This article discusses points made by Dr. Middleton, a British psychiatrist.  Dr. Middleton attended a conference in London on that had been organized by the Council for Evidence-based Psychiatry in order to address the topic “The iatrogenic harm caused by the over-prescription of psychiatric medication.”

“Obviously there are those who think that what they do is appropriate and justified, but I would venture that many psychiatrists actually do what they do more often because they feel themselves to be powerless servants of wider social pressures, and would dearly like to be able to do it differently.” – Dr. Middleton

The author contends some of Dr. Middleton’s points about how the drug-seeking position is difficult to shift. He suggests that for most psychiatrists, a “patient” returning at regular intervals for “med-checks” and refills is the ideal scenario. And that great deal more concern expressed about non-compliant “patients” than there is about those who adhere faithfully to the prescription and keep coming back for more.

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This New York Times article describes Dr. Michael Anderson’s alternative take on Adderall. The pills boost focus and impulse control in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Although A.D.H.D is the diagnosis Dr. Anderson makes, he calls the disorder “made up” and “an excuse” to prescribe the pills to treat what he considers the children’s true ill — poor academic performance in inadequate schools. Dr. Anderson said that every child he treats with A.D.H.D. medication has met qualifications. But he also railed against those criteria, saying they were codified only to “make something completely subjective look objective.” He added that teacher reports almost invariably come back as citing the behaviors that would warrant a diagnosis, a decision he called more economic than medical.

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Here are a few myths about prescription stimulants: (1) Everyone is doing it (2) These drugs are safe (3) Most students who use prescription stimulants nonmedically do well academically (4) By using prescription stimulants nonmedically, students can improve their cognitive performance and gain a competitive edge. This article debunks common myths associated with stimulants and describes the reality of the drug.

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Several college students believed that prescription drugs are safe. However, they are only guaranteed with safety and protection if those drugs are properly taken. There starts to be a problem if prescription drugs are taken beyond the recommended dosage and frequency. When prescription drugs are abused, individuals may suffer from unwanted effects and consequences. Illegal use of prescription drug is evident in college and many students are into this for various reasons.

Based on reports, prescription drugs are being offered during their sophomore years. On the entire count of college students, 94% of undergraduates having stimulants prescriptions are asked to give away, sell or trade their medications. Stimulant abuse is getting more serious in college students every single day. About 90% of these students who abuse stimulants are binge drinkers and they are three times more likely to use illegal marijuana, five times more likely to abuse or misuse prescription painkillers and eight times more likely to use cocaine. The chart linked provides an overview of prescription drug abuse in college.