Adderall abuse on college campuses: a comprehensive literature review

J Evid Based Soc Work. 2012;9(3):293-313. doi: 10.1080/15433714.2010.525402.

Abstract

Prescription stimulant abuse has dramatically increased over the past 10 years, but the amount of research regarding college students and illicit prescription stimulant use is still very limited. This has important implications for college mental health professionals and higher education administrators. In this comprehensive literature review the author explores factors contributing to illicit use, self-medication, and recreational use of controlled prescription stimulants; discusses the potential consequences for those students abusing stimulants; and provides recommendations for educating, combating, and assisting students who illicitly use prescriptions stimulants on college campuses.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Amphetamine-Related Disorders / epidemiology*
  • Amphetamine-Related Disorders / psychology
  • Amphetamines / administration & dosage*
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / drug therapy
  • Central Nervous System Stimulants / administration & dosage*
  • Educational Status
  • Humans
  • Life Style
  • Methylphenidate / administration & dosage
  • Self Medication
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Universities / statistics & numerical data*

Substances

  • Adderall
  • Amphetamines
  • Central Nervous System Stimulants
  • Methylphenidate