Exhaustion is a common problem for college students. When it comes to carving a few extra hours of study time out of their nights, all of the coffee in the world may not help — unless they get some study drugs.
What are study drugs?
Study drugs or “smart” drugs are prescription stimulants that are used by people who don’t need them for a medical condition. For example, one of the most commonly used study drugs is Adderall. A prescription stimulant, Adderall is used to treat symptoms of narcolepsy and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). When someone without one of these conditions uses the drug, however, they may feel extra-energetic and alert. They may not need to sleep as much.
Since Adderall is a prescription drug that many students are prescribed, they may be pressured to share their pills with friends and acquaintances who are desperate for a study drug to get through their next big project or finals.
How common is drug sharing?
Drug sharing is an epidemic on college campuses. Many students don’t think twice about giving a buddy one of their pills or even selling a few extra pills to make some quick cash. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA):
- More than a third of college students admit that they’ve either given away some of their medication or sold it to other students.
- Study drugs account for two-thirds of the drugs shared between students.
- Approximately 50% of students with access to ADHD medications will be asked at least once to share their drugs.
This is a serious issue. Whether they only sold a single pill or just gave a few pills to a roommate for free, they can be charged with drug distribution. Virginia is particularly unforgiving about drug charges, so make sure that your college student has experienced legal representation if the situation arises.
