College Students and Prescription Drug Use

 Posted on February 28, 2018 in Drugs and Narcotics

A study conducted by the National Survey on Drug Use and Health found that one in four people, between the ages of 18 to 20, had used prescription drugs for non-medical purposes one or more times in their lives. Prescription stimulants like Adderall and Ritalin are one of the most commonly abused types of medication. Students may overestimate the benefits of using prescription stimulants and underestimate the risks, which can lead to negative consequences for the student’s health and personal life.

Reasons Behind Drug Use

College students may believe that using prescription drugs will enhance their academic performance, but research has shown that this may not be the case. In fact, studies have found that college students who misuse prescription stimulant medication received lower grades than their peers.

Students may also use stimulants that are not prescribed to them for social reasons. They may use the drugs to stay up later in the night and to help them behave in a more outgoing manner. Other reasons college students may illegally use prescription stimulants are to lose weight or to experiment.

Risks of Prescription Drugs

Prescription medications can be helpful to a student when used as prescribed by a health professional, but they can be harmful when used incorrectly. Students may underestimate this risk, believing that because the drugs can be attained legally, they are not as dangerous as other types of drugs. However, using prescription drugs without a prescription may lead to addiction. The user may also experience negative physical effects including seizures, heart attack, high blood pressure, and death.

Students may also face legal consequences for possessing stimulants without a prescription. On their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form, a student must answer a question about whether they were convicted of any drug offenses during the time they received federal student aid. If the student had been convicted of a drug offense, they may be unable to receive government aid for a period of time following the conviction. Fines and jail time are also a possible consequence for a student who is found guilty of drug possession.

Contact Us Today

If you or a member of your family has been charged with possession of a stimulant without a prescription, the legal process can seem overwhelming. Fortunately, our Chicago drug crimes defense lawyers at Luisi Legal Group have the knowledge and experience to fight for the best possible outcome in a drug case. Call 773-276-5541 to speak with a lawyer who will represent you.

Sources:

https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/stimulant-adhd-medications-methylphenidate-amphetamines

http://www.bemedwise.org/documents/GetTheFacts.pdf

https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/eligibility/criminal-convictions#drug-convictions