...Is Marijuana a Stimulant? Is marijuana a stimulant that raises levels of physiological or nervous activity in the body? Marijuana cultivated from the Cannabis sativa or indica plant, is a brown, green, or gray mixture of dried stems, shredded leaves, and flower buds. The plants primary psychoactive ingredient is the chemical delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and other related compounds. It’s usually ingested, rolled up like a cigarette or cigar, or put into a pipe and smoked. Occasionally, people inhale it using a vaporizer or mix it with food. Although there are people who use it for treating a variety of medical conditions, young people typically use it as a recreational drug. Is Marijuana a Stimulant? Marijuana is considered to be a...
Words: 674 - Pages: 3
... Of A.D.H.D Medication. James Sullivan Palomar College CHDV 100 T, TH 9:00-10:50am Abstract This research paper is looking at two articles I looked up online about the long and short term effects of Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (A.D.H.D). Both articles have the same data and results. Robinson, Smith and Segal (2011) give good detail and outline various side-effects of several medications as well as many long and short term health Effects. Weathers (2012) also gives various details about side effects and more on long and short term effects. The Long Term and Short Term Effects Of A.D.H.D Medication. There is a lot of controversy about ADHD medications about the possible health risks with using certain stimulants such as Ritalin, Adderall and Dexedrine. Robinson, Smith and Segal (2011) research shows that these medications can have negative effects on brain development, heart problems, psychiatric problems, and a potential for abuse. In this paper I will be discussing these issues in depth. Weathers (2012) also states in their research that certain medications can lead to unhealthy heart problems, height problems, facial tics and high blood pressure. This paper will discus the research of Robinson et al.’s on the health effects as well as the research of Weathers. So the questions that are going to be discussed are, What are the long term effects of ADHD medication? And What...
Words: 1368 - Pages: 6
...August 2011 Abstract This paper explores various treatment options for children and adolescents with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. The outcome of previous research was reviewed showing the effects on children and adolescents with ADHD when the method of treatment was pharmacology and when the method of treatment was pharmacology along with behavior modification. Behavior modification refers to programs that were administered in an academic environment or behavior programs that were part of psychotherapy. This paper specifically addresses the academic effects of treatment with medication, the effects of treatment with medication and behavior modification, and the effects of treatment with behavior modification alone. Keywords: ADHD; children; adolescents; behavioral; academic; treatment Effective Treatment for Children and Adolescents with ADHD Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a complex mental disorder that is controversial because of its method of diagnosis and detection. Children and adolescents with ADHD generally have difficulty concentrating, finishing tasks, controlling behavior, acting impulsively, and being overactive. Managing youth with ADHD can be difficult for parents, teachers and others that have direct contact with the child or adolescent. Medication is one of the most common first lines of treatment used to manage and alleviate the symptoms of ADHD in children and adolescents, but professional research has shown that medication...
Words: 1580 - Pages: 7
...Over-prescribing of ADHD Medication to Children Lesley M. Thomas University of Houston- Clear Lake What is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder? According to the National Library of Medicine, Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder is defined as, “a problem of not being able to focus, being overactive, not being able to control behavior, or a combination of these.” (www.nlm.nih.gov) For a diagnosis of this disorder, generally referred to simply as ADHD, these issues must be out of the normal range for a person’s age and development. Although the majority of diagnoses are given to children and adolescents, there are also a vast number of ADHD cases diagnosed for adults. The purpose of my research paper is to offer background on this disorder, discuss the psychopharmacology of its treatment options, and to discuss whether ADHD medication is over-prescribed to children. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) states that Attention Deficit Hyperactivity has three different subtypes. Those subtypes are Predominantly Inattentive, Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive, and a combination of the two. In order for the Predominantly Inattentive subtype to be used, at least six or more symptoms of inattention must be both present and persistent for at least six months. However, there must be fewer than six symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity. For usage of the Hyperactivity-Impulsivity subtype to be used, there must be a persistent presence of at least six...
