INFOFACTSRESOURCES The Higher Education Center for Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse and Violence Prevention

Recreational Use of Ritalin on College Campuses by Daniel Ari Kapner

Although alcohol is the most abused drug on college Whereas college students once drank excessive • A 2008 survey of 2,087 college students revealed campuses, Ritalin has also attracted much concern amounts of coffee or took caffeine pills to stay awake that 5.3 percent admitted nonmedical use, with in recent years. This Infofacts/Resources describes while cramming for tests, many now use Ritalin misuse of Ritalin occurring four times more 12 Ritalin use on college campuses, outlines possible to remain alert.4 Anecdotal evidence suggests that frequently than Concerta. effects of its abuse, and recommends policies for Ritalin can allow students to stay awake for many • In a 2006 study, researchers at a northeastern institutions of higher education. hours in a row and maintain abnormally high levels U.S. university found that 16 percent of respondents of concentration. Students have used it to cram for abused stimulant medication, 96 percent of whom 13 as long as a few days.5 Monitoring the Future re- preferred Ritalin. • In a 2002 survey of students at the University of ports a drop-off in annual prevalence of nonmedical What Is Ritalin Abuse? Florida, 1.5 percent used Ritalin recreationally 1 Ritalin use of more than half after age 24, lending Methylphenidate (marketed as Ritalin or Concerta ) in the previous 30 days.14 support to arguments that students are using it as is the common treatment for attention defi cit hyper- • In a 2000 survey, 16 percent of students at a a “study drug.”6 Some students use Ritalin so they activity disorder (ADHD), a condition affecting 3–5 small public liberal arts college reported having can consume more alcohol or mix it with other percent of the U.S. population. Ritalin is occasion- tried Ritalin recreationally, and 12.7 percent 2 drugs to prolong partying.5, 7, 8 ally prescribed for narcolepsy. reported having taken it intranasally.15 Although some students take Ritalin tablets In recent years, Ritalin has become one of the • A 2000 survey at the University of Pennsylvania most abused prescription drugs. The U.S. Drug En- whole, others pursue stronger stimulation by crush- found that almost 9 percent of undergraduates forcement Administration (DEA) classifi es Ritalin as ing tablets and snorting them. Still others grind had used someone else’s prescription medications, a schedule 2 drug, a substance with a large potential the tablets, mix them with water, “cook” them, and many of which were Ritalin.3 for misuse.3 Street terms for Ritalin include “vitamin inject the mix intravenously.9 R,” “R ball,” and “cramming drug.” The National Collegiate Athletic Association Students appear to begin using Ritalin without a Prescribed Ritalin costs 25–50 cents per tablet. (NCAA) bans Ritalin, except for medical exceptions, prescription at young ages. Monitoring the Future reports suggest that many students arrive on campus Ritalin’s street value may be as much as $2 to $20 and the U.S. Olympic Committee and the Interna- having already used Ritalin: in 2006, 4.4 percent of per 20 milligram tablet.1 tional Olympic Committee also ban the stimulant.10 12th graders admitted annual use, as did 3.6 percent of 10th graders.6 A study of 6,000 high school students For additional information in Massachusetts showed that 13 percent were found How Prevalent Is Ritalin Abuse? to have abused Ritalin.16 The same study found that The Higher Education Center for Ritalin is widely available. Nineteen million 4 percent of middle school students had also abused Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse prescriptions were fi lled in 1999, a rise of 500 Ritalin at some point in their lives.11 and Violence Prevention 11 Education Development Center, Inc. percent since 1991. Monitoring the Future began 55 Chapel Street documenting Ritalin abuse in 2002, and several Newton, Massachusetts 02458-1060 additional studies indicate that it is widespread, with Possible Effects of Ritalin Abuse www.higheredcenter.org the rates of student use varying greatly from campus Since Ritalin is a prescribed medication, students 1-800-676-1730; TDD Relay-friendly, Dial 711 to campus. Fax: 617-928-1537 often mistakenly consider it innocent and harmless, [email protected] • 5.7 percent of college students nationwide admit- without the stigma associated with street drugs.9 In ted to using Ritalin at least once in 2002, and the fact, illegal Ritalin use can be very dangerous, with Funded by the U.S. Department of Education number has steadily declined to 3.9 percent in effects similar to those produced by cocaine and 2006.6 amphetamines.17 August 2008 ☞ INFOFACTS The Higher Education Center for Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse and Violence Prevention Š http://www.higheredcenter.org

