JAYPLAY
November 2, 2000
entertainment news
For comments, contact BriAnne Hess at 864-4810 or email joyplay@kansan.com
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Some students — especially those with project-oriented majors such as art, theater and architecture — turn to prescription amphetamines to stay awake beyond the normal limitations of the body during crunch times. Photo illustration by Thad Allender/KANSAN
Some turn to drugs for ALL-NIGHTERS
By Sarah Smarsh Special to the Kansan
Sherry had two days to finish her final art project. She and her coffee cup had been at the Art and Design Building until 3 a.m. every night for a week. Already beyond exhaustion, Sherry knew she could not sleep for the next 48 hours. She also knew her coffee wasn't going to cut it — neither would the No-Doz nor the caffeine pills she'd been using. So she got her hands on some Dexedrin, crushed it into a fine powder and snorted it up her nose.
Some students such as Sherry (who asked that her real name not be revealed) use or have used prescription amphetamines easily accessible forms of speed to stay awake and alert beyond the normal limitations of the human body. Sherry, a junior
majoring in jewelry design, said she thought these students were a minority. But she pointed out that the issue could be larger than it seems; such means of staying awake are hush-hush, even in social circles.
"It isn't something we all talk about," Sherry said. "We don't go telling our friends, 'Hey, I'm coked up.'"
Dave Martin. Leawood junior,
said he thought most students
found other ways to cope with all-nighters.
"No-Doz is about the farthest extent I've heard people go," Martin said.
He said a student's approach to classes was the greater issue.
"You've got to be on top of your game." he said
For a theater major such as Martin, staying on top of the game might require a balance of
attending classes all day, rehearing roles from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m., five to six days a week, and even directing a production. Factor in the other aspects of a student's life, and it's easy to see how sleep deprivation — and the ways in which students cope — can become problems.
Or are they problems?
Kate, who also asked to remain unidentified, said she knows of amphetamine abuse with drugs such as Ritalin or Addall among architecture majors such as herself. She said she had a friend who ground caffeine pills into coffee and mixed it with Jolt, an ultra high-caffeine soda.
But she takes a much milder approach to dealing with the demands of project upon project.
"I've curled up under my desk before to take a nap on the floor," Kate said. "I think that was the lowest I've ever gone."
Ritalin Adderall Dexedrine No-Doz
Chemical name Methylphenidate HCL Amphetamine mixed salts Dextroampheta- mine sulfate Caffeine
Clinical use Treatment of Attention Deficit Disorders and Narcolepsy Treatment of Attention Deficit Disorders and Narcolepsy Treatment of Attention Deficit Disorders and Narcolepsy Over-the-counter
Abuse Used as a stimulant Used as a stimulant Used as a stimulant Used as a stimulant
Side effects Nervousness, insomnia and hypersensitivity Nervousness, insomnia and hypersensitivity Nervousness, insomnia and hypersensitivity Nervousness, insomnia and hypersensitivity
Kate isn't the least bit resentful of her sleepless nights and said they were preparation for the career she hoped to establish.
John Gaunt, dean of architecture and urban design, said burning the midnight oil was necessary to achieve the perfection the trade required.
"This is an age-old aspect of the architecture culture," Gaunt said. "You use the time available to the maximum."
"Real architects do it, so it just makes sense." Kate said.
Kyle Ramsey/KANSAS
"Amphetamines have been used by architecture students for many, many years," Gaunt said. "But it would surprise me if it's very widespread."
He also said that drug abuse was, unfortunately, just as much of a tradition.
dr. Dr. Randall Rock, chief of staff at Watkins Health Center. Rock explained that the prescription drugs at hand often are prescribed for people with Attention Deficit Disorder or other stimulation disorders. When someone without ADD takes drugs such as Ritalin, the effect is similar to that of extremely high caffeine doses. The greatest danger lies in its interaction with other medications, as well as its effects on existing health conditions. Amphetamines also increase the heart rate, creating potential cardiac problems, he said.
Widespread or not, amphetamine abuse is risky business.
For students, more traditional means of maintaining alertness do not pose as great a health threat - though they are not without embarrassing side effects.
Tim Reed, Joplin, Mo., junior,
said one of his friends used loud
music and a lot of coffee to stay
awake for four days to finish an
architecture project on time.
"He fell asleep one day at Mrs. E's eating breakfast," Reed said. "An employee had to come over and wake him up."
But whether the coping mechanism is drinking coffee or snoring Dexedrine, sleep deprivation affects areas of life beyond the classroom. John Wade, psychologist at Counseling & Psychological Services said students who didn't have a grip on their sleeping schedules experienced more difficulty getting a grasp on their personal lives.
Source: www.rxlist.com
"It can exacerbate existing problems," Wade said. "Essentially, your emotional reserve gets denied."
Sherry found that out the hard way. She said she felt the need to adopt a more sedate lifestyle to better balance classes with her
Effects on the body:
Short-term effects of amphetamine use include:
Increased heart rate
Increased blood pressure
Reduced appetite
Dilation of the pupils
Feelings of happiness and power
Reduced fatigue
Long-term use of amphetamines can result in:
Long-term use of amphetamines can result in:
Insomnia, restlessness
Paranoid psychosis
Hallucinations
Violent and aggressive behavior
Weight loss
Tremors
Heart problems
Advice for all-nighters:
stay well hydrated
snack on healthy foods
don't consume dairy products
stretch or get mild exercise
nap intermittently
(Source: Dr. Randall Rock, Watkins Health Center chief of staff)
social life.
"I'm managing my time a little better," Sherry said. "I'm not blowing Adderall anymore. I feel like I'm growing up."
Time-management seems to be the best way to prevent situations in which amphetamines become an issue in the first place. This can be a particular challenge for project-oriented majors — such as art, theater and architecture.
Gaunt said that, without turning to drugs, all-nighters can be a positive thing. He cites the core similarity among majors notorious for sleep deprivation.
"They're all creative endeavors," Gaunt said. "And creativity doesn't sleep."
— Edited by Kathryn Moore
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