Words: 3100 - Pages: 13
...Dean’s List And More A Research Essay About Why College Students Are Using and Abusing Stimulants To Get By February, 2014 Abstract Prescription stimulant use as academic performance enhancers is increasingly widespread among college students and the prescription stimulant use as "cognitive enhancers" has been described among undergraduate college students. Adderall and Ritalin are the most popular among the students. Some use the drugs to stay awake to study to get by with good grades, even with acknowledgement of the dangers of using. However, the use of prescription stimulants among future graduated students is at risk. Table of Contents Abstract…………………………………………………………………………………... 2 Chapter 1 ……………………………………………………………………………..….. 4 Purpose of the Study ……………………………………..……………… 4 Statement …………………………………………………..……………. 4 Research Questions …………………………………………..…………. 5 Significance of the Study ……………………………………..………… 5 Delimitation ……………………………………………..……………… 5 Definition of Terms …………………………………………..………… 6 Chapter 2 Literature Review…………………………………………………………….. 7 Chapter 3 Research Methods …………………………………………………………… 18 References ………………………………………………………….…………………… 22 Appendix A ……………………………………………………………………………… 23 Dean’s List and More Nature of Study If you are a full time student with heavy load of courses while working to support your lifestyle, then you will be worrying where you can find the time. Undergraduate college students do stress...
Words: 4336 - Pages: 18
...Drug Profile Paper 5/17/16 PSY/425 Chemical Dependency in the Workplace Stacey Lederberg Explain the psychological and physiology of addiction: Simply put phycology is the understanding of human behavior and physiology is the study of the physical function of humans. In the following paragraphs I will discuss the psychological and physiological issues of addiction. According to psychologists there are a few different causes for addiction. Some people get into an addiction or harmful behavior because of an abnormality. Another reason people get into an unhealthy addiction because of the environment they are in. The last one is someone’s beliefs or thoughts create feelings that cause addiction because these feelings are not realistic. When you think about addiction there are actually quite a few definitions. This is because there are so many substances that are addictive and each one has its own disorder. Addiction can be many things from illegal drugs, prescriptions, inhalants to gambling, hoarding, sex etc. The cause of an addiction has many factors that encompass it including biological, psychological and environmental. Because humans are wired to seek out reward and avoid discomfort it makes sense that addictions pacify the seeking of pleasure and erase pain. In the brain of an addicted person drugs, alcohol or any other substance target the CNS (central nervous system). The substance causes a hostile takeover in the pain-pleasure...
Words: 911 - Pages: 4
...hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity (Rodriguez, 2010). In order to treat such a disorder, cognitive stimulants are used to counteract the symptoms and calm the patient in order to for them to focus. However, these medications have a paradoxical effect on people who do not suffer from such a disorder. This has caused many people, mostly college and high school students, to use them for cognitive enhancement rather than to treat a condition. A study completed by DeSantis and Hane (2010) surveyed and analyzed information given to them by an undergraduate sample, to find out their justifications for using these pharmaceuticals illegally. Of the arguments presented by the undergraduates, there were four main contentions: comparison-and-contrast, all-things-in-moderation, self-medicating, and minimization (DeSantis & Hane, p31). This paper will focus on comparison-and-contrast, and how the arguments are inconsistent with facts and information available. Due to the amount of compelling research completed in this area, DeSantis & Hane completed an additional experiment to concur and elaborate on the great findings found in the other studies; one of which found as many as 34% of the student sample using a form of cognitive stimulant (p32). DeSantis and Hane surveyed a selection of 175 students from a South-eastern university who have used Adderall, Ritalin, or other stimulant for recreation or as a study tool. In order to understand the rationale of the students who use the...
