The 'Smart Drug' Trap
Steve*, a 2020 college graduate from Detroit, remembers surviving on 3-4 hours of sleep while juggling classes and part-time work. 'Without Adderall, I couldn’t keep up,' he admits. His story mirrors thousands: A 2022 Ohio State University study of 6,500 students across 15 U.S. campuses found 1 in 6 misuse stimulants like Adderall – with 76% using them explicitly to study.
Performance at What Cost?
Prescribed for ADHD, Adderall’s off-label use brings severe risks: irregular heartbeat, insomnia, anxiety, and malnutrition. Yet students call it a 'study hack' – an open secret fueled by underground prescription sales. 'You’d see classmates casually trading pills before finals,' Steve recalls, estimating 80% of his peers used it.
Systemic Pressures, Dangerous Coping
With U.S. college tuition averaging $36,436/year (Education Data Initiative 2023), students face crushing pressure to maximize their investment. 'We’re told grades decide our future,' says Steve. 'Some decide their health is collateral damage.' Experts warn this crisis reflects deeper issues in educational systems prioritizing outcomes over student well-being.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
