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Recent research conducted at the University of Auckland has shown that six per cent of the 400 students surveyed had used drugs as a study aid. The most common drug used by students was Ritalin, a B class drug often referred to on the streets as “Ritz.” Ritalin is a medication prescribed to individuals with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD.) It adjusts chemicals in the brain that contribute to hyperactivity and impulse control. Those under the influence are able to concentrate better, therefore increasing study capability.

Bruce Russell, conductor of the survey and senior lecturer at the University of Auckland’s School of Pharmacy told the ODT he would be “extremely surprised” if University of Otago students weren’t using the same methods. He said, “There needs to be a discussion around it and people need to be aware that these drugs are out there.”

In 2012, Druvi Patrick Rodrigo, a University of Otago student, was arrested and charged for illegally obtaining Ritalin and selling it to his classmates. In April 2013 Rodrigo was convicted and sentenced to 10 months of home detention and 200 hours of community service. However, after a co-offender who had admitted to the same offence was discharged without conviction, Rodrigo appealed his case. His charges were dropped on March 13 2014.

Another Otago student, who wished to remain anonymous out of fear of repercussions, told Critic that his friend had received a prescription from a doctor for “a few hundred dollars” so that he could “study better.” The student then sold them on to some of his peers. Another student told Critic that he believed the street value to be approximately “$100 for a tray of 20mgs or $10 a pill.”

A Unichem Pharmacist said “[Doctors] give out Ritalin as if it’s nothing these days; we have entire families on it.” Around 12,000 New Zealanders received prescriptions for medications to treat ADHD in the year up to June 2013. When prescribed by a doctor, stimulants such as Ritalin are to be taken orally. However, it has become common for the drug to be crushed into powder form and then snorted, creating amphetamine-like effects for the users.

Dr Michael Beasley, toxicology expert at the National Poisons Centre, said potential side effects of Ritalin could include “agitation, tremor and anxiety” but that “severe cases include hallucinations and seizure.” He said the severity of symptoms depends on the dosage but it can become “extremely toxic to the heart.”

Student Services Manager, Matt Tucker was unaware as to whether there were any issues at Otago as “students don’t come in admitting that kind of thing.”