Studies estimate more than one-third of college students take Attention Deficit drugs without a prescription, claiming they help them focus, or give them extra energy to study during stressful times at school.  They often get the pills from their pals who are properly prescribed the medicine.  Schools around the country are buckling down on this buddy system of swapping stimulants.  And in doing so, some claim they're discriminating against those who truly need the drugs.

"These are unfortunate kind of barriers for those who need the treatment," said Dr. Ted Grace, MD, MPH, the Director of Student Health Services at Southern Illinois University.

Studies document rampant misuse and abuse of ADHD medication on college campuses.  One student, who asked that we not share his identity, explained he didn't get his prescription until his first year of college.

"I had a bunch of friends that were on them and I had taken some of theirs and that helped me," he said.

So, he asked a doctor to write him a prescription.

"I've never sold them, but have given them away," he admitted.

And that's a problem.  Schools are having a hard time keeping up with the demand and the expense for treatment and diagnosis.   And they're concerned about medical liability , so many are taking up new policies. 



"They base it on the fact that it's been diagnosed in the past," said Grace.



The contract also gives consent for periodic random drug testing.


But not everyone agrees these changes are all good.  Ruth Hughes heads up the advocacy group Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. She's worried this stigmatizes students who need the drugs to succeed.


The medical facilitators argue colleges face a tough dilemna.