William Bailey from Indiana University suggests Ritalin Theft 3. Limit Availability and Access that Ritalin may cause the following adverse Almost 2,000 instances of Ritalin theft were reported • Work with local law enforcement to stay effects:9 between January 1990 and May 1995, putting informed about trends relating to Ritalin abuse the drug among the top 10 most frequently stolen and theft in the area. • Nervousness, insomnia controlled medications.7, 18 The DEA estimated • Work with campus health offi cials and doctors to • Loss of appetite, leading to serious malnutrition that nearly 700,000 doses of Ritalin were stolen monitor students’ Ritalin requests. • Nausea, vomiting between January 1996 and December 1997.18 • Dizziness, headaches Offi cials counted 376 cases of Ritalin thefts from 4. Enforce Campus Policy and State and • Changes in heart rate and blood pressure (usually pharmacies in 1998.2 In addition, Ritalin Local Laws elevation of both, but occasionally depression) is often stolen from other students, parents, high • Revise campus alcohol and other drug policies as • Skin rashes, itching school nurses’ offi ces, and high school teachers. necessary to include commonly abused • Abdominal pain, weight loss, digestive problems prescription drugs specifi cally. • Toxic psychosis, psychotic episodes, drug • Communicate campus alcohol and other drug dependence syndrome Strategies for Institutions of policies clearly and frequently to the community, • Chronic use and dependence Higher Education including possible consequences for violations. • Severe depression upon withdrawal The recent increase in Ritalin abuse challenges col- Adverse effects from high doses include the following: leges and universities to include commonly abused prescription drugs as they develop and implement • Loss of appetite, leading to serious malnutrition Pursuing Further Research prevention and enforcement efforts • Tremors, muscle twitching Prevention professionals on campus should for alcohol and other drugs. Following are four • Fevers, convulsions, and headaches (may be severe) implement surveys that include questions about environmental strategies for reducing • Irregular heartbeat and respirations (may be the recreational use of Ritalin to create a more Ritalin abuse.19 profound and life threatening) comprehensive understanding of its prevalence on • Anxiety, restlessness campuses. Patterns of student use, implications for 1. Promote Alcohol- and Other Drug- • Excessive repetition of movements and meaningless academic performance, and correlations with other Free Social, Recreational, and Extracur- tasks social issues are potential areas for further study. ricular Options and Public Service • Paranoia, hallucinations, delusions • Sponsor alcohol- and other drug-free social • Formication (sensation of bugs or worms crawling and recreational options for students. Marketing under the skin) efforts for these events must clearly specify the • Death (uncommon as a result of Ritalin abuse, alcohol- and other drug-free guidelines for Daniel Ari Kapner served as writer/researcher but reports indicate Ritalin abuse has led to death) the activities. at the Higher Education Center for Alcohol and Intravenous use of Ritalin may cause the following: • Sponsor and publicize volunteer and community Other Drug Prevention. service opportunities for students. • Toxic overdose reactions • Blood clots from scar tissue, resulting from small 2. Create a Social, Academic, and Resi- particles that enter the syringe dential Environment That Promotes • Infections (blood poisoning, abscesses, hepatitis, Healthy Social Norms HIV/AIDS) • Survey students to determine the prevalence of • Scars (“tracks” and adhesions) Ritalin and other prescription drug abuse on • Skin and circulatory problems campus. • Pulmonary problems (“addict’s lung,” embolisms) • Offer resources to educate students about the In addition, snorting Ritalin through the nose dangers of Ritalin abuse. causes the membrane separating the nasal passage and • Develop social norms marketing campaigns to the brain to deteriorate, resulting in nosebleeds and address any exaggerated misperceptions of damage to nasal cartilage.9 Ritalin and other prescription drug abuse.20 INFOFACTSRESOURCES The Higher Education Center for Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse and Violence Prevention Š http://www.higheredcenter.org

