The University of Georgia student newspaper recently published an article documenting the apparent prevalence of Adderall use among college students. It is important that all Athens students understand that just because Adderall is a prescription medication does not mean that it can be used wantonly; its use or sale could lead to drug charges just as easily as could marijuana or cocaine.

Adderall is a stimulant commonly prescribed to patients with Attention Deficit - Hyperactivity Disorder. It has also attracted quite a black-market following because people who use it but do not have ADHD report that it can help them concentrate on their studies or recuperate after a particularly wicked bender.

There's a dark side to Adderall, though. One UGA student told the newspaper he thinks Adderall is like "legal coke" because it "Makes your hair fall out, your nails get thin...and the withdrawals are terrible."

That's not all that's bad about Adderall. Even though it is a prescription drug, that does not mean it can be used freely. Georgia authorities will prosecute you if you have Adderall, but not the prescription for the medication. You may think you're just making a little money on the side by selling Adderall to your friends, but authorities will likely see that as drug dealing and will not hesitate to go after you.

Ultimately, we hope you do not take Adderall unless a doctor has reached the opinion that you need it. If it's too late for that, though, and you have been caught, please understand that working with a criminal defense attorney may help your situation.

Source: The Athens Red and Black, "Adderall abuse on the rise," Julia Carpenter and Adina Solomon, May 1, 2012