Publication Date

2022

Document Type

Article

Description

The abuse of adderall among college students is a prevalent issue in today’s society due to the stress they face with deadlines, assignments, and external pressure. Adderall is a stimulant that changes brain chemistry and reduces appetite. A study was conducted to examine the extent to which adderall has an effect on student’s nutrition and mood. An anonymous online survey was administered through GroupMe, text, email, and word of mouth. The survey included basic demographic questions and questions on mental health, diet, and the illicit use of stimulant drugs such as Adderall. For analysis, demographics from the survey were compiled together and coded using Google Sheets. Implications of Adderall abuse on mental health and nutrition in college students compared to non-users were then compared. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25.0. Based on the 157 responses received from the survey, there is a positive correlation between Adderall intake and malnutrition (poor quality food choices) including high stress level, mental health issues (e.g. sleep difficulty, anxiety, weight loss, and depression), and caffeine intake. Those who abuse Adderall are more likely to follow a Western dietary pattern. These results suggest that the illicit use of Adderall not only impacts mood but quality of food consumed.

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The Implications of Adderall on College Students

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