When people talk about drug use during college, they often highlight recreational drug use. People are well aware that many college students experiment with chemicals during their studies or while on break from school.
Fewer people understand the widespread abuse of study drugs and the negative impact study drugs could have on college students. Those caught with study drugs or involved in their distribution are at risk of prosecution.
What are study drugs?
Most of the popular study drugs abused on college campuses are medications prescribed for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), such as Ritalin. These powerful stimulants help individuals with ADHD focus and perform at a similar level as their peers. People may abuse study drugs to stay awake for longer or to become more productive.
How do study drugs cause problems?
Study drugs are controlled substances that have an acknowledged risk of abuse. Students are at risk of both criminal prosecution and academic penalties if they face accusations of acquiring medication on the unregulated market and abusing it. Additionally, any student accused of distributing their medication to others could also be at risk of prosecution and academic penalties.
Study drugs do not make students smarter or guarantee good grades. They typically offer more risk than benefit to students without a prescription. Students could face the loss of enrollment, issues with financial aid, incarceration and a record that haunts them for life. If they avoid a conviction, they can minimize the long-term fallout of the allegations.
Parents may need to assist college students who face accusations of study drug abuse or distribution by connecting them with strong legal support. Responding effectively to drug charges related to study drugs can help students avoid convictions and protect their enrollment.
