When your grade really matters and you’re worried you’re going to fail, you might be tempted to take a study drug. Drugs like Adderall and Ritalin won’t help you get smarter, but they will help with focus, motivation and energy. So, with a study drug, you might be able to stay up all night and cram for that test. That’s why study drugs have become so popular on college campuses around the world.
But these drugs have a dark side. In fact, the drugs you take to help you get good grades may end up ruining your life.
Here are a few ways study drugs could prove to be more dangerous than failing a test.
Side effects
If you’ve never taken these drugs before, you won’t know how your body will react. There’s a possibility that you’ll end up in the hospital with severe side effects instead of acing that test. Severe side effects aren’t common, but they are possible. You’re also more likely to experience side effects if you take more than the recommended dosage.
Here are some potential side effects you may experience.
- Anxiety
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Impotence
- Increased blood pressure
- Insomnia
- Irregular heartbeat
- Mouth dryness
- Nervousness
- Paranoia
- Restlessness
- Suppressed appetite
As you can see, it’s not a short list. If you don’t know how your body will react, it’s best to avoid the study drugs and take your chances with the test.
Addiction
One of the most dangerous things about study drugs is that they are addictive. It’s common to take drugs like Adderall and Ritalin in college, but these days, it’s also common to leave college with a diploma and an addiction.
Unfortunately, there aren’t many programs for college students suffering from addition, and college can be a dangerous setting for an addict. This may be why there’s a lack of young people in programs, and also why so many college students remain addicted.
The longer your remain addicted, the more difficult it may be to recover, so if you think you have a problem with study drugs, get help as soon as possible. Talk to your college counselor or reach out to a private rehab facility.
Overdose
It is possible to overdose on study drugs, and it’s especially likely if you’re taking them along with other drugs. The lethal amount of these drugs varies from person to person because it depends on your body mass and how sensitive you are to stimulants. But as an estimate, a lethal dose is around 20 to 25 mg per kilogram of body weight. This is why it’s so important that you avoid taking someone else’s prescription. You can’t know how the drug will affect you or how sensitive you may be until you take it.
Feeling overwhelmed?
If you’re weighing the pros and cons of taking study drugs, you’re probably feeling a bit overwhelmed. Know that there are safer ways to handle your stress and workload. Consider taking on a tutor or visiting your campus resource center to discuss study groups and strategies.
Study drugs are not the answer.
Article Submitted By Community Writer
