Morality? | ADHD Information

I am a 22 Male in the University system and i have been diagnosed with ADD and prescribed Methylin to treat my attention problem.  Taking this drug has had several effects on my mind:

1. Greater attention in general and to detail.
2. A strong need to get work done.  i.e. Homework, Studying, Cleaning my apt...
3. Less Talkative.
4. Greater Drive in life.

After reading many forums it seems that there are plenty of college students that take the drug with the intent of doing better in their classes.  Also after reading, it seems that the popular opinion on this activity is that these students are "Cheating" because they are being given an unfair edge in school. But is it not the goal of the colleges to educate?

Now I do not advocate or condone the taking of these drugs if you are not prescribed, BUT how exactly are these students "Cheating" and WHO are these students cheating exactly?

Them selves?  Well the answer is obvious; Of course not.  As long as the student does not abuse the drug and is getting positive results in school then I say, as a Student with ADD and an American who loves his country, let them take it.  We as a country are falling behind in the math and science fields on a Global scale.

I believe that people should look at the big picture.  IF students are taking ADD medication AND these students are doing better than they where before, THEN I would say that this is a GOOD THING.  People who yell "cheating" are just mad that some people take control of their lives and succeed where others fail.  If you Fail you have nobody to blame but yourself and this is a FACT.  The cheater claim is ILLOGICAL and i dare say even IMMORAL... take your childish jealousy elsewhere. 

This is all.

Sczisnad40210.3652083333 What bugs me, is that I take Adderall to keep up with everyone. If the kids who can keep up with their academics use it, then the bar is even higher for me and there will be a gap again. And yes, it can help them. But what about the long term effects on people? I've heard of schools of genius children all being put on on Meds and getting IEPS's, and being held back years, just so they can be at the top of their current classes.

Sure, it can make people learn more and faster, but why would people want to put those things in their bodies? And do they not look at all of the possible side effects of said drugs? And what if no one is watching them, and they become addicted, and have no one telling them what negative things to expect?

Yes, we're falling behind as a country, but that is because of the system and not as people. The people are the result. Medicines are a temporary solution. If everyone was taking meds, wouldn't it just be cheaper to try other forms of education? Our days are shorter than most nations, and the federal government gives the states money for education, and every is conscious of that money. In places such as China and Japan, emphasis is put on more than just book learning.

That's my rant.

Anyway, I think what you said was very interesting, I'm just not sure that I agree with it. But thanks for putting it up here, the view is interesting to hear. :]

Keke_1340210.6873148148

Man

I am kind of suprised to hear about the drug abuse.   Atheletes taking steroids gain an edge that comes back to haunt them later on.

I just started taking adderall at 43 yrs old.   I am an engineer and have had a fairly successful career, was a lousy college student and have spent most of my life stressed beyond belief.   

This drug simply helps me focus well enough to get my work done without the anxiety, frustruation and resulting depression that ensues.

For college kids to take a stimulant who does not need it for the sake of outperforming their classmates, they will pay a price for this.   Check out the specifics on amphetamine addition to see what they are risking in this behavior.

You obviously need this medication to deal with a biological problem that you were born with.   Your condoning this behavior by those who do not need it cheapens and undermines understanding of our condition.   Ultimately if this trend continues it will only make it more difficult to get the medication and in the end it will be us who suffer.