Psychostimulant Drugs: Beware Of Abuse
In recent decades, drug use has become normal. From simple analgesics to psychostimulant drugs, medicines are the order of the day not only to cure, but also to prevent pain.
It is now normal to hear about psychostimulant drugs . These are drugs that improve the intellectual performance, therefore used mainly consumed by students. But beware: they are often hired incorrectly and abuse is always a lurking danger.
In recent decades, drugs of all kinds have entered the daily life of families. We have become accustomed to taking them even when it is not necessary, to prevent any pain or discomfort. Medicines are so widespread that cases of abuse are becoming more frequent, with the associated negative consequences.
The abuse of drugs to improve intellectual performance is certainly nothing new. Already in the 1950s there were several cases of drug abuse, but in the last ten years the phenomenon has spread considerably. High schools and universities are the places where it has caught on the most.
A recent Netflix documentary, Take your pills , addresses this very topic. What use is made of psychostimulant drugs to control ADHD? Do they really improve intellectual performance? What are the dangers of abuse?
We talk about it in this article. In addition, we will see what are the possible negative consequences for health, both physical and mental. We will therefore reflect on the role of the current education system in the face of these situations. But let’s start with a concrete example: the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Overdiagnosis in cases of ADHD
The documentary Take you pills demonstrates how the American education system has led to the abuse of psychostimulant drugs. Students often take these drugs even when they don’t need them. Yet the prescription of ADHD drugs has become massive.
In recent years this disorder has become very “popular”, so much so that it is often diagnosed too easily. As a result, many patients receive ADHD treatment that they don’t actually need.
The symptoms of ADHD appear to find fertile ground in the current education system. Today’s children and adolescents are subjected to continuous visual, auditory and tactile stimuli. It is not uncommon to see smaller and smaller children spending hours with smartphones, tablets and video games.
When they enter the formal education system, these children find themselves in a very boring environment for them. In other words: their brains are used to functioning in constantly changing environments. On the contrary, in school he is required to sit and pay attention for hours in unstimulated situations. For example, watching a professor write and explain on the board.
It is difficult for children to stay in control, often leading to the diagnosis of ADHD. In fact, their symptoms are a natural response to an educational model that has failed to adapt to the digital generation. The environment in which today’s children grow up is dynamic and virtual. Conversely, the school applies an education system that dates back almost 100 years.
The culture of competitiveness in the education system
Another factor that leads to the abuse of psychostimulant drugs is the culture of competitiveness at school. Competitiveness, typical of our individualistic society, creates a particular context. It is precisely in this context where students with greater difficulties often resort to “outside help”.
In other words: people who fail to emerge, for whatever cause, find a solution in psychostimulant drugs. This also depends on the fact that all students are evaluated equally. Therefore, those who have greater difficulties find themselves excluded and seek help in medicine.
For example, some students need more time to learn. When they are asked to perform more, they feel inadequate. The need to reach the same level as others often leads to resorting to, and ultimately abusing, drugs.
Positive effects of psychostimulant drugs
These are drugs that improve intellectual performance and prevent the reuptake of dopamine and noradrenline by neurons. Dopamine promotes motivation and concentration, while noradrenaline increases alertness and intellectual energy.
The best known psychostimulant drugs are methylphenidate and atomoxetine. In the United States the trade name of the drug is Aderall, while in Italy it is sold under the trade name of Ritalin
These drugs increase the level of dopamine and noradrenaline in the brain, especially in the prefrontal cortex. The main effects are: increased motivation, alertness and concentration. Clearly, all positive effects. But be careful, because psychostimulant drugs also have contraindications.
Like all psychiatric drugs, these drugs also have undesirable effects. Excessive intake of them can significantly increase some health risks, both mental and physical.
Risks of the abuse of psychostimulant drugs
Almost all of these drugs have numerous side effects. Among the most frequent we find: tics, tachycardia, insomnia, agitation, anxiety and anorexia. Furthermore, there is also a high risk of addiction. On the other hand, their use should be a temporary solution to the student’s problems. It is important for the young person to learn to manage studies correctly even without drug treatment.
To conclude, we would like to clarify that in some cases treatment is necessary, for example in the case of a real diagnosis of ADHD. But it is also important to point out that the drug alone does not solve the problem. Psychoeducational strategies need to be adopted both at school and at home. In fact, in most cases, the drug should be a help, not the only solution.
