There are many high schools throughout the country that have illegal drug use among students. Johnston is no different from many other high schools throughout the country in that there are students who participate in illegal activities involving drugs. “I feel like we are a school known for using drugs,” Student A, a Johnston student who wished to remain anonymous, said.

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, more commonly known as A.D.H.D., is defined as a brain disorder marked by an ongoing pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development. In many cases this disease has the potential, if severe enough, to greatly hinder somebody’s ability to learn. In a high school class of 30 students, one to three are estimated to suffer from A.D.H.D. A.D.H.D is a chronic disease, meaning anyone affected by it will have it for their entire life. However, there is a medication that has given anyone who may suffer from this disease the capability to learn normally like people who do not. Released to the general public in 1996, Adderall has been the result of an effort to counteract all forms of inattention, hyperactivity or impulsivity that ADHD causes.

Adderall, when used appropriately, increases its user’s ability to concentrate and decrease restless and impulsive tendencies. According to expert sources like WebMD, the drug greatly enhances the quality of learning and generally makes life easier for people who it inflicts. However, as with many other prescribed medications, it has become a targeted stimulant of people who chase highs or abuse substances.

Student A understands the effects of the prescription drug and how helpful it can be to students. Although the student claims to have never sold their medication for money, they have given it to friends in an effort to help improve their performance on tests.

The student said they received generally mixed results from their friends about how effective the Adderall was. They thought this had something to do with how prepared and well-studied the people who took it were. “It’s not a substitution for actually understanding what the test is about,” Student A said.

Because of this, the student feels there is a misperception about how the drug works. “Anyone who hasn’t taken it before (that I have talked to about it) thinks it’s a magic pill,” Student A said. this is a Real Good Quote

The student thinks being prescribed for Adderall has satisfied an attention deficiency that they feel used to greatly interfere with their ability to learn. The student said they would prefer not to specify when they were prescribed.

A different student, Student B, has had more serious and controversial interactions with Adderall. “I did consider the idea of selling it,” Student B said. The student said that this was about a year ago.

However, after doing further research on the ramifications of selling Adderall, they decided the reward was not worth the risk of being caught.  “I had access to it, but it wasn’t worth the risk at all,” Student B said.

Johnston Police Department’s Tyler Tompkins confirmed the legal trouble selling or using Adderall without a prescription brings upon the people who may be caught doing so. According to Tompkins, selling drugs such as Adderall can result in the guilty person facing a Schedule II drug violation and a Class C felony. Class C felonies are punishable up to ten years in prison along with a fine that can range from anywhere between 1,000 and 10,000 dollars.

Despite how mainstream Adderall has become among students, professionals still feel the drug’s popularity is unwarranted. School nurse Kristin Sheldahl’s feelings about the illegal use of the drug does not differ from other medical experts. “If you are taking any prescription medication at all that has not been prescribed to you by a medical professional, then it can potentially cause serious problems with your physical health or mental health. It is never a good idea and you are potentially risking serious consequences if doing so,” Sheldahl said.