It is no secret that law school is a difficult and competitive
journey. Students have their own strategies to get ahead, and there
are many resources on the internet for tips on how to succeed while
in school. So where do performance-enhancing drugs come into
play?
Adderall (amphetamine), Ritalin (methylphenidate) and Vyvanse
(lisdexamfetamine dimesylate) are stimulant drugs prescribed to
those diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
(ADHD). These stimulants are used to treat symptoms, such as the
inability to focus, hyperactivity and impulsivity. Side effects
include bladder pain, bloody or cloudy urine, lower back or side
pain, appetite loss, dizziness, and more. Another problem with the
use of these drugs is the possibility of dependence. Tolerance can
be quickly built, which leads to a dangerous path of abuse.
Today, many students who have not been diagnosed with ADHD take
stimulants, such as Adderall, to improve their studying capacity,
especially around finals time. Finals time is likely the most
stressful period during school, given that most grades hinge on the
performance of one final exam. Interestingly enough, there has been
research that shows confidence in these types of stimulant drugs
are possibly misplaced: Adderall may help with improvement among
lower performing students, but among higher performers, there is no
improvement or worse performance with Adderall use.
According to the National Law Journal, it is difficult
to determine the actual amount of students who use Adderall or
other brands, because students are not forthcoming with their use -
as it is illegal. Also, there does not appear to be much research
and studies on Adderall use among law students, but a quick search
leads to many forums where law students are inquiring about its use
in studying.
If you or anyone you know has a potential substance abuse
problem, please do not hesitate to contact your school's counseling
center. They are there to help.
Djanira Leal is a second year, part-time evening
student at Suffolk University Law School. During the day, she is a
corporate assistant with Foley & Lardner LLP in
Boston.