The college years are a time when many students try new things. They may start dating, try traveling without their parents or may even consume various mind-altering substances. Many college students have alcohol for the first time while on campus or attending college parties. They may also try recreational drugs at some of those parties.
Students typically understand that there is a degree of risk involved with such experimentation. Underage alcohol consumption and the use of prohibited drugs can both lead to criminal charges and on-campus consequences. Although many students experiment recreationally, others would never do something that risky. However, they might consider using study drugs when getting ready for finals, working on a major project or catching up on missed work after an illness. Those students may unintentionally put themselves at risk of prosecution.
What are study drugs?
Study drugs are typically prescription medications that people abuse without medical authorization to focus more intensely and stay awake for longer. Some of the most commonly-abused study drugs include medications prescribed for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). These stimulants can help students become incredibly productive and stay up all night studying before an exam without feeling exhausted or falling asleep. Many students turn to study drugs because they have procrastinated or because they feel like they need an edge to ensure that they get the best grades possible. Contrary to what those students often assume, research does not show that the use of study drugs results in any positive impact on the grades secured by those students.
Prescription drug abuse is illegal
The potential legality of prescription medications can leave some students confused. They may think that they can use study drugs without putting themselves at risk of prosecution. After all, those medications are legally available with a doctor’s recommendation at most major pharmacies. Prescription medications are still controlled substances. Individuals without valid prescriptions cannot use these drugs legally. The act of acquiring them on the unregulated market is a crime, as is consuming them without a doctor’s prescription.
Those caught in possession of or under the influence of study drugs could be at risk of drug charges. They could face both criminal consequences and on-campus discipline if they end up convicted of a prescription drug offense. Understanding that study drugs can lead to criminal charges might help college students make better choices as they prepare for major projects or final exams.