“Study Drugs” or a Red Flag? Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) affects approximately 8% of college students in the United States.1 The most effective medication for ADHD is a class of medicine called “stimulants” including: Ritalin, Adderall, Vyvanse, and Focalin. These types of medicines work well for students with ADHD, but misuse has become a health and safety concern among college students.
Studies have shown up to 1 in 4 college students have misused stimulants during college.2
Students who misuse stimulants do so to help them study, to stay awake, or for recreational purposes: “getting high.” Most students get these medications from a friend who has a prescription.4 Many students without diagnosed ADHD use prescription stimulants as “study drugs” in attempt to improve academic performance.
However, it has been shown that students who do not have ADHD and misuse these medications experience worsened mental performance.5 Another researcher found that stimulant misuse was associated with lower grade point averages.6
Those misusing stimulants were 2.9 times more likely to have a substance use disorder in one study.7
Instead of treating stimulant misuse as a “normal behavior,” we should view it as a red flag for other drug or alcohol use problems, academic difficulties, or need for evaluation for psychiatric conditions (including ADHD).
You have an opportunity to encourage healthy study habits and discourage risky practices with your student. It is important to remember that most students at UAB do not misuse prescription stimulant medication. This can be a powerful reminder for your student as they begin their university experience. UAB is here to help.
Your student’s most important influence is you! Families have a responsibility to know the facts about stimulant misuse, its negative health effects, and its legal ramifications.
1 Weyandt and DuPaul, J Atten Disord 2006 • 2 McCabe 2005; Garnier 2010 • 3 DuPont 2008; Carroll 2006 • 4 Garnier 2010 5 Volkow, et al, 2008 • 6 McCabe 2005 • 7 Wilens 2016
Where to Find Help
UAB’s Student Health Services can assist students who have psychiatric concerns (including ADHD), in addition to many other primary care and specialty care services such as drug and alcohol evaluations.
Our initial assessment includes a psychiatric and substance use history. All students receiving stimulant medication for ADHD must sign a contract of agreement that they are expected to take the medicine as prescribed and not sell or give the medication to another person. They are not to use any other illegal substances while taking the medication and must return for scheduled follow-up visits.
Did you know?
Being in possession of a stimulant medication that is not prescribed to the user is a Class C felony which can carry consequences including 1-10 years of incarceration and fines of up to $10,000.
