ERIC Number: EJ900835
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2010
Pages: 15
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0047-2379
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Speeding through the Frat House: A Qualitative Exploration of Nonmedical ADHD Stimulant Use in Fraternities
DeSantis, Alan; Noar, Seth M.; Webb, Elizabeth M.
Journal of Drug Education, v40 n2 p157-171 2010
Qualitative methods were used to investigate the use of nonmedical Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) stimulants by fraternity members. The primary goal of the study was to determine students' levels of understanding and motivations for use of these Schedule II controlled substances. Seventy-nine in-depth interviews were conducted. Key findings highlighted how: a) easy it was for subjects to obtain stimulants; b) little health information nonmedical users have about stimulants; c) academic stress created a fertile context for stimulant use; and d) a small number of prescribed users supply the vast majority of nonmedical users with their stimulants. Most nonmedical users claimed to primarily use ADHD stimulants in periods of high academic stress and believed that they not only reduced fatigue, but also increased reading comprehension, interest, cognition, and memory. These qualitative data have supplied a rich and complex understanding behind nonmedical ADHD stimulant use among fraternity members. (Contains 1 footnote.)
Descriptors: Stress Variables, Reading Comprehension, Stimulants, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Fraternities, Drug Use, Drug Therapy, Qualitative Research, Student Motivation, Interviews, Academic Achievement, Fatigue (Biology), Memory, Cognitive Ability, College Students, Student Attitudes
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
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Authoring Institution: N/A
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