The misuse of prescription stimulants among college students and professionals has continued to escalate over the years. These substances, also known as study drugs, have been abused for cognitive enhancement and academic purposes. While these are prescription medications, nonmedical use of stimulants and nootropics has led to the development of long-term addiction and dependence.
What are Study Drugs?
Study drugs, also called ‘cramming drugs’ or ‘kiddy coke,’ refer to the illicit use of prescription stimulants. Stimulant drugs, such as Adderall or Ritalin, are commonly misused among high school students, college students, and young professionals. Study drugs are also types of nootropics, which are known for enhancing cognitive functioning and performance.
The most common types of study drugs include:
- L-amphetamine (Adderall)
- Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta)
- Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse)
- Modafinil (Provigil)
- Dexmethylphenidate (Focalin)
Street names for study drugs are also known as ‘Addy,’ ‘Smart Pills,’ ‘Diet Coke,’ ‘Skippy,’ ‘Beans,’ and ‘Kiddie Cocaine.’ Many professionals and college students have misused study drugs to improve focus, cognitive performance, and memory. Initially prescribed for individuals with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), stimulant drug abuse on college campuses has become increasingly prevalent.
The side effects of study drugs may include:
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure
- Reduced appetite
- Nausea and stomach pain
- Insomnia
- Poor sleep quality
- Paranoia
- Increased anxiety
- Irritability and mood swings
- Depression
- Memory problems
- Decreased creativity
- Dependence and addiction
The cognitive boost and enhanced productivity from study drugs are only temporary. Study drug abuse can result in significant mental and physical health issues in the short and long term. Substance abuse, including study drugs, among college students has been linked to lower academic performance, higher risk of unemployment after graduation, and increased risk of sexual assault.
The Long-Term Risks of Study Drugs for Students and Professionals
The side effects of stimulant drugs like Ritalin or Adderall for college students and professionals have contributed to the development of long-term addiction. These two groups of individuals become dependent on the study drug to enhance their focus or productivity, priming the brain for abuse and addiction.
Research shows that the dopamine-enhancing effects of study drugs may make individuals more susceptible to other forms of substance abuse. College students who abuse stimulant drugs are often engaging in different types of substance abuse, such as alcohol or cannabis use. While the use of study drugs may seem harmless, it can lead to further stimulant abuse, polysubstance use, and long-term addiction.
Addiction and Dependence
The use of study drugs like Adderall or Ritalin has a high potential for dependence and addiction. Stimulants increase dopamine levels in the brain, leading to euphoria and cognitive enhancement. Over time, regular stimulant abuse causes the brain to rely on study drugs for normal functioning, resulting in psychological and physical dependence. Study drug dependence can result in a full-blown addiction, also known as a stimulant use disorder (SUD).
When you’re addicted to drugs like stimulants or amphetamines, stopping or decreasing usage can result in withdrawal symptoms. The most common signs and symptoms of withdrawal from study drugs include fatigue, anxiety, nausea, sleep disturbances, and low energy.
Cardiovascular Issues
Stimulant use disorders from study drugs are heavily associated with cardiovascular issues and conditions. The impact of stimulants on the cardiovascular system can strain the heart and blood vessels, causing increased heartbeat and high blood pressure. This heightened cardiovascular activity from stimulants can lead to arrhythmias, hypertension, heart attack, stroke, and even death. Study drug users with pre-existing heart issues are at an even greater risk for developing cardiovascular conditions.
Cognitive Impairment
While the misuse of study drugs is intended to enhance cognitive function, their abuse can result in cognitive deficits over time. When prescription stimulant medications are used for medical purposes and as prescribed, the risks of adverse side effects and complications are significantly lower. However, illicit use of stimulants, aka study drugs, can disrupt normal brain function with chronic abuse.
Especially for adolescents and young adults, drug abuse can lead to memory impairments, poor decision-making abilities, and reduced executive cognitive function. Cognitive decline from drug abuse can affect academic and professional performance, unemployment rates, and psychosocial adjustments.
Legal and Ethical Issues
Nonmedical possession, use, or selling of prescription medications like Adderall or Concerta is illegal. High school and college students or working professionals caught with study drugs can face legal consequences. The legal implications associated with stimulant drug abuse can result in fines, criminal charges, and repercussions to academic and professional careers.
Illicit drug use raises social and ethical concerns on college campuses and competitive work environments. Study drugs are misused to improve academic performance through enhanced focus and attention, which can be viewed as a form of cheating. Not only is the use of study drugs illegal, but it can also be seen as cheating and academic misconduct, specifically among individuals of certain socioeconomic status and race.
Abnormal Sleep Patterns
Stimulants are purposefully used for the side effects of increased alertness and attention when studying or working. This enhanced alertness from study drugs can significantly interfere with standard sleep patterns and quality. Many college students and professionals may use study drugs to keep them awake or pull an all-nighter. However, this short-term effect can cause long-term disruptions to the body’s natural sleep cycle.
Study drug users may experience poor-quality sleep, trouble falling or staying asleep, and insomnia with chronic abuse. This addiction to study drugs can impair the brain and the body’s ability to function normally without the substance.
Study Drug Addiction and Stimulant Detox Programs in Stuart
While the temptation to use study drugs to enhance professional or academic performance is recognizable, the risks far outweigh the temporary benefits. From long-term addiction and polydrug abuse to cognitive impairments and legal consequences, study drug abuse is not worth it.
For college students and young professionals looking to improve their performance and manage their workload, there are much healthier alternatives than drug abuse. Developing better time management skills, regular exercise, prioritizing sleep, and stress management techniques can improve academic and professional performance.
If you or someone you know is struggling with study drug abuse or a stimulant use disorder, Coastal is here to help. Our South Florida stimulant detox programs offer treatment for addiction to cocaine, crystal meth, crack, ecstasy, MDMA, amphetamines, PCP, and steroids.
Reach out today to get in touch with one of our addiction specialists!
References:
- Substance Abuse Treatment, Prevention, and Policy, 2006. Misuse of “study drugs:” prevalence, consequences, and implications for policy.
- University of Colorado Boulder: Health and Wellness Services. 6 things everyone should know about study drugs.
- WebMD, 2024. What Are Nootropics?
- The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 2016. Nonmedical Stimulant Use in College Students: Association With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Other Disorders.
- Focus: A Journal of the American Psychiatric Association, 2019. Substance Use Among College Students.
- Frontiers in Psychiatry, 2021. Nonmedical Use of Prescription Stimulants Among College Students: Non-oral Routes of Administration, Risk Factors, Motivations, and Pathways.
- Journal of Academic Ethics, 2018. “The White Version of Cheating?” Ethical and Social Equity Concerns of Cognitive Enhancing Drug Users in Higher Education.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2021. Treatment for Stimulant Use Disorders: Chapter 3—Medical Aspects of Stimulant Use Disorders.