Like most HerCampus readers, I’ve had my nose glued to my books for the past few days. Finals are starting this week, and it seems like everyone at Tulane is focused, studious, and making a new home in the library.
Part of this, for many students, is due to a little pill called Adderall. Adderall is a prescription drug, used to help people diagnosed with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). When prescribed by a doctor, Adderall is safe and not harmful to your health. But because it encourages you to focus, it has become heavily used by students who aren’t prescribed to use it, especially during finals time. This, I’m sure, isn’t a secret or surprise to most readers. News of the recent shortage of the pill has spread like wildfire.
Adderall is especially appealing to college women. One of my favorite websites, “Betches Love This,” said it best- “Adderall makes food your worst enemy, and convinces your brain that you’d like to be a real person, at least until the 20 mg XR wears off.” Satirical nature of the site aside, they bring up a really important point. Adderall helps you focus, and curbs your appetite. Getting great grades while not gaining weight? Sounds like a win-win situation to me.
But what happens when it turns out to be a losing situation? Adderall, like I said earlier, isn’t meant to be taken by people who aren’t prescribed it. It’s a drug, after all. It’s easier than people realize to get addicted – and once you are, it starts to mess with your head and can have potentially devastating effects. I’ve noticed plenty of Tulane students knowingly ignore these consequences in the hope of studying as hard as they can to get that A. But good health should never be compromised just to get a good grade. Finals are stressful; there’s no denying that. But there are definitely ways to stay focused and stress-free (well, as much as possible) without popping pills. Go for a workout, sit in the sauna, hang out with some friends. If you really need to stay focused, grab a cup of coffee at PJ’s, download the Self Control App, put on your favorite (upbeat) music, and get started. It’s easier than you think to stay focused – without Adderall.
Good luck everyone!