No matter time of year, many college students will be looking for study aids to assist them in getting the grades they want. Sometimes, however, traditional methods like late-night library sessions and memory tricks just aren’t enough. Some students turn to prescription stimulants, known as “smart drugs”. These types of medications are generally prescribed to people who have attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Especially during exam time, college students are increasingly turning to ADHD drugs like Adderall, Focalin, Ritalin, and Vyvanse in hopes of increasing their focus and stamina. One study of over 10,000 college students found that among those with ADHD drug prescriptions, over half had been asked to sell their medication to peers.
Stimulant Use on College Campuses
Today, as many as one-third of college students have misused stimulant prescription drugs at least once during their time at university. These drugs have a high potential for abuse, with effects like cocaine if crushed or snorted. If someone takes a stimulant that hasn’t been prescribed by their doctor, many adverse side effects can occur, including shortness of breath, difficulty sleeping, depression, nervousness, increased heartbeat, irritability, and change in appetite and sex drive.
While it may be easy for college students to obtain drugs like Adderall and Focalin on many college campuses, taking ADHD drugs for studying is highly dangerous. Like all prescription medications, these stimulants should only be taken by those intended for it.
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| Survey of motivations for nonmedical use of prescription ADHD medications. Most users reported using these drugs for productivity and staying awake.Source: nih.gov |
The Consequences
Prescription drugs should only be taken by those to whom they have been prescribed, and there can be weighty consequences when someone uses a medication intended for someone else. There are a growing number of emergency room visits annually in the United States by people who have abused ADHD medication for studying or recreational use. These medications can be lethal in excessive doses. They can also be addictive or lead down the path of addiction to more dangerous stimulants like heroin or cocaine.
The next time you have an important exam, use traditional study methods. Taking Ritalan, Focalin, or other ADHD pills for your studying sessions might seem like an easy shortcut, or maybe a fun way to spice up a dull night, but the dangers aren’t worth it. Leave these prescription ADHD medications to those who need them for their conditions.
