have higher number of students that abuses stimulants compared to colleges with lower admission criteria.

Usage of stimulants not for medical purpose is associated with usage of other substance. Observe the following statistics that compares those who uses stimulants versus those that don’t.

- Use of cigarettes: 67% vs. 24%
- Frequent binge drinking: 69% vs. 21%
- Use of ecstasy: 19% vs. 1%
- Use of cocaine: 17% vs. 1%
- Driving after binge drinking: 35% vs. 9%
- Being the passenger of a drunk driver: 66% vs. 21%

The number one reason for using stimulants according to respondents were to enhance academic performance outside of class. Stimulants are also used for leisure but no significant findings are tied to this belief.

There is speculation that many of these students have undiagnosed ADD. And what about those who do not have ADD, but have what they feel are some of the same symptoms, especially attentional difficulties. And yet, interestingly enough, many who used to get a grip on their attentional abilities actually reported having more problems with attention!

Finding of this study might be relaying something important to parents who anxious about their children getting involved in stimulant abuse.

Here are a few symptoms that parents’ needs to observe.

1. Is your child under a lot of academic pressure, either to get in, or to excel, at his particular university? You may notice that he seems obsessed with getting into a school, or once in, worries constantly about keeping up and doing well.
2. How are his grades? If he seems horribly stressed and yet his grades are not reflective of his efforts, check with him.
3. Has your daughter lost a good bit of weight? Is she irritable and does she complain of having no appetite? Is this normal for her?
4. Is there other substance abuse that you are aware of?
5. Is your child complaining of problems with attention?
6. Does your child seem depressed?

While the answers to these questions may not be a sure sign that your child is engaging in non-medical use of stimulants, pay attention to the answers anyway. You will definitely learn something about what your child is experiencing!

Whatever the reasons are for using stimulants illegally, this study does get our attention, pardon the pun! It is crucial that there is more education for college students about stimulant abuse. In addition, more accurate information about what ADD is and how it can be treated must be provided. More needs to be understood about other problems that can contribute to difficulties with Attention deficit disorder and the importance of seeking professional assistance for those issues rather than opting for self-medication. Finally, and for the reasons above, it remains crucial to continue finding alternative methods and non-medical interventions that can assist people with ADHD.