Stimulants (also referred to as Study Drugs) are often medications prescribed to treat conditions like Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) including Adderall, Dexedrine, Vyvanse, Ritalin and Concerta. Many of these amphetamines.

Often, these are referred to as “Study drugs” because people started taking these medications that were not prescribed to them with the misconception that they would help them perform better while studying or completing school work. 

Prevalence

• The total Adderall prescriptions in the United States has grown from 32.2 million in 2017 to 41.4 million in 2021.
  • Prescriptions for stimulants have been skyrocketing due to it becoming easier to get a diagnosis.
• 20% of college students have used a medication not prescribed for them
• 50% of teens and young adults prescribed have either been asked or given their medication to a non-prescription user

Positive Effects: 

• Increased focus and concentration
• Prescribed use can be helpful in addressing symptoms of ADHD (as prescribed and monitored by a doctor)

Negative Effects: 

• The Crash: Positive effects only last a few hours and lead to a crash that can cause sluggishness, disconnection and depression
  • The crash can cause:
    • Sluggishness
    • Disconnect
    • Depression
    • Disappointment about work done while on the drugs
• Overuse: This can be considered long-term, large doses, or too frequent
  • Overuse can cause:
    • High blood pressure
    • Irregular heartbeat
    • Heart failure
    • Seizures
    • Strokes
    • Intense anger
    • Paranoia
    • Mental health problems
    • Addiction (Just as addicting as other kinds of drugs)
• Other Effects: 
  • There are additional effects to be aware of including
    • Aggression
    • Hallucinations
    • Panic states
    • Hyperreflexia (overactive reflexes, which can include twitching or spasms)
    • Personality changes

Legal consequences

• Taking drugs you are not prescribed:
  • Suspension
  • Fines
  • Jail time
• Providing your prescribed medication to others
  • Jail time
  • Fines
  • Removal from school

What does it mean to be Safe, Smart, and Responsible?

• Take prescription drugs as prescribed
• Keep your medication locked away where it is not accessible to others
• Don’t tell others where you keep it
• Do not use drugs that are not prescribed to you
• If you see someone distributing or someone is asking you to distribute your medication, report it.
• If you experience any medical emergency, regardless if it is your prescription or not, call 911