The Guide to Study Drug Addiction

The Prevalence of Study Drugs on Campuses

Drug abuse is not limited to illegal drugs. It is possible to abuse and have an addiction to prescription medications, as well. Prescription drugs are the second most frequently abused drug category, ahead of illegal drugs like cocaine, heroin, and meth. Although prescription drugs have significant benefits when used correctly, they can still be highly dangerous.

When you use these drugs for anything other than the intended purpose, in a different amount than prescribed, and without a prescription at all, it is considered misuse. The types of prescription drugs that people often misuse typically fall into three categories: opioids, depressants, and stimulants.

Stimulants are among the prescription medications most commonly abused by college students. To illustrate, in a study in 2018 by the University of Texas, 18% of its students report misusing stimulants (study drug addiction). Across the entire country, about 4% of young adults admit stimulant misuse each year.

Common study drugs include: 

• Adderall
• Ritalin
• Concerta
• Vyvanse
• Modafinil

The Growing Problem

Misuse of stimulants is a growing problem among college-aged young adults. Once Adderall misuse was most severe among older children and adolescents, more recent research found that mainly young adults aged 18-25 inappropriately take drugs like Adderall. Young adults between these ages account for 60% of all non-medical Adderall use from age 12 and up.

Furthermore, over a six-year study period, the non-medical use of Adderall among young adults rose by 67%, and related emergency room visits increased by 156%. Over the same period, non-medical use remained unchanged among adolescents, and emergency room visits decreased by 54%.

The study-related benefits of these “concentration medications” are a major factor in increasing their misuse. Those who believe that these drugs make them smarter and more capable of studying may disregard or not understand the potential negative effects. Adderall and other drugs like it do indeed improve focus. However, these drugs can have unfavorable impacts, especially in high doses.

For example, stimulants can seriously affect cardiovascular health, causing high blood pressure and even stroke in some users. In 2006, the Food and Drug Administration urged that the strongest possible warning accompany these drugs. This “black box” warning is for medications that can produce cardiac problems.

The research on long-term effects is still limited. However, researchers believe that if more students get an education about the dangers of misusing prescription stimulants, then non-medical use would decrease.

 Not only is this better for physical and mental health, but research also suggests that students who do not misuse prescription drugs have more academic success despite the supposed studying benefits of stimulants.

Do Study Drugs Work?

To understand how stimulants work, let’s start with caffeine, the world’s most popular psychoactive drug. Caffeine prevents drowsiness by blocking the natural chemical in our brains that promotes sleep. Feelings of tiredness are why many people rely on coffee to help wake them up in the morning and get through the day without crashing. Due to its memory-, motivation-, and wakefulness-boosting effects, caffeine is a cognitive enhancer or “smart drug.”

Stimulants are another type of smart drug. They increase brain activity, causing an increase in alertness, attention, and energy. In addition, these drugs treat ADHD and sleep disorders like narcolepsy. It is also why healthy people, particularly college students, use them to enhance their learning or working capabilities. But how well do they work?

In 2015, one study examined the cognitive effects of modafinil. Modafinil is one of the most common “smart drugs.” It induces wakefulness and is, therefore, to treat narcolepsy. This study found that the cognitive-enhancing effects of modafinil varied. Generally, the more complex a task was, the more consistently the drug improved cognitive function.

Other studies have assessed the effects of Ritalin and Adderall, two common medications prescribed to treat ADHD. The research saw that although these drugs are some of the most commonly misused focusing medications, their cognitive-enhancing effects are relatively modest.

Regardless of the cognitive-enhancing effects, stimulants do not make users smarter. Those who use study drugs have an easier time completing assignments because they are hyper-focused and energized, not because study drugs affect learning capabilities. All stimulants have serious concerns associated with short- and long-term use despite any drugs’ benefits. However, improper use leads down the road of studying drug addiction.

If you are struggling with addiction, then call us today. Our specialists will work with you to get you the help that you deserve.

Are Study Drugs Harmful?

Prescription medications require a prescription for a reason. They are highly powerful drugs that can have harmful effects when misused. Doctors understand these effects and carefully consider the potential benefits and risks before prescribing medications appropriately.

Misusing prescription stimulants can have serious consequences, including:

• Irregular heartbeat
• High blood pressure
• Dangerously high body temperature
• Seizures
• Anxiety or paranoia
• Insomnia

Additionally, prescription stimulants are addictive and can cause death by overdose or heart failure.
Along with the adverse health effects, these drugs can also result in college students’ disciplinary action. Students who abuse study drugs primarily get them from friends or other students who sell them.

 Although these drugs are legal with a prescription, it is illegal to use them without distributing them. College campuses typically have strict policies surrounding drug use and treat any misuse very seriously.