Words: 1350 - Pages: 6
...Neuroenhancement; Stimulants in the Classroom In the current economy, people are competing to earn a decent living; meanwhile, only certain individuals receive a prescription for neuroenhancing medication. An individual receiving Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) treatment is at an advantage compared to an individual with ADHD and no prescription. Neuroenhancing drugs, categorized as stimulants, are most often prescribed to people who’ve been diagnosed with ADHD. Students are the main focus of this research paper because data supports the claim that neuroenhancers are often used to improve performance in the classroom. There are positive and negative results that come from the use of neuroenhancing medication. A qualitative study by Margaret Talbot examines a Harvard student and includes personal insight from an Adderall user that earned a college degree. If a student doesn’t have access to prescribed neuroenhancers, and has a hard time focusing on schoolwork, is the student similar to someone with bad vision and no access glasses? The current situation in our information based economy with a growing need for higher education puts prescribed users of neuroenhancement at an academic advantage over people with similar neurological characteristics and no prescription. Defining the Drug ADHD medication has an intended purpose to improve the ability for the user to focus on a given task. More specifically, “stimulants increase the activity of the sympathetic nervous...
Words: 2287 - Pages: 10
...Running head: DRUG PROFILE PAPER Drug Profile Paper Sherita Brown Axia College of UOP Drug Profile Paper In this paper I will examine abused substances and their various effects; I will also explain the psychology and Physiology of drug addiction. Addiction begins as a high, as an illusion of being in control, but it eventually turns on the individual. The results are pathological relationships to a mood altering experience that brings negative, life destructive consequences. People become addicted to drugs due to a combination of factors. For example, genetic factors: some people may inherit a vulnerability to the addictive properties of drugs, meaning that the risk of substance use disorders is higher for individuals who have close relatives with substance abuse disorders (www.drugpolicy.org). The environment is another factor, for example, the home; neighborhood or community where people live has an influence on whether or not an individual develops a substance abuse problem. Additionally, research shows that more than half of people with substance problems also have mental health issues such as anxiety or depression. We can become addicted to anything that alters the consciousness and alters the mood. Psychological characteristics of an addict are more impulsive and more lacking in impulse control, they are inclined to act in accordance with their mood of the moment and tend not to plan for the future. The most common illegal stimulant is cocaine and amphetamines;...
Words: 1220 - Pages: 5
...RESEARCH PAPER ON ADHD Abstract Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) is a neurobehavioral development disorder among children. In the United States there are at least 2 million grade school children that are diagnosed with the disorder (Dupper, 2003). ADHD is determined to be one of the most common development disorders in children (Barlow & Durand, 2009). This paper will discuss the different aspects of ADHD, its symptoms, common traits, and the known treatments being used by clinicians. Moreover, the paper will also touch on the important things to consider when dealing with ADHD, particularly in the area of social work. By doing so, it will determine why social work should be an integral part of the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD. ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVE DISORDER (ADHD) Dr. George Still was the first to diagnose ADHD in 1902 (Rafalovich, 2001). He detected the disorder in 20 children who all had impaired concentration and over-activity. However it was only after the encephalitis outbreak in the United States from 1917- 1918 that serious study of the disorder took place (Rafalovich, 2001). Clinically called encephalitis luthargica was identified as a specific disease category of children demonstrating unconventional behavior (Rafalovich, 2001). The study of encephalitis luthargica paved the way for research modality in psychiatry that became the neurological basis for childhood deviance, exemplified by modern study of ADHD (Rafalovich, 2001). Today...
Words: 3524 - Pages: 15
...English-123 9 January 2016 ADHD Medications: Evidence of Overprescribing ADHD is a familiar and often used term in today’s society. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Ritalin is the medication most-often mentioned when looking at the treatment of ADHD patients. “First synthesized in 1944, Ritalin is a stimulant drug and was first approved for use in adults during the mid-1950s” (Mayes, et al). According to Dr. Matthew Smith, Ritalin wasn’t even considered for use in children with behavioral issues until many years after its introduction. It was originally marketed as a “pep” pill. Advertisements were aimed towards the elderly, and housewives whom lacked the energy to get all their work done around the house. The pharmaceutical company Ciba, whom created Ritalin, did not receive approval to market the drug to underachieving school children until 1962 (Smith). ADHD later became the diagnosis for both children and adults who were observed as having concentration and behavioral issues. Whether or not too many people are being diagnosed and medicated for ADHD has certainly been a hot topic of debate for many years now. Research does show that medical professionals are overprescribing ADHD medications. Trends have indicated a rise in diagnosis along with drug treatment, the ADHD drug industry is booming, and ADHD prescriptions are easily obtained by those seeking them. Today, ADHD drugs are prescribed to both children and adults who have been diagnosed with the disorder...
