A November Bark survey that sampled 10% of the student body showed surprisingly high numbers of students who take ADHD drugs without a prescription.
According to the survey, 20.6% of Redwood students have taken an ADHD medication non-medically.

A 2011 national survey by the University of Michigan showed that 9% of sophomores and 12.2% of seniors have taken ADHD drugs without a prescription, compared to 12.5% of Redwood sophomores and 40% of Redwood seniors.

The survey showed that the abuse of the drug increased by grade level. When asked if they have ever taken ADHD drugs without a prescription, 5% of freshman boys, 15% of sophomore boys, 30% of junior boys, and 55% of senior boys answered yes. A similar trend appeared in the girls: 5% of freshmen girls, 10% of sophomore girls, 20% of junior girls, and 25% of senior girls answered yes.

A trend in gender was also prevalent. According to the survey, 26.25% of boys and 15% of girls have taken ADHD drugs without a prescription. Additionally, 55% of senior boys said that they have taken ADHD drugs non-medically, compared to 25% of senior girls.

Fewer students said that they have taken the drug without a prescription in the past 30 days. Overall, 6.25% of Redwood students said they have taken the drug in the past 30 days, of which 0% were freshmen.

Students were also asked about the availability of the drugs. 52.5% of students said it would be “fairly easy” or “very easy” to get ADHD drugs without a prescription, if they wanted them.

Additionally, 50% of sophomores and 62.5% of seniors said that it would be “fairly easy” or “very easy” to get ADHD drugs without a prescription. This compares to the national survey in which 28.5% of sophomores and 58.8% of seniors nationwide said that the drug would be “fairly easy” or “very easy” to get.