Wednesday, December 01, 2004

Wonks Parental Alert: Kids Taking Drug To Improve Grades

"Kiddie Coke"
The Christian Science Monitor is reporting that high school and college students are taking the powerful drug Adderall in an attempt to improve grades. This medication is usually prescribed to treat attention deficit disorder (ADD) as well as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This drug is manufactured in both pill and capsule form, in a variety of colors depending on the dosage.

This drug is a type of amphetamine, and among students is known as "Kiddie Coke." It is being illegally used by more and more youngsters. Students believe that it enhances academic performance. There is absolutely no evidence that supports this.

Students that use this drug regularly may soon develop a hard-to-break dependency upon it.

According to the piece, students are paying as much as $10.00 per pill. They will often use it in small "study groups" where a bottle of the drug may be passed around.

The article goes on to say that some parents suspect that their children are using this drug, but are choosing to "look the other way." However, in several states, it is a felony to be in possession of this medication without a doctor's prescription.