Activity 2

For our next assignment, I thought it would be appropriate to Google “Adderall epidemic” as it often seems relatable to college level students. The search produced approximately 155,000 Google results in a matter of seconds. 

The first article that popped up, “The Adderall Epidemic: Speed for Success”, goes into detail explaining some of the side effects and significance of Adderall. “Researchers estimate about 30 percent of students use stimulants non-medically. This is becoming an epidemic in universities, and has even trickled down into middle school and high school communities” (Stern, 2015). I feel that this as a theme is valid in regards to the drug, specifically because the magnitude of usage is relevant to me as a student. This article included a video documentary from three students who talked about the negative effects that Adderall had on them. 

Secondly, “The Adderall Epidemic” emphasized themes related to the top three reasons why students used Adderall. “84.2% found difficulty focusing or retaining information, 73.7% had a limited time to study or finish assignments, and 42.1% of students felt a pressure to succeed” (Julakanti, 2014). Another article titled “A Rising Epidemic on College Campuses: Prescription Drug Abuse” describes the significance of overall prescription drug use in the nation. “Prescription drug abuse in the nation’s fastest growing drug problem…it is the third leading cause of accidental death” (Clinton Foundation, 2014).  Following this, I read an article whose theme I would describe similarly as previous articles. “The Competition Drug” illustrates a personal story of someone dealing with Adderall dependency. “The problem is that Adderall is dangerous, a Class 2 controlled substance like cocaine” (Cohen, 2013). Lastly, “Adderall: America’s Favorite Amphetamine” goes into detail about the easy availability of Adderall for students in college. 

Each of the themes portrayed in the sources seem valid in regards to the drug Adderall. The regular usage of Adderall, availability in schools, and reasons for using the drug are all applicable to college students. Another theme depicted was that Adderall is classified as a Class 2 controlled substance. This is related to class material as we just recently reviewed the different classifications of drugs. Defined, Schedule 2 drugs have a high potential for abuse, however there is accepted medical use for the drug in the United States. I feel that the article that talked about the top reasons for Adderall use is an especially appropriate and relatable topic for college students. Although I personally have plenty of time to study and don’t really find it hard to focus, I know that a large percentage of students aren’t as fortunate. Being in college, we experience loads of pressure to succeed whether it be from our parents or professors. If there was a pill that could enhance student perceived ability, then students don’t really see a reason not to take it. It could be a one time or regular occurrence, but I think there are consequences. Many times, however, the benefits outweigh how one might interpret the consequences, therefore usage continues. 

Prior to researching sources about Adderall, I did not consider it a problem of epidemic proportions. However, some of the statistics that illustrate the amount of Adderall used by college students make it seem like such. This is probably the primary reason that the media describes Adderall as an “epidemic.” Despite the fact that Adderall is actually a Schedule 2 drug, it is readily available in educational environments. Additionally, it has very appealing qualities that make it easily addictive. While I’m still on the edge of whether or not I would call it an epidemic, I do think that it’s something to be aware of.

References

A Rising Epidemic on College Campuses: Prescription Drug Abuse | Clinton Foundation (2014, January 12). Retrieved from https://www.clintonfoundation.org/blog/2014/01/12/rising-epidemic- college-campuses-prescription-drug-abuse              

Cohen, R. (2013, March 4). The Competition Drug - NYTimes.com. Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/05/opinion/global/roger-cohen-adderall-  the-academic-competition-drug.html?_r=0

 

Julakanti, J. (2014, June 11). The Adderall Epidemic | AMP. Retrieved from                 http://blog.amputd.com/2014/06/11/the-adderall-epidemic/

Kent, J. L. (2013, October 29). Adderall: America's Favorite Amphetamine | High Times. Retrieved from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/high-times/adderall-amphetamine_b_4174297.html 

Stern, M. (2015, February 16). The Adderall Epidemic: Speed for Success | Law Street (TM). Retrieved from http://lawstreetmedia.com/news/headlines/adderall-epidemic-speed-success/

 

Activity 1

For this week, we were instructed to expand on one of the questions provided in the worksheet based upon the video "Through a Blue Lens." Despite the malfunction of the speakers in class, I actually found the video pretty intriguing, and I credit this to the underlying message and theme that I feel was portrayed. Therefore I've decided to address the question, "What was the underlying theme or message of this film in your opinion? Was it effective? Why or why not?"

To begin with, I think the message being transmitted was that it is vital to raise awareness about the consequences of abusing or even doing serious drugs because the effects are not necessarily foreseeable. Personal stories always seem to effectively convey messages and are usually really relatable, at least for the most part. I got the message and I feel that others similar to me would as well.

I enjoyed that the police officers featured in the video were more focused on interacting with the drug addicts on a personal level as a way to get help for them, versus focusing primarily on their arrest rate and temporarily getting the users off of the street. The officers also repeated that the life of the addicts were similar to their own before they were introduced to serious drugs like cocaine and heroin, so there is also a possible underlying message being that drug addicts are not necessarily born on to a bad path. Something triggers drug use that in turn changes the course of their life, however by raising awareness of the consequences of drugs, hopefully it can encourage those confronted with drugs to not make the same mistakes. 

Introduction

So it begins. Another journey throughout the semester, although I must say this is the first experience I’ve had with creating a personal blog. Let me introduce myself. My name is Brooke Taylor. In my free time, I enjoy relaxation, centered around Netflix. I’m from a small town no one has ever heard of called Macclenny. It’s right outside of Jacksonville, FL, so to save myself the explanation I usually just tell people that I’m from Jacksonville. However, I’ve always had family in Gainesville so moving here I wasn’t necessarily new to the area. I’m currently a junior, majoring in Criminology. I’ve decided to additionally get a minor in Business Administration. I’m under the impression that you can’t go wrong with that (also I want to drag out my four years here). Ultimately, my goal is to attend law school, although I’m not yet decided about which particular aspect I want to focus on within the study of law. I’ve decided to take this course for two reasons. Primarily because I do need another elective towards my major and it so conveniently fit my schedule. But more so than that, “Alcohol, Drugs and Society” is just an appealing name for a class. It grabbed my attention and here we are. As far as my experience with drugs go, I’m actually quite limited. I went to a small town high school in which smoking marijuana and underage drinking wasn’t uncommon. Nonetheless, I’ve never been a huge advocate of recreational marijuana use. Plenty of my closest friends in high school smoked, it was just never my thing. Other than that, I’m really looking forward to learning about drugs and the impact and significance they have on society. Good luck to everyone this semester.