<p>This thread is really full of inaccuracies and prejudices, so I’m going to try and set a few things straight.</p>
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[QUOTE=kkei08]
Why not snort a line of coke if you’re not deterred by the fact that it’s an illegal stimulant?
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<p>You know, you think that’s some kind of devastating rhetorical point, but it’s really not. The answer is: I see no good reason not to, assuming one can control risks of being caught and health risks (addiction, OD risks, all that fun stuff).</p>
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[QUOTE=ClaySoul]
fellowccviewer? have you not been reading this thread? it’s illegal and it’s not worth it you don’t know how it will affect you.</p>
<p>i dont have ADHD, i take it, it keeps me awake. it doesn’t affect my concentration.
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<p>It’s illegal. True. Not worth it? Debatable.</p>
<p>You are an atypical case if it doesn’t’ effect your concentration, since that is certainly in the amphetamine spectrum of effects.</p>
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[QUOTE=bessie]
They are all basically the same type of drug, with the same risks and side effects. The problem with buying someone else’s prescription drug and then popping one for the test is that you have NO IDEA how it may make you feel or, more importantly, if you will have major health complications from the drug. I know kids buy these drugs on high school and college campuses, but it is a bad idea for a number of reasons. No test score is worth it.
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<p>Mmm… interesting point of view. Here’s why I disagree:</p>
<p>Adderall has a know effects profile. At therapeutic dosage levels, it makes you more energetic, significantly better able to concentrate, more awake, and so forth (standard amphetamine stuff here). Of course, overdo the dosage and you get jittery, can’t fall asleep (also happens if you take too close to bed), can’t eat because you have no appetite (often happens at therapeutic doses too). There’s also a whole range of rarer side effects, including significant mental issues (crippling depression, suicide, sudden aggression, etc.) that can occur at therapeutic doses as well as overdose levels.</p>
<p>If you keep dosage at a reasonable level (10 mg Adderall XR for many first time or occasional users without ADD is a reasonable level), the side effect profile is pretty standard. That said, bessie makes an excellent point that you could potentially have serious side effects or adverse drug interactions. While I would not necessarily recommend using the drug, if you go in with eyes open (and having researched the effects etc.), you could be entirely fine.</p>
<p>
[QUOTE=ClaySoul]
FellowCC, Adderall is extremely addictive. IT’S AN AMPHETAMINE! It’s literally weak speed.</p>
<p>And ritalin is in the same class as Adderall, they are just slightly chemically different. They do the same thing. My metabolism responds better to ritalin than adderall, so I take that.
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<p>Sort of. Adderall can induce physical dependence over long periods of chronic abuse, true. But this takes much, much longer than with other amphetamines (meth is the comparator in this case), because it lacks the quick brain-penetrating ability conferred upon speed by its methyl group. That lack of delivery speed and lipid solubility also acts to significantly reduce psychological dependence, especially when the drug is taken in capsule form (bonus points if it’s extended release [XR]).</p>
<p>Obviously if someone is snorting crushed amphetamine salts (that’s what Adderall is), they could get addicted pretty easily. But amphetamine itself is really not as addictive as it’s cracked up (get it? ;)) to be. Far less addictive than cocaine, meth, heroin, nicotine, etc. </p>
<p>As for Ritalin, it’s a different compound entirely (methylphenidate), similar to Adderall only in its stimulant effects profile and efficacy in treating ADHD.</p>
<p>
[QUOTE=ClaySoul]
I will repeat my point that aderall is a STIMULANT. In the brains of ADD / ADHD kids, stimulants calm them down. For the general populus this is not true. In fact, the reason I take ritalin (along with provigil) is entirely for its stimulant-keep-you-awake effects. Ritalin and Adderall are used on the black market at colleges mostly so people can pull wicked all nighters, and NOT for actual performance enhancing on a test. For most people who don’t have ADD brains, they will make you HIGH (as in sped up), not calm and concentrated.
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<p>Actually, the amphetamine high varies widely. One little-realized thing is that you reap what you sow. What I mean by that is that if you take an Adderall on a day you know you’re going to study a ton, and go just sit down in a library and bust it out, you will concentrate better than ever before, and get a ton done. If you take it at a party, you’ll be hyper and flighty and unable to do almost anything without losing focus. Once you’re experienced with mind-altering drugs, you can guide yourself into the right state of mind (this is most commonly discussed in psychedelic drug user circles, because the alternative to being in the right state of mind can be truly frightening).</p>
<p>Anyways, I’ll close off this little post with the following advice: Adderall is incredibly for studying and concentrating. Incredible. But I wouldn’t take it for the first time on the SAT, and I wouldn’t take it in your case because you seem pretty ignorant as to the effects of these things (my personal rule is never do a drug whose effects you are unclear on). I also wouldn’t take it unless you’re comfortable with people finding out. Because that’s the risk you run.</p>
<p>If you’re comfortable with it, I guess go for it. People will act shocked and appalled that you used a <em>gasp</em> illegal drug, and you do run certain risks that are unnecessary, but life’s all about balancing risks and rewards. As long as the two are sorted out for you, I see no reason not to go for it.</p>