Poster Session #1: UC Ballroom
Students Misuse Adderall & Concerta at the University of Montana
Presentation Type
Poster
Faculty Mentor’s Full Name
Laurie Minns
Faculty Mentor’s Department
Biological Sciences
Abstract / Artist's Statement
Objective: This study was conducted to examine subjects’ use and misuse of Adderall and Concerta by assessing their understanding of potential physiologic adverse effects. Methods: Data was collected by administering a survey to students between the ages of 18-32, currently enrolled at the University of Montana. A total of 115 students completed the survey and their participation was voluntary. The research was conducted on campus in the University Center. The survey consisted of 15 multiple-choice questions evaluating the frequency of use and occurrence of drug side effects. Follow up education about the side effects was provided upon survey completion. Results: Twenty-nine (25%) utilized Adderall and Concerta during their college experience. Twenty-one (72% of users) consumed these drugs without a physician’s prescription. Of the users without a prescription, 57% were unable to identify their medication dosage. 25% of the users with a prescription could correctly identify a majority of the drugs’ common side effects; however, only 10% of users without prescription could execute the same task. Conclusion: From our preliminary study, there is an apparent trend for students within their college years to illicitly use Adderall or Concerta. This trend is accompanied by a lack of understanding of the medications’ physiologic effects. There is a strong need for better education and awareness regarding the effects and risks associated with prescription stimulants. Due to the severity of these medications’ adverse effects, further investigation is justified.
Students Misuse Adderall & Concerta at the University of Montana
UC Ballroom
Objective: This study was conducted to examine subjects’ use and misuse of Adderall and Concerta by assessing their understanding of potential physiologic adverse effects. Methods: Data was collected by administering a survey to students between the ages of 18-32, currently enrolled at the University of Montana. A total of 115 students completed the survey and their participation was voluntary. The research was conducted on campus in the University Center. The survey consisted of 15 multiple-choice questions evaluating the frequency of use and occurrence of drug side effects. Follow up education about the side effects was provided upon survey completion. Results: Twenty-nine (25%) utilized Adderall and Concerta during their college experience. Twenty-one (72% of users) consumed these drugs without a physician’s prescription. Of the users without a prescription, 57% were unable to identify their medication dosage. 25% of the users with a prescription could correctly identify a majority of the drugs’ common side effects; however, only 10% of users without prescription could execute the same task. Conclusion: From our preliminary study, there is an apparent trend for students within their college years to illicitly use Adderall or Concerta. This trend is accompanied by a lack of understanding of the medications’ physiologic effects. There is a strong need for better education and awareness regarding the effects and risks associated with prescription stimulants. Due to the severity of these medications’ adverse effects, further investigation is justified.