1. The effects of Ritalin on the brains of college students. Kaleena Nichols Psychology Major CHHS 302 Professor Oehlman February 28, 2011

2. Professional Interest The reason for the selection of this topic is that I am a psychology major and am interested in how drugs affect a person’s brain, especially college students. It is a known fact that many college students (and some high school students) use Ritalin, an ADHD medication, to enhance study habits. I think there is a lot of information on ADHD drugs that most people are unaware of, including young students, and the facts need to be put into perspective in order for students to make a thought out decision as to whether Ritalin’s psychological effects are worth a decent grade point average (GPA).

3. Critical Situation/Problem The problem with Ritalin is that this drug has effects on one’s brain and in many cases has long-term effects. Ritalin (Methylphenidate) is recognized as having a high abuse potential and produces many of the same effects as cocaine or amphetamines (White et al, 2006). This drug is to be prescribed by one’s medical physician and the main purpose of the prescription is to reduce ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) symptoms. It is not meant to be issued illegally for people to abuse the drug or “experiment” with it, in order to do well in school, especially during finals week.

4. Rhetorical Timing The timing for this situation is the present. This modern day societal issue is affecting many people. With today’s low economy and not enough job opportunities, students are doing everything they can in order to get a higher education (Master’s degree, Ph.D.), therefore leading to a higher paying job. If that means taking Ritalin to “improve” study habits, getting better grades, and in the long-run that better job, then it seems as students are doing it. As any other drug, the illegal possession and abuse will not cease to exist until appropriate action has been taken.

6. Ritalin is commonly know as a “smart” drug that’s becoming more prevalent among college students

7. Ritalin (methylphenidate) is an ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) medicine that doctors prescribe in order for their patients’ hyperactivity level to balance out

9. Heart complications

10. Headache

11. Seizures (Drug News, 2001)

12. Homicidal tendencies

13. Panic episodes

14. Aggressive behavior

15. Insomnia

16. Nervousness

17. Suicidal tendenciesInclude (White et al, 2003):

18. Summary Continued. . . If Ritalin is injected into the arm, side effects become more problematic due to lung and eye damage University of Michigan found in 2002, that an average of 4% of students in 8th, 10th, and 12th grades used Ritalin illegally A southwestern CA college found that over half of students (in their study) prescribed with Ritalin, admitted to selling, sharing, or giving away Ritalin to those who wanted to try it (Shillington, 2006)

21. Community Connection Those who need to hear about such research are college students, parents, teachers, doctors, and counselors. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention should also know the research, the CA government, and CSU and UC campuses throughout the state The more people know about this issue, the more it can dealt with in an appropriate fashion

22. References (2010). Why to avoid Ritalin. Drug News: Latest News and Facts About Medicines You Take. Retrieved from http://ritalinsideeffects.net/ McCabe, S., Knight, J. R., Teter, C. J., & Wechsler, H. (2005). Non-medical use of prescription stimulants among US college students: Prevalence and correlates from a national survey. Addiction, 100(1), 96-106. doi:10.1111/j.1360-0443.2005.00944.x Shillington, A., Reed, M., Lange, J., Clapp, J., & Henry, S. (2006). College Undergraduate Ritalin Abuses in Southwestern California: Protective and Risk Factors. Journal of Drug Issues, 36(4), 999-1014. Retrieved from EBSCOhost. (2005). College Life: The Ritalin Advantage? The New York Times News Service. Retrieved from http://www.azcentral.com/families/education/articles/0801back- ritalin-ON.html Trudeau, M. (2009). More Students Turning Illegally To 'Smart' Drugs, NPR. Retrieved from http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=100254163&sc=emaf University At Buffalo. (2001). Ritalin May Cause Long-Lasting Changes in Brain-Cell Function, University at Buffalo Researchers Find. Science Daily. Retrieved from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2001/11/011112073546.htm White, B., Becker-Blease, K., & Grace-Bishop, K. (2006). Stimulant medication Use, misuse and Abuse in an Undergraduate and Graduate Student Sample. Journal of American College Health, 54(5), 261-268. doi: 10.3200/JACH.54.5.261-268