Adderall sales in the United States soared by more than 3,100 percent between 2002 and 2005, according to the Washington Post.

The New York Times reports that the prevailing mindset among college students– is that "Adderall, the drug of choice these days, is a legitimate and even hip way to get through the rigors of a hectic academic and social life." As many as one in four college students misuse ADHD medications, according to a nationwide survey reported in the journal Addiction.

However, these statistics and reports are not representative of K-State's campus.

"Other drug use at K-State is not as prevalent as alcohol use," said Bill Arck, director of alcohol and other drug education services. "According to my annual survey, only 2.6 percent of K-State students admit to using these types of drugs."

Adderall and Ritalin are central nervous system stimulants Arck describes as more potent than caffeine, but less potent than amphetamines. These drugs are generally prescribed to children for their calming and focusing effect.

"But these drugs are prescribed at a low dose and then slowly increased over time," Arck said. "So it can be dangerous to those who take it without a prescription."

One reported reason Adderall is abused is to get "high." Stimulants such as Adderall can increase alertness, attention and energy, accompanied by an increase in blood pressure, heart rate and breathing.

Another reason Adderall is abused is for weight loss. Appetite suppressant is a common side effect of the drug, according to the Food and Drug Administration.

Consequences of Adderall overdose can result in irregular heartbeat, dangerously high body temperature and the potential for cardiovascular failure or seizures. Some users also reported sexual side effects, including decreased libido or even impotence.

"These drugs are speeders, so they do run the risk of being addictive," Arck said. "And if one uses them in an abusive manner, they may have heightened negative effects."

Although the statistics of illicit use of Adderall on college campuses may not be representative of K-State, Adderall use has become more common. Bootlegged at about $3 to $5 per pill, Adderall is both inexpensive and accessible.

"Tons of my friends have prescriptions, so it's not that hard to find," said Chad Forest*, sophomore in commercial voice at Belmont University in Nashville, Tenn. "They usually give it to me for free, or for only a couple bucks."

Forest admits to using Adderall several times over the past two years when he wants to be "super productive."

"I'll take one and be able to crunch out a four page paper in an hour," Forest said.

He said he does not take Adderall often because it made him feel "shaky" and keeps him up all night, but that it is worth the side effects in order to stay focused.

Forest also describes illicit Adderall use to succeed in school as fairly common on his campus: "Up here, Adderall is the least of people's worries."

From all indications, it appears that the trend of greater reliance upon these types of drugs will continue to soar, according to a report done by Drug News.

As of late December 2007, the government is loosening restrictions on Adderall whereby doctors may now prescribe as much as a 90-day supply. Adderall is a "Schedule II" controlled substance, which means the U.S. government has determined it has a "high potential for abuse" that "may lead to severe psychological or physical dependence," and for that reason, the Drug Enforcement Administration regulates the drug.

"What I don't think some students realize is that these drugs are illegal without a prescription," Arck said. "It is actually a felony to even possess Adderall without a prescription."

So while only 2.6 percent of K-State's population admits to using Adderall or similar drugs, there is a growing trend of abusing the drug across U.S. campuses of which students must be aware.

*Name changed for privacy.