Staff Editorial: Drug-Induced Attention Span?

At one time or another in our lives, we are told, perhaps in a classroom with a friendly police officer and a stuffed Daren the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) lion doll, to say “no” to drugs in spite of any circumstances. Since then, we’ve seen how successful that has turned out. With the ever-mounting pressures to succeed academically, some students choose to rely on drugs.
Ritalin, a prescription drug for people diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), has found its way into the exhausted, sleep-deprived hands of college students since its release to the public in the 1960s. Since Ritalin has the ability to transform students into focused studying machines, it has become the miracle pill for the twenty percent who have used it to boost their grades, many of whom are not diagnosed with ADHD. For the “unlucky” ones without the disorder, they rely on faking symptoms to a medical professional for a prescription or buying leftover pills from their afflicted friends.
This reliance is a whole different resort than the classic in-class cheating or plagiarism to pass college; and with Ritalin pills, it shows effort and that they are striving for a source of energy when they need to study. On top of that, the medication is relatively inexpensive, ranging from free with medical co-pay to two dollars per pill; it is more economical and potent than a cup of coffee. As this drug brings someone uphill in the academic mountain, it sure looks a lot better than the other drugs everyone else is getting high off of and still not benefiting from. Yet, since its usage is not completely natural nor does it promote self-discipline, it is not the most trustworthy solution. Ritalin should only be legitimately used and best serve students who truly have ADHD.
Ritalin may seem to be a wonderful nougat fallen from the gods above like Ferrero Rocher, but it has its limits. There are reasons why the drug cannot be used over the counter and why it is illegal without a prescription. Ritalin is prescribed to a patient in graduated doses, the correct effective dosage is meant for the individual ADHD patient and may change in repeated usage. This little orange pill can bring on irregular heart and respiratory functions, restlessness, loss of sanity or, worse, death. This other side of Ritalin cannot beat its benefits.
Ritalin is not an appropriate solution to any personal inadequacies, especially given its negative effects. It is not designed for students without ADHD. There are actual people affected by real symptoms, and this drug is not just a luxury or a quick-fix to mere laziness.
The use of Ritalin among non-ADHD students is comparable to steroids among athletes. It is a boost that is not completely necessary, and may be replaced by healthier alternatives. It is also questionable whether taking Ritalin actually demonstrates a good work ethic compared to their sober peers, who do not use drugs for an unfair advantage. It is essential to develop good work habits and integrity, instead of relying on a miracle drug.