Late-night study sessions, caffeine-fueled cramming, and now… prescription pills? Across U.S. colleges, students are turning to Adderall—a stimulant meant for ADHD treatment—as a shortcut to academic success. But at what price?
Grades Over Health? The Stats 📊
A 2022 Ohio State University survey of 6,510 students reveals a troubling trend: 1 in 6 admitted using stimulants like Adderall non-medically, with 76% saying they used it specifically to study. From all-nighters to multitasking part-time jobs, many see it as their 'secret weapon.'
Steve's Story: “I Couldn’t Sleep or Eat” 😴
Detroit artist Steve (name changed), who graduated in 2020, started taking Adderall sophomore year to juggle work and school. “I thought it was magic—until the crashes hit,” he says. Side effects like insomnia, zero appetite, and chronic fatigue left him sleeping just 3-4 hours daily.
Underground Market Thrives 🕶️
With prescriptions easy to resell illegally, students often bypass doctors. Steve estimates 80% of his peers used the drug. “College costs so much—people feel they have to perform perfectly, even if it destroys them,” he explains, calling it a “toxic cycle.”
As campuses grapple with this crisis, experts warn: Quick fixes can’t replace real support systems. After all—can you put a price on health? 🧠💔
