Study Drugs

As we prepare to hunker down for exams and projects, it can be tempting for some to use study drugs not as prescribed. If you choose to use study drugs to prepare for finals, here are a few things you should know to stay safe.

Study drugs are typically defined as any prescription stimulant that is used without a prescription to increase energy and concentration. Amphetamine is typically prescribed to manage attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Ritalin and Adderall are the two mostly commonly misused study drugs.

In addition to study drugs, some students may also use anti-anxiety medications like Xanax. If you choose to use study drugs, prescription medications or other substances, it’s important to know that many street and counterfeit drugs are laced with fentanyl.

Learn more about fentanyl and overdose prevention

Reflect on the reasons you may want to use study drugs. Think through the experiences you want to have, as well as those you’d rather avoid. Here are a couple examples:

As you think through the experiences you may want to have or avoid, consider if there are other ways to achieve the same results while avoiding unwanted experiences. For instance, you may find that you feel more energized after seven to nine hours of sleep at night or you may feel more productive if you break down your study blocks into smaller sections.

Note: Side effects can occur when stimulants are used with or without a prescription. If you are currently using stimulants as prescribed to treat a condition and are concerned about negative side effects, contact your healthcare provider.

Stimulants like Adderall and Ritalin are safer when prescribed by a physician, and can pose additional risks when taken without a prescription. They can also cause more unwanted experiences when mixed with other drugs or alcohol. For instance, stimulants can reduce a person’s awareness of the effects of alcohol, which may cause some to drink unsafe quantities.

It’s also important to know that any drug not purchased directly from a pharmacy may contain unknown substances, including fentanyl. This is because many counterfeit capsules and pressed pills are made to look like prescription medications. According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), nearly half of all counterfeit pills tested contained a lethal dose of fentanyl. 

If you choose to use study drugs without a prescription, here are some strategies to reduce your risks of harm:

• Assume any drug not purchased directly from a pharmacy might contain fentanyl.
• Carry fentanyl test strips and test your drugs before use. Free test strip kits can be picked up from WellCat Prevention at Sutter 150p
• Start slow, use smaller doses and practice caution when using drugs that have not been prescribed to you by a licensed healthcare provider.
• Avoid using alone in case of an accidental overdose. Ensure you have Narcan (naloxone) on hand in case of an emergency.
• Set reminders to eat and stay hydrated while using.
• Schedule time to sleep and recover after use.

Note: Possession of Ritalin or Adderall without a prescription and the sale of prescription drugs are a violation of the Standards for Student Conduct (PDF) and can result in criminal charges.

If you choose to use study drugs with or without a prescription, you may experience a number of unwanted side effects.

When it’s crunch time, some may feel like study drugs can help extend their study sessions or maintain better focus. However, studies have shown that using study drugs without a prescription doesn’t enhance academic performance. While medications like Ritalin or Adderall may make some feel more alert, they may not improve test-taking or study skills. 

The most effective way to improve your grade is to start early, give yourself plenty of time to study, get consistent sleep and take regular breaks. Here are a few tips as you prepare for finals:

• Plan out your study sessions. Try to study when you’re most mentally sharp in the day (e.g. are you a morning person or a night owl?).
• Study based on your priorities. Prioritize what you study based on what will be on your exams. Start with the information you don’t know as well. If you aren’t sure what will be on your exams, reach out to your instructors for clarification.
• Avoid distractions. Find ways to avoid distractions during your designated study times. Once you hit a milestone in your assignment or study guide, take a short break to check your social media or watch an episode of your favorite show as a reward before you start studying again.
• Get a good night’s sleep. Plan for at least seven hours of sleep each night, and fit a 15 to 20 minute power nap into your day if you need to—your brain functions better when it’s well-rested.
• Start small. If you are having trouble getting started on a paper, create a loose outline with a list of your main points. Staring at a blank page can make it more difficult to get started, and creating a plan with your outline can help overcome that roadblock.
• Set the mood. Create an effective study environment or reserve a space to study in advance.
• Maintain your energy. Schedule time to eat and stay hydrated throughout the day. Study sessions tend to be more productive when we are full and focused.