Study drugs are those prescriptions that are used to treat one thing but are used to help stay alert and ready to pull all-nighters in school. Whether it is high school or college, drugs for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and others are being misused for other reasons, and sometimes not even by the person to whom it was prescribed. When someone illegally buys it from someone else to use it in this way, they are both committing a crime. They are also putting that person at risk of using a drug that may be adulterated (unless the source is known) and can cause health issues for the person who overuses it or abuses the drug. Find out more about the risks and dangers of study drugs.
Increased Focus and Risk
Most students who take prescription medication to increase focus are not thinking they are putting their lives at risk. They may not realize the unintended consequences of taking a little pill to improve their concentration. Prescription medications with amphetamines are typically used to study drugs. Some of these include:
- Ritalin
- Dexedrine
- Adderall
- Vyvanse
Other prescription drugs may be used also but they provide different support for the person who is looking for help concentrating at school or staying up all night to finish papers and study.
Big Risks
Illegal study drug use can put a person’s life in danger. There are risky side effects to use, including addiction and even death. The human brain does not fully develop until age 25. Any drug use on a regular basis prior to this can cause long-term behavioral and cognitive impairments. Additional complications arise when a person uses someone else medication, or even their own, for an unintended use like staying up all night to study. Not only does that person not get any sleep, but they are also putting their brain and body at risk of burnout. Drugs that are used for other than intended purposes also put themselves at risk for habitual use and overdose.
Noticeable Effects
Loved ones who are using drugs to study at school may experience some pretty noticeable effects. Students may continue using the drug in spite of consequences, like missing class to oversleep after being up all night or burning out eventually from too much use of the drug. Some effects can include:
- Mood swings caused by changes to brain chemistry
- Psychological side effects like paranoia, anxiety, and panic attacks
- Restless or irritable behavior
- Digestive disruption, vomiting, and nausea
Complications can come, including cardiac arrest, if a person takes too much of a drug at once or over a period of time. Taking more than prescribed, and experience weight loss or missing school and social events are also signs of disordered behavior due to drug use.
There is help available to study drug abuse and other challenges associated with it. The key is to notice the signs in loved ones and ask them to seek help. Offer to support their journey and seek treatment programs that focus on a holistic approach to healing. The journey to sobriety and being clean of drug use is a good risk worth taking.
The Guest House Ocala helps people who have abused study drugs in the past or currently use them to help get through school. We are here to help others with addiction and mental health issues find hope after addiction. Recovery is better done in the community. We understand addiction and will help you find hope. Call us to find out how to get started: 1-855-483-7800