References 14. University of Florida Alcohol and Drug Survey: Offi ce of Safe and Drug-Free Schools 1. Kelley, J. E., and Jagielski, C. H. “Ritalin.” Retrieved 2002 Key Findings. Gainesville, Fla.: Campus Alco- (OSDFS) August 15, 2008, from http://www.drugs.indiana.edu/ hol and Drug Resource Center, University of Florida. U.S. Department of Education publications/factline/ritalin.pdf. Retrieved June 17, 2003, from http://www.health.ufl . http://www.ed.gov/osdfs; 202-245-7896 2. “Methylphenidate (Ritalin).” Bethesda, Md.: Na- edu/shcc/key02.pdf. tional Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes 15. Babcock, Q., and Byrne, T. “Student Perceptions of OSDFS supports efforts to create safe schools, respond of Health, 1999. Retrieved June 17, 2003, from Methylphenidate Abuse at a Public Liberal Arts Col- to crises, prevent alcohol and other drug abuse, http://165.112.78.61/Infofax/Ritalin.html. lege.” Journal of American College Health 49 (3): ensure the health and well-being of students, and 3. Vedantam, A., and Blanchard, M. P. “Ritalin Abuse 143, 2000. teach students good character and citizenship. The Growing Epidemic Among Youth,” Knight-Ridder/ 16. Carter, G., and Winseman, J. “A Prescription for agency provides fi nancial assistance for drug abuse Tribune News Service, 24 January 2001. Healing the Whole Student,” The Chronicle of Higher and violence prevention programs and activities that 4. Diaz, J. “Ritalin Grows as ‘Cramming Drug’ at U.S. Education 3 August 2001: B24. promote the health and well-being of students in Colleges,” Knight-Ridder/Tribune News Service, 4 17. “Methylphenidate (Ritalin).” Alexandria, Va.: U.S. elementary and secondary schools and institutions of November 2001. Department of Justice, U.S. Drug Enforcement Admin- higher education. 5. Jaffe, H. “New Coke: It Was the Pill That Helped istration. Retrieved June 17, 2003, from http://www. Hyper Kids Calm Down, and Millions of Families dea.gov/concern/methylphenidate.html. The U.S. Department of Education’s Signed On. Now Ritalin Is the Big, Black-Market 18. Ziegler, N. “Recreational Ritalin: Kids Using Prescrip- Higher Education Center for Alcohol Drug on Campus, for Anybody Who Wants to Work or tion Drug for Fun.” Associated Press, 2000. and Other Drug Abuse and Violence Party Harder.” Men’s Health 17 (5): 128–134, 2002. 19. For more information about environmental strategies Prevention 6. Johnston, L. D.; O’Malley, P. M.; Bachman, J. G.; for alcohol and other drug prevention, see the Higher http://www.higheredcenter.org; 1-800-676-1730; and Schulenberg, J. E. Monitoring the Future Na- Education Center’s publication Environmental Man- TDD Relay-friendly, Dial 711 tional Survey Results on Drug Use, 1975–2006 agement: A Comprehensive Strategy for Reducing Volume II: College Students & Adults Ages 19–45 Alcohol and Other Drug Use on College Campuses. The Higher Education Center offers an integrated 20. For more information about social norms marketing, (Bethesda, Md.: National Institute on Drug Abuse, array of services to help campuses and communities 2007). see the Higher Education Center’s publication Social come together to identify problems; assess needs; and 7. Nicklin, J. L. “The Latest Trend: Mixing Prescrip- Marketing Strategies for Campus Prevention of plan, implement, and evaluate alcohol and other drug tion Drugs with Other Substances,” The Chronicle of Alcohol and Other Drug Problems and the Center’s abuse and violence prevention programs. Services Higher Education, 9 June 2000: A58. Web site at http://www.higheredcenter.org. include training; technical assistance; publications; 8. Zielbauer, P. “New Campus High: Illicit Prescrip- tion Drugs,” The New York Times, 24 March 2000. support for the Network Addressing Collegiate Alcohol 9. Bailey, W. J. FactLine on Non-Medical Use of and Other Drug Issues; and evaluation activities. The Ritalin (methylphenidate). Bloomington, Ind.: Higher Education Center’s publications are free and Indiana Prevention Resource Center (IPRC), 1995. can be downloaded from its Web site. Retrieved June 17, 2003, from http://www.drugs. indiana.edu/publications/iprc/factline/ritalin.html. The Network Addressing Collegiate 10. “Tough Call.” The NCAA News, June 23, 1997. Alcohol and