Prescription drug abuse has increased over the past few years, and today one in four students use prescription drugs illicitly. The growing trend in prescription drug abuse has led to a drastic increase in overdoses. According to a recent study by the Center For Disease Control and Prevention, the number of deaths from overdoses increased from 3 percent to 54 percent in the United States over the past 10 years. In large cities, this trend has risen by 279 percent. It’s time to investigate the life-threatening substances inside medicine cabinets.

Drug abuse is said to stem from misinformation or apathy. Publicizing these facts is a good tactic in preventing prescription drug abuse, and organizations like the CDC and Above the Influence offer information and powerful ad campaigns tailored to teenage viewers to expose the consequences of drug abuse. Even though these campaigns are prevalent, the statistics stated above seem to prove that they are not completely effective. If informing young adults about the consequences is not enough to alter their decision-making, then how can prescription drug abuse be prevented?

One of the most prevalent prescription drugs illicitly used on college campuses is Adderall, a stimulant that typically causes insomnia, increased alertness and, in some cases, psychosis. In a 2007 study of 175 college students, researchers found that students compare Adderall use with caffeine use in the sense that both are considered stimulants the increase focus without negative implications. Students argued that, much like coffee drinking boosted their attention span, Adderall helped increase their focus in school and improve their grades. The common abuse of prescription drugs on college campuses stems from a desire to achieve under the pressures of academic standards. Unfortunately, this assumption is scientifically incorrect.

“Adderall abuse can also cause dangerous physiologic effects such as hypertension, seizures and mydriasis (dilation of the pupil),” a University of Southern California study on the effects of Adderall said. “With continued use over time, a tolerance is developed to Adderall, as seen with other addictive drugs as well.” In other words, misuse of Adderall can lead to dangerous medical issues and lifelong dependence.

If an individual has not been diagnosed with a legitimate need for stimulants, is the use of unnatural stimulants a form of cheating? Why is it that academic integrity is seemingly less valuable to the typical college student then achieving high marks? I would argue that a better way to prevent prescription drug abuse on college campuses would be to reassess the value system on which students judge their decisions. A moral education should be as valuable and rewarded as good grades and academic education.

This article is a response to The Clinton Foundation’s efforts to promote awareness about prescription drug abuse in college newspapers across the United States.

Talia Kuhel is a contributing columnist. Email her at [email protected].