Study Naked! Why Study Drugs Don’t Help

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Midterm season is upon us and tensions are high. With coffee in one hand and an overfilled planner in the other, it is easy to become overwhelmed with the endless list of tasks that must be completed. This high-stress storm is the perfect environment to soften students to the seductive idea of using study drugs. A study conducted by the Center on Young Adult Health and Development indicated that nearly a third of college-aged students admitted to having used study drugs without a prescription, the presence of their use on college campuses is apparent. Despite the numbers, however, studies have surfaced that raise questions about whether or not these drugs are actually helpful.


For individuals diagnosed with an attention disorder, prescription stimulants such as Ritalin and Adderall increase the ability of users to concentrate. These substances work by increasing the hormones dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. Research has indicated that individuals with attention disorders have abnormally low levels of these hormones, so taking prescription stimulants work to compensate and normalize their levels. When a normal, healthy brain with normal levels of these hormones is supplied with the same drug, it causes its levels to rise outside of what is normal and the benefit is largely lost. Studies have shown that although students may feel more confident in their focus and performance, actual academic outcomes are decreased. In addition to this, inappropriate use of these drugs can lead to other severe consequences. 


Study drugs are Schedule II controlled substances. To put things into perspective, this is the same category as morphine, opium, and fentanyl.  The penalties for selling, buying, or possessing a prescription stimulant that was not prescribed to you can be incredibly steep. Possession of less than 1 gram can lead to jail time of up to 2 years. These punishments can be life-altering. Although the pressure to perform well on exams may be high, research has shown that the average student is better off without the help of study drugs. If the pressure to perform is impacting your quality of life, consider checking out some of our wellness programs to help.

Mindfulness meditation, acupuncture, and yoga for wellness are just a few of the programs that are being offered this semester at the Health Resource Center. If you are interested in finding out more information about these programs, contact (562) 985-4609. For assistance with time management and study techniques, the Learning Assistance Center may be of help to you. Contact their office at (562)985-5350 for more information.

By Clara Chang

Comments

  1. Lisa JayAugust 19, 2020 at 7:07 AM

    It was the first time my granddaughter came to me and confided about her battle with oral and genital herpes and her self destructive thoughts.
    A gaping vacuum of fear and love opened