Words: 1758 - Pages: 8
...repeated. This is often used in the treatment of drug and alcohol abuse, and is being studied as a smoking cessation method. Marijuana is the most commonly used illicit substance in the United States, with approximately 5.5 million regular weekly users and high prevalence among young adults. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in marijuana use as well as in rates of marijuana use disorders among adults in the 18- to 29-year old age range, most markedly among members of ethnic groups. This paper will define contingency management and how it is implemented by a competent and trained human service worker. By using contingency management the effective treatment of marijuana abuse and the ability to abstain will be investigated. Introduction Contingency management in medicine is a treatment plan that gives immediate rewards for desired changes in behavior. It is based on the principle that if a good behavior is rewarded, it is more likely to be repeated. This paper will define contingency management and how it is implemented by a...
Words: 3003 - Pages: 13
...beginning to look at the possibility of stimulant abuse within their own company. Illicit drug abuse such as cocaine, adderrall, etc, seems to lend itself to a trend of increased worker’s comp claims involving incident and injury. One study shows that nearly 75% of all drug users are employed, as are most binge drinkers. “Alcoholism causes 500 million lost workdays each year (National Association of Treatment Providers, 1991).” Another study shows that seventy-three percent of all current drug users aged 18 and older (8.3 million adults) were employed in 1997. This includes 6.7 million full-time workers and 1.6 million part-time workers (United States Department of Health and Human Services, 1998). More surprising than this data set is the data collected during a national survey conducted by the Hazelden Foundation, more than sixty percent of adults know people who have gone to work under the influence of drugs or alcohol (Hazelden Foundation, 1996). There are two major categories of drugs: those that speed up bodily and mental functions, and those that slow them down. Stimulants such as caffeine, amphetamines, crack, ephedrine, etc; all speed up heart rate, metabolic rate and cognitive abilities. Depressants such as alcohol, and many times anti-anxiety medicines slow down motor skills, and prevent an over active central nervous system. Both used within the context of the original prescription can prove to be beneficial. Stimulants to treat conditions such as Attention...
Words: 1223 - Pages: 5
...Choosing the Most Effective Treatment for Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Sabra Serreyn PSYCH3002 Developing a Psychological Perspective Controversies in Psychology Position Paper Capella University December, 2015 Abstract This paper discusses the most effective treatment for children with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Increasing research has been recommending a combination of both pharmaceutical and psychotherapy treatments. DuPaul and White (2006) state that both the disruptive behavior and genetic aspects need to be addressed, therefore recommending treatment of both medication and behavioral intervention. There has also been a spike in psychiatrists suggesting alternative options in place of medication. Block and Smith (2015) express concern for the side effects of medication and should focus on the behavioral modification aspects. With that being said, the authors do state that medication may help in conjunction with behavioral therapy. Others argue that medication is the answer to resolving symptoms of ADHD because it can repair gray matter in a certain part of the brain. The conclusion comes together stating that all symptoms and treatments need to be taken into consideration in developing a combination therapy strategy. This is the most advantageous and ethical manner of working with a diagnosis. Choosing the Most Effective Treatment for ADHD Diagnosing children with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity...
Words: 1823 - Pages: 8
...For my research paper my topic is Stress in Schools, but how stress in schools are related to Adderall. When thinking of the problems that warrant this topic I think of the death, dropout, and addiction rates. Due to school stress most students turn to drugs such as the “study drug” known as Adderall many students use this drug in order to focus more and get better grades. I have described what Adderall is and each of my research questions as the heading using primary and secondary sources along with my findings. What is Adderall According to an article What Is Adderall (Adderall XR) from Everyday Health, Adderall is the brand name of a prescription medication used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adults and narcolepsy....
Words: 871 - Pages: 4
