Academic pressure in U.S. colleges is fueling a risky trend: the misuse of ADHD medications like Adderall as 'study drugs.' A 2022 Ohio State University survey of 6,510 students from 15 campuses revealed that 1 in 6 admitted to using stimulants non-medically, with 76% saying they took them to cram for exams. 📊
CGTN spoke to students at Oakland University in Detroit, where many described a 'work hard, play hard' culture. 🎧 One senior said, "It's normalized here—like grabbing a coffee, but stronger. Everyone knows someone who’s done it." Others raised concerns about side effects, addiction, and unequal access to prescriptions. 💡
But why the rise? Students pointed to sky-high tuition costs and cutthroat competition for internships. 🚨 "You feel like you can't afford to fail," shared a grad student. Yet, experts warn that long-term risks—like heart issues or dependency—often get ignored in the race for grades. ⚠️
