Abuse Of Prescription Drugs For Academic Achievement
People are using all sorts of different types of prescription medications these days. For example, it is considered normal to take painkillers to avoid getting headaches. One of the consequences of this is that the misuse of prescription drugs has become more and more common.
Nowadays, one of the main reasons why individuals use prescription drugs is to improve their intellectual performance. This problem has been going on since the 50s or 60s . However, it has gotten worse over the last ten years.
In this article, we will discuss the implications of using this type of medication to improve academic performance. We will also talk about the possible negative mental and physical consequences of this practice, as well as reflect on the role of education systems in the diagnosis of learning disorders such as ADHD.
Incorrect diagnosis of ADHD
The documentary, Take Your Pills, shows the educational factors that have led many students to take medication that they do not need. The main reason for this widespread misuse of prescription drugs is a widespread misdiagnosis of ADHD.
Most people know or have heard of what ADHD is, making a misdiagnosis more likely. Since it is a “popular” disorder, many professionals end up diagnosing patients who do not actually have it.
When they start school, they find the conventional model infinitely boring. In other words, their brain becomes accustomed to functioning in highly disorganized environments. This makes it difficult for them to be calm and attentive for several hours when a teacher explains something to them.
In this context, there are many children who have difficulty maintaining attention and end up being diagnosed with ADHD. In reality, they are simply responding to an education system that has not changed in over 100 years. This makes it easy to understand why we overdiagnose with ADHD.
Work ethic and competitiveness in the educational environment lead to the misuse of prescription drugs
The feeling of work ethic and competitiveness is another factor that can lead to the abuse of prescription drugs. In this individualized culture, one can easily get caught up in a need to be number one. If you are having a hard time at school and have easy access to something that helps you concentrate, why not take it?
Positive effect of psychostimulants
Medications to improve focus and academic performance prevent neurons from restoring dopamine and norepinephrine. Dopamine is responsible for things like motivation and concentration, while norepinephrine increases attention and intellectual energy.
The best known psychostimulants are methylphenidate, atomoxetine and ritalin.
These drugs increase dopamine and cerebral norepinephrine levels in the brain (especially in the prefrontal cortex). This makes you feel more motivated, attentive, focused and more easily enjoyed.
One must keep in mind that all drugs can have unwanted side effects. This is one of the reasons why misuse of prescription drugs can be so dangerous.
