The Binghamton Student Managed Adderall Research Team (B-SMART)
About Us
The Binghamton Student Managed Adderall Research Team (B-SMART) was founded in the Fall of 2018. The group consisted of Health and Wellness students who, under the mentorship of Dr. Lina Begdache, aimed to understand the causes and extent of the study drug epidemic on college campuses. BSMART is a research and an educational student-run group .The group has collected and analyzed data on Adderall (an amphetamine-based drug typically prescribed to individuals with ADHD) abuse on college campuses and has carried educational seminars to promote awareness on the side effects of misuse. Adderall use in non-ADHD individuals has the risk of disturbing brain chemistry, which increases the risk of mental health problems. The results of our phase I study, were presented at the 32nd APS Annual Convention, May 21-24, 2020, in Chicago, IL, USA. Phase II results will be presented at Experimental Biology (EB) April 4th, in Philadelphia.
After collecting hundreds of survey responses, the group took their research to the campus at large with outreach seminars and poster conventions. Today for phase II, the B-SMART team seeks to understand how nutrition and the college diet plays a role in students resorting to Adderall and similar drug abuse. Additionally, we aim to understand how Addereall misuse affect dietary intake which may also affect mental health. In understanding the intricate relationship between nutrition and Adderall misuse, we may be able to support students with making healthier choices to reach academic success and improve their mental wellbeing.
Our Mission
We wish to understand the relationship between diet (mostly lack of proper nutrition) and Adderall and similar drug abuse. Drug of abuse has been linked to poor diet quality. We wish to assess the relationship between diet quality and Adderall abuse among college students.
We are conducting a survey-based research to better understand how college student's diets play a role in their decision to use Adderall and vice-versa. As a team, our top priority is to educate the student population about the dangers of Adderall abuse and provide students with healthy alternatives to obtain academic success. We hold seminars, classroom visits and informal discussions with students each semester in order to help students make informed decisions concerning illcit Adderall use to support their health and study habits.