Students want to succeed – and some will go against their better judgment to ensure that they receive good grades. While some cram up on studying and exhaust themselves for results, others take a far more dangerous route to excel.

Benignly dubbed “study drugs,” these dangerous substances quickly gained popularity in British universities. A recent Vice article explores the impact of study drugs on students, what they are, and why students are resorting to these measures to succeed.

The drugs – speed, Ritalin, and Modafinil – give students an energy boost allowing them to complete projects on time and meet multiple deadlines. What usually takes students several days to complete – an example being an essay – now takes them a single night, thanks to these substances. Although the students may have temporary success resorting to such drastic measures, their use remains dangerous in the long run.

Some measures sounded downright ridiculous – such as sniffing coffee to stay awake. Others are much more sinister, such as using cocaine to stay awake or using drugs usually prescribed for ADHD. And while the problem may seem too far away to care about, the British students allege that these drugs are popular with American students.

Implications of Drugs in American Colleges

The allegations are, in fact, true. American students use study drugs, and although many of them require a prescription, those might not be hard to get, and if not, the black market provides. These stimulants, however, come with serious side effects. Some include dizziness, headaches, impotence, paranoia, and increased blood pressure. Students also use these medications and engage in risky behavior such as binge drinking and mixing with other medicines.

Most universities and colleges have strict rules disallowing students from unauthorized drug use on and off-campus. Although these standards seem stringent, there's no way to tell whether students engage in such dangerous actions. It becomes virtually impossible for administrators to know whether they engage in this destructive behavior for those continuing to attend virtual classes.

What is certain is that if caught, these students will likely face multiple issues, the least being behavioral or misconduct charges. Sanctions have a destructive effect on the student's future and cause and may seriously delay graduation. Administrators don't hesitate to take strict action against those caught using these drugs as examples for others.

Hiring an Attorney-Advisor

If you or someone you care about face allegations of using study drugs, don't panic. Allegations alone are not enough to cause a dismissal or suspension. You have a chance to defend yourself before the situation gets out of hand. However, facing a panel alone may be stressful and worry-inducing, especially for such a charge.

Attorney-advisor Joseph D. Lento understands what you're going through and the challenges you may face defending yourself during a hearing. With years of experience as a specialist in student defense, attorney-advisor Joseph D. Lento works hard to achieve the best possible outcome for your case.

Allegations of taking study drugs can harm your future and reputation. If you are facing such charges at your university or college, don't wait. Call the Lento Law Firm today at 888-535-3686 for more information.