Publication Date
2021
Document Type
Dissertation/Thesis
First Advisor
Sharp, Shane
Degree Name
M.A. (Master of Arts)
Legacy Department
Department of Sociology
Abstract
A large and growing number of college students use stimulants such as Adderall, Vyvanse, or Ritalin through their college careers, despite not having a prescription themselves. Using in-depth interviews, the current study provides an understanding of undergraduate student’s career stimulant use. Specifically, this research provides the stages necessary for becoming a stimulant user. These stages are: having a predisposition to trying stimulants, learning about stimulants, watching people use them without experiencing negative consequences, experiencing various personal struggles, convincing themselves that using stimulants is their best or only option to overcome these struggles, and lastly, upon trying stimulants, learning to enjoy the symptoms. Along with using the stage model to help understand why individuals use stimulants, this study helps further understanding as to why individuals begin a deviant career.
Recommended Citation
Wagner, Emily, "Becoming a Stimulant User" (2021). Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations. 7761.
https://huskiecommons.lib.niu.edu/allgraduate-thesesdissertations/7761
Extent
44 pages
Language
eng
Publisher
Northern Illinois University
Rights Statement
In Copyright
Rights Statement 2
NIU theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from Huskie Commons for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without the written permission of the authors.
Media Type
Text
