December is the most wonderful time of the year, especially if you're an Adderall dealer.
An Auburn University student, who wished to remain anonymous, prescribed for the popular study drug, Adderall, said during the weeks leading up to and including final examinations Adderall can sell for $7.
"Normally, it's $3.50-$5," the source said. "If I got top price for every pill, I could make $600."
The Adderall-prescribed student also said there is a dramatic increase in demand for the drug as semesters draw to a close.
"I don't really sell (Adderall) in November," the Auburn student said. "A lot of people try to buy them in November when they're cheaper and save them for December."
Possession and use of Adderall without a prescription is a crime, and something the Auburn Police Department is aware of.
"I certainly think people use Adderall more around exam time," said Capt. William Mathews of the Auburn Police Department.
Despite what Mathews said he suspects is an increase in use during final examinations, he said the number of incidents and arrests do not dramatically spike.
"There's not an increase as far as making additional cases," Mathews said. "We really don't give it more emphasis than any other drug."
Although anecdotal evidence supports the idea that Adderall experiences a popularity surge relative to final examinations, a survey collected by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration suggested Adderall is just popular with full-time college students in general.
SAMHSA's National Survey on Drug Use and Health found full-time college students, ages 18-22, were twice as likely as others in their age group to use Adderall non-medically.
The survey also indicates Adderall users are more likely to drink heavily and use other drugs.
Despite its prevalence, Mathews said selling and possessing Adderall are considered serious crimes.
"If you are caught selling, you would be charged with distribution of a controlled substance, which is a serious felony," Mathews said.
Mathews said if someone is caught with 28 or more milligrams of Adderall they would be charged with trafficking.
"Usually, the supply is from a legitimate prescription," Mathews said.
Mathews also said there is a legal risk associated with Adderall many do not anticipate.
"A lot of people think if they give someone a pill, they won't get in trouble because they didn't sell it," Mathews said. "There's no difference between giving someone that pill and selling it."
Mathews said this means someone is simply giving a friend a pill would be charged for distribution.
Even though the illegality of selling Adderall and possessing it without a prescription is well known, the anonymous Auburn student said he expects plenty of customers.
"People need it to stay up and focus," the source said. "All of your time is spent doing what you're supposed to be doing."
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