More Students Abusing ADHD Drugs

A new study shows the number of teens abusing ADHD medications has risen 76% in the past 8 years, and with kids heading back to school, there are some things parents should watch out for.

Reporter: Matt Behrens
Email Address: mbehrens@wsaw.com

With kids heading back to high schools across the country, exams, grades, and prepping for college are fresh in many students‘ minds.

But that’s starting a dangerous trend, as many students are using prescription medications to stay awake or alert while studying.

“Have we had students who have used prescription medication? Yes,” says Jerry Gargulak, School Psychologist and AODA Counselor at Stevens Point Area Senior High. “Stuff students take for the ADHD, that would probably be the most prevalent.”

Gargulak says he’s seen students use the drugs for a variety of reasons, sometimes to increase alertness, other times to get a rush.

But the dangers are there, as abusers can suffer symptoms including agitation, rapid heartbeat, and extremely high blood pressure.

To keep kids from taking those chances, a parent’s first weapon is conversation.

“Parents need to talk about prescriptions, and prescriptions can also be dangerous, and just because they’re approved by the medical society and controlled by physicians, that you only take them as prescribed,” says Gargulak.

But he says you also should keep an eye on your child’s behavior. “I think people need to watch any changes in behavior, mood, performance.”

And that way you can keep your child safe as they prepare to take one of the biggest steps in their life.

There is good news though, as recent school survey shows 86% of SPASH students have never abused prescription drugs.

Tagged as: ADHD, ADHD teen drug abuse