Other Drug Issues Retrieved June 17, 2003, from http://www.ncaa.org/ http://www.thenetwork.ws; see Web site for news/1997/19970623/briefl y.html#2. telephone contacts by region 11. “Abusing Ritalin (Dangers of Prescription Drug Abuse).” Scholastic Choices 17 (1): 6, 2001. The Network Addressing Collegiate Alcohol and Other 12. DuPont, R. L.; Coleman, J. J.; Bucher, R. H.; and Drug Issues (Network) is a national consortium of Wilford, B. B. “Characteristics and Motives of College colleges and universities formed to promote healthy Students Who Engage in Nonmedical Use of Meth- campus environments by addressing issues related ylphenidate.” American Journal on Addictions 17, to alcohol and other drugs. Developed in 1987 by the 3, 2008. U.S. Department of Education, the Network comprises 13. Prudhomme, B.; Becker-Blease, K. A.; and Grace- Bishop, K. “Stimulant Medication Use, Misuse, and member institutions that voluntarily agree to work Abuse in an Undergraduate and Graduate Student toward a set of standards aimed at reducing AOD Sample.” Journal of American College Health 54, problems at colleges and universities. It has more than 5, 2006. 1,600 members nationwide. ☞ INFOFACTSRESOURCES The Higher Education Center for Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse and Violence Prevention Š http://http://www.higheredcenter.org

Other Organizations National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) Drug Enforcement Administration http://www.nida.nih.gov; 301-443-1124 (DEA) NIDA’s mission is to lead the nation in bringing the http://www.usdoj.gov/dea/index.htm; 1-800-882-9539 power of science to bear on drug abuse and addiction. The DEA operates in conjunction with the U.S. This charge has two critical components: The fi rst is Department of Justice. It provides information to support and conduct research across a broad range regarding specifi c drugs, statistics, and national of disciplines. The second is to ensure that these programs targeted at curbing drug abuse. The DEA’s research results are disseminated and implemented fact sheet on Ritalin, geared toward law enforcement, rapidly and effectively, thus signifi cantly improv- can be found online at http://www.dea.gov/concern/ ing the prevention and treatment of drug abuse methylphenidate.html. and addiction. NIDA’s fact sheet on Ritalin abuse is available online at www.nida.nih.gov/Infofax/ritalin. National Association of Drug html. NIDA has also published a research report on Diversion Investigators, Inc. prescription drug abuse, available online at http:// http://www.naddi.org www.nida.nih.gov/ResearchReports/Prescription/ Prescription.html. In addition to the most recent drug diversion news, NADDI offers a helpline devoted to answering ques- tions about prescription drug abuse. Full access to This publication was funded by the Offi ce of Safe and Drug-Free Schools at the U.S. this site requires a subscription. Department of Education under con- tracts number ED-99-CO-0094 and ED- Indiana Prevention Resource Center 04-CO-0137 with Education Development (IPRC) Center, Inc. The contracting offi cer’s representative was http://www.drugs.indiana.edu; 812-855-1237 Richard Lucey, Jr. The content of this publication does not necessarily refl ect the views or policies of the U.S. The Indiana Prevention Resource Center at Indiana Department of Education, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply University is a statewide clearinghouse for preven- endorsement by the U.S. government. This publication tion, technical assistance, and information about also contains hyperlinks and URLs for information alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs for the state of created and maintained by private organizations. This Indiana. It is Indiana’s offi cially designated RADAR information is provided for the reader’s convenience. The U.S. Department of Education is not responsible for (Regional Alcohol and Drug Awareness Resource) controlling or guaranteeing the accuracy, relevance, Network State Center. IPRC offers fact sheets and timeliness, or completeness of this outside information. other information regarding alcohol and other Further, the inclusion of information or a hyperlink or drugs. IPRC’s fact sheet on Ritalin abuse can be URL does not refl ect the importance of the organiza- tion, nor is it intended to endorse any views expressed, found online at http://www.drugs.indiana.edu/ or products or services offered. Published 2003; latest publications/iprc/factline/ritalin.html. update August 2008.