It’s almost finals week and even at the best of times, we have a lot on our plate—academics, extracurriculars, internships, work. All that stress positively multiplies when we face final exams, essays, and projects. It’s not surprising that the use of ‘study drugs,’ or prescription drugs and stimulants meant to increase concentration and productivity for cramming or finishing assignments, has increased. 1 in 5 students report using medications like Adderall and Ritalin to improve their focus.
It sounds like a good idea—just take a pill and boost your ability to pull an all-nighter. Unfortunately, it’s a lot more complicated than that. For starters, using prescription drugs without a prescription is illegal. In California, drug possession is a felony, with punishments ranging from fines to jail time.
Besides the legal issue, improper use of study drugs can also have medical consequences. Medications like Adderall and Ritalin are intended for treating attention disorders like ADHD by correcting chemical imbalances in the brain. When students use study drugs without proper supervision from a doctor, side effects include restlessness, anxiety, paranoia, headaches, increased blood pressure, arrhythmia, even hallucinations or psychosis. Even for those with legitimate diagnoses, study drugs can be dangerous when taken in higher-than-recommended dosages or in conjunction with alcohol or antidepressants.
Many students don’t think of study drugs as dangerous because they are ‘medical’ drugs. But they too can be highly addictive. In fact, the DEA lists Adderall and Ritalin as Schedule II substances, defined as “drugs with a high potential for abuse”, with other Schedule II substances include “hard drugs” like cocaine and meth.4 Addiction can lead to “severe psychological or physical dependence” and increase the chance of health risks.
So-called study drugs, despite short-term benefits, can be damaging in the long run, especially for college students. They impair working memory, multitasking, attention, and flexibility, particularly for developing brains. In other words, popping pills may give you an energy boost for finishing an assignment now, but damage your long-term study skills.
If you’re thinking of using these drugs illegally, think carefully and research the possible dangers. Remember—you are smart, hardworking, and can get ahead on your own. You don’t need medication to get a good grade on your paper. There are lots of safe and legal ways, like getting plenty of sleep or doing yoga, to improve your focus without possibly compromising your physical or mental health.