Commonly prescribed stimulants (given for ADHD usually): Ritalin (Methylphenidate), Adderall, Dexedrine, Adderall XR, Concerta

Street Names: dex(ies), rits, vitamin R, west coast, add(ies)

With the exception of Ritalin, these drugs are all amphetamines (speed) and have dozens of street names. Those who abuse prescription drugs will use different names than those looking for street 'dirty' drugs. Ecstasy is one of the most popular street amphetamines and has a collection of exclusive street names. For more information on Ecstasy, click here.

All stimulants affect your brain in much the same way (such as cocaine). They focus primarily on the norepinephrine and dopamine levels in your brain causing increased alertness and attention (ability to focus), energy and a ‘feel-good’ euphoria or high. These drugs are (or have been) prescribed for narcolepsy, asthma, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, obesity and depression. They are considered safe when taken as advised by a physician where the risk of dependence is virtually non-existent. When abused, these drugs are addictive. There have been cases in the United States where people have died from heart complications as a result of using these drugs.

How is it used?

Sold in pill form, abusers crush and snort the powder or mix with water and inject. These prescription drugs are most popular with 18-25 year olds. These drugs are taken as ‘performance enhancers’ by students for late night study sessions and tests to increase alertness, focus and stay up for long periods. Considered 'safe' by students, the effect these drugs give is much greater than energy drinks or caffeine pills. These drugs are also used to get ‘high’. Most of the drugs listed above have extended relief versions, which are more easily abused. Ritalin, for example, only lasts 4 hours, whereas Concerta was designed to be taken once a day.

Designer Drugs

Many of the stimulants doctors prescribe are only slightly different than the illegal stimulants sold on the street. Super labs often chemically alter (in only small ways) legal drugs to sell in the illegal drug trade to make them more powerful (and addictive). Amphetamine is a large component of ecstasy, meth, crystal meth and other designer drugs, as well as these prescription stimulants. Street and online sellers promise safe regulated pills, but the truth is that you never know what you’re getting.

Canadian Statistics

LONDON - Eight people have died of anthrax infection from using suspected contaminated heroin, European health authorities said on Saturday, and one expert advised users to stop taking the narcotic immediately.

• Canada is among the top 15 consumers in the world of prescription amphetamines (CCSA)
• In a 2007 Newfoundland and Labrador study, 5.1% of students used Ritalin without a prescription (SDUS Summary 2007)
• In Ontario, 16,500 high school students report using an ADHD drug for non-medical purposes. (OSDUHS 2009 – CAMH)
• In a 2007 study, there was a significant drop among New Brunswick students using non-medical amphetamines and Ritalin (2.4% and 2% down from 10.9% and 5.8% respectively) (NBSDUS 2007)
• Health Canada estimates that 145,000 children are taking Ritalin in Canada. Purchasing pills from classmates, siblings and friends with legitimate prescriptions is a major source for abusers.

Canadian Headlines

How smart are “smart drugs” on campus?

"The most popular "smart drug" on campus seems to be Adderall. Like Ritalin, Adderall is normally prescribed to individuals diagnosed with ADHD. According to this study, approximately 7% of college students in the USA reported using prescription stimulants within a month prior to completing the survey. At some schools - the ones with high levels of academic competition - the rate was as high as 25%."

Brain Candy: Can Ritalin turn you into an A student?

March 9, 2010

"Thousands of students are using the drug illegally—but are they on to something?"