The prescription volume of medical narcotics for teenagers is rapidly increasing, particularly in regions with high educational fervor.

Two years ago, the drug-laced beverage incident in the Daechi-dong academy area of Seoul showcased a shocking example of how easily teenagers can be exposed to narcotics.

According to KBS, the prescription volume of medical narcotics for teenagers has nearly doubled in the past four years.

What is particularly noteworthy is the significant surge in prescriptions for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) medications. The number of teenage patients prescribed ADHD medications has more than doubled.

A more serious issue is that these medical narcotics are being prescribed under the misguided perception that they are "study-enhancing drugs," deviating from their original purpose.

Concentration of ADHD Medication Prescriptions in High-Education Areas

The regions where teenage patients are most frequently prescribed ADHD medications are identified as the Gangnam districts in Seoul and Bundang in Seongnam, areas known for their high educational standards. This suggests that in regions with high academic pressure, there is a greater use of medications to enhance concentration.

In July of last year, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety's enforcement team conducted inspections at a psychiatric clinic that had over-prescribed the medical narcotic ADHD medication "methylphenidate."

Even more concerning is the emergence of social media posts selling ADHD medications online.

A 30-something ADHD patient commented, "Taking the medication makes a difference. It definitely feels like my mind is tightened up. I would say it's tightened into one. I can focus a little better…"

Risks of Misuse and Warnings from Experts

ADHD medications are originally intended to treat mental disorders characterized by a lack of concentration. However, the rumor that they are "study-enhancing drugs" has led to an increase in prescriptions for teenagers who are not actual ADHD patients.

Kim Eun-joo, director of the Drug Management Division at the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, told KBS, "After analyzing the prescribed status of ADHD medications for teenagers last year, we found that the highest rates were in Seoul's Gangnam and Songpa districts, followed by Bundang in Seongnam."

Notably, leading up to last year's standardized college entrance exam, over 700 posts were found illegally distributing and selling ADHD medications referred to as "study drugs." This demonstrates how stress related to entrance exams and pressure for academic achievement can lead to drug misuse.

Experts warn that misuse of ADHD medications can result in serious aftereffects such as cardiovascular diseases, depression, seizures, and addiction.

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Image sources: News1, KBS, KBS News