Social Change in Psychopharmacology

Social Change in Psychopharmacology

Carter

Walden University

Social Change in Psychopharmacology

The writer will explore the use of the psychostimulant, Adderall, among college students. According to Kapadia (2012), Adderall is being used as a study drug among college students. Prescriptions for the psyhcostimulant, Adderall have more than tripled over the last decade; in fact, only 2% is prescribed to college students. Kapadia (2012) noted that college students obtain Adderall via trade, purchase or distribution from other students. The writer will develop an action plan to create social change to discontinue the non-medical use of Adderall among college students.

Areas of Social Change

Stimulants like Adderall are recommended for treatment of disorders like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Pilkinton & Cannatella (2012) noted that illegal stimulant use has dramatically increased in the United States. According to research between “8% and 34% of college students use Adderall”, without having a valid prescription (Dodge, Williams, Marzell & Turrisi, 2012, p. 678). Further Dodge et al., (2012) noted that Adderall is being used as a study drug to aid students with concentration while studying. Due to the addictive nature of Adderall and drugs like it, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) classified them as Schedule II substances; meaning that these drugs have high potential for abuse. According to DeSantis & Hane (2012) despite the Schedule II label, Adderall is still used highly among college students without a prescription. DeSantis & Hane (2012) reported that 6.9% of the students they surveyed used an illegal prescription stimulant; with 4.1% reporting that they had used in the past year. Additionally, they reported abuse high among Caucasian males who pledged a fraternity; students geographically located in the northeastern region of the United States; and students from highly competitive universities (DeSantis...