5 Things to Know About “Study Drugs”

5 Things to Know About “Study Drugs”

• Mandy Sandhu
• 7 Jul 2022

Study drugs, also known as smart drugs, are prescription stimulants used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in students. While students take these drugs to enhance their focus and alertness—with the goal of improved performance—there are also potential drawbacks when they are misused.

Examples of Study Drugs

Study drugs come in many different forms with some of the most commonly prescribed including:

• Adderall
• Concerta
• Dexedrine
• Focalin
• Modafinil
• Ritalin
• Vyvanse

While there’s no denying the benefits of these drugs for those who need them, there’s always a risk of addiction and/or misuse. And that’s something you can’t lose sight of.

Here are five things you need to know (and remember) about study drugs. 

1. They Can Improve Concentration and Focus

Many people refer to study drugs as concentration pills, and the reason why is easy to understand: they’re known to improve concentration and focus, which is critical for success in an educational setting.

With these benefits, study drugs can help some students perform better in the classroom. And as long as they’re used as prescribed, safe long-term use is possible.

2. Study Drugs Can be Misused

Despite the benefits of study drugs, there’s always a risk of misuse. This can include taking more than prescribed or failure to stick with the schedule outlined by your medical team. 

The health risks associated with misuse include but are not limited to:

• Increased anxiety
• Increased blood pressure
• Heart failure
• Headaches
• Difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep
• Loss of appetite
• Seizures
• Irregular heartbeat
• Heart failure
• Stroke

While some of these risks are more serious than others, they can all have a serious impact on your short and long-term health and well-being. 

3. Long-Term Abuse Can Cause Harm

As a study drug wears off, you may begin to feel like you need more of it. This is what leads to long-term abuse. When this happens, depression, mood swings, and erratic behaviour all become more likely to occur.

Some of the most severe symptoms of long-term abuse include:

• Liver damage
• Kidney damage
• Decreased immune response
• Long damage
• Overdose which can lead to death

These symptoms of long-term abuse can be difficult, if not impossible, to reverse.

4. The Symptoms of Addiction Run Deep

Are you concerned that you have a study drug addiction? Are you worried that a loved one is struggling with this? Understanding the most common symptoms can help you determine if you have a problem.

• Instances of extremely high energy
• Changes in sleep habits, such as insomnia
• Intense fatigue as the drug begins to wear off
• Intense cravings when stopping the drug
• Withdrawal symptoms 

Eliminating study drugs from your life cold turkey is easier said than done, as this can result in the above symptoms setting in at the same time. If you’re facing an addiction, it’s critical to address it with the help of a professional. 

5. There’s Help to be Had

Speaking of getting help, you’re not on your own. It’s best to seek professional assistance to ensure that you’re taking the right steps and reducing the risk of serious withdrawal symptoms. 

Here’s what you should look for in an addiction treatment center:

• Expertise: Don’t choose just any addiction treatment center. Choose one that has experience assisting patients with a study drug addiction. This goes a long way in ensuring that you’re getting the best treatment for your particular situation. 
• Mental health care: Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. As you face your addiction head-on, you may find that you require mental health care to address depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and more. 
• Positive reviews and testimonials: Don’t assume that one addiction treatment center is as good (or as bad) as the next. Read reviews and testimonials to better understand what the facility has done for other patients in the past. This will give you the confidence needed to make an informed decision.

Questions to Ask of Addiction Treatment Centers

There’s no right or wrong way to compare study drug treatment centers, but there’s one thing you must do: ask the same questions of all the facilities you’re considering. This is the quickest and most efficient way to decide which one is best for you or your loved one. 

Here are 10 of the most important questions to ask:

• What is your approach to treating a study drug addiction?
• Can you explain all of the programs and services that you offer?
• Are you able to treat other addictions—such as those to alcohol and illicit drugs—at the same time?
• Is your facility accredited?
• What is your mission and what steps do you take to fulfill it?
• Who are your clients? 
• How long does it take to gain access to services at your facility? Is there a waitlist?
• Do you have an in-patient or out-patient facility? Both?
• How much does treatment cost? Do you have financing options?
• What type of experience and training does your counselling team have?

As you receive answers to these 10 questions, you’ll find yourself with the knowledge needed to trim your list and make a final decision on where to seek care. 

If you’re ready to take the next step in your fight against a study drug addiction, contact the professionals at Freedom From Addiction. We can answer your questions, provide information on our services, and outline the next steps in the process.