College can be a time of serious academic, personal, and professional demands. Many students can feel stretched by time, overworked by academics, and struggling to keep up with working part- or full-time. To manage these responsibilities, many students turn to “study drugs.” These drugs are often stimulants that provide energy and focus. However, using and abusing study drugs can be dangerous. When you feel that your drug use affects your personal life, a college student drug rehab can help.
What are Popular Study Drugs?
Popular study drugs include Adderall and Ritalin. These drugs are prescribed by doctors to treat attention disorders but are often used by college students without a valid prescription. While these drugs can help academic performance in the short term, they can create dependence and be dangerous for individuals’ health.
Other popular prescription study drugs are Concerta, Dexedrine, and Vyvanse. While each formulation is different, these drugs help students stay up late and provide increased focus. Other drugs like Modafinil, Adrafinil, and Phenylpiracetam are not prescribed by doctors but can be used by college students to provide the same boost.
Researchers estimate that up to 7 percent of college students abuse study drugs without a prescription. Additionally, many students with a prescription are asked to sell their medication, and a black market exists to purchase these drugs.
Why do College Students Turn to Drugs?
The high-pressure academic and social environment on college campuses can push students to use study drugs. Research from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health shows that college students were twice as likely to use study drugs than other young adults. An addiction treatment center can help college students when their drug use has spiraled into a larger problem.
Students turn to study drugs to catch up on schoolwork or help them power through long days working part- or full-time. While using study drugs can seem innocent, the drugs bring along unintended consequences through the dangers of addiction and abuse. These dangers are even more pronounced when used alongside alcohol or other recreational drugs.
Dangers associated with study drugs include:
- Irregular heartbeat
- Increased blood pressure
- Restlessness
- Headache
- Dizziness
Additionally, large doses of study drugs can result in anxiety, depression, paranoia, and even acute conditions like strokes. Stimulants also disrupt sleep, which denies the body the opportunity to heal and recharge.
If you are worried that a teen or young adult in your life is abusing study drugs, consult a California teen addiction treatment center. These treatment centers can help college students find healthy study habits and take back control over their future.
Getting Addiction Help for College Students
While study drugs seem like a shortcut to success, the dangers of abuse and addiction often outweigh the benefits. Healthy study and sleep habits will be more beneficial long-term and will ensure that college students end up happy, healthy, and successful.
Ending abuse and addiction can seem hard, but resources are available to help. Many schools offer programs to help students focus on better note-taking and organization and offer tutoring sessions to aid with academic performance. Consulting your academic advisor or other campus resources can help you find the right help.
An addiction treatment center also provides a crucial resource when you feel that study drugs have taken over your life. Drug and alcohol detox can help you get clean and healthy, so you can begin a life in recovery and start working on your future. Reach out to one of these resources, and get back on the path to success today.
