Over the years there has been an upward trend in the non-medical use of ADHD medications among undergraduates studying in the U.S. Students live in a highly competitive culture in which they are expected to produce the best work they possibly can in order to secure that dream internship, job, acceptance to graduate school, etc. In such a culture, there seems to be a pervasive Machiavellian attitude that justifies the illicit use of psychostimulants with the need for high academic performance. Students are increasingly willing to go to extremes, including breaking the law, in order to solidify their next steps after graduation.
In addition to this widely shared attitude, facilitating the illicit use of psychostimulants is the ubiquity of such drugs on college campuses. By and large, students are almost always in very close proximity to their friends and acquaintances, through class, dormitory living, club activities, and various university sponsored student programs. This presents a natural opportunity to accumulate social capital, which can be used to procure these drugs.
In addition to this widely shared attitude, facilitating the illicit use of psychostimulants is the ubiquity of such drugs on college campuses. By and large, students are almost always in very close proximity to their friends and acquaintances, through class, dormitory living, club activities, and various university sponsored student programs. This presents a natural opportunity to accumulate social capital, which can be used to procure these drugs.