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Redwood Bark

Students consider various cultural perspectives in Professor Eddie Madril’s Ethnic Studies class. (Image courtesy )
TUHSD approves new ethnic studies course despite curriculum concerns
Michael SetonMarch 28, 2024

A new ethnic studies course will be introduced in the 2024-25 school year after a recent four to one vote by the Tamalpais Union High School...

The great divide of special education: the 504 plan
The great divide of special education: the 504 plan
Nina HowardMarch 28, 2024

As of 2018, up to one in four students at elite colleges were considered legally disabled due to mental health issues, learning differences or...

Boldly standing out, an outdated air system contrasts the nature of Redwoods campus.
The Impact of the potential ‘NO’ on Measure A
Emily Hitchcock, Web Designer • March 27, 2024

As the clock ticks down to see if Measure A will pass, its current ‘Yes’ count is at 53.8 percent, with 55 needed to pass. An estimated 50...

Local usage of ADHD medication extends past national levels

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.

 

 

 

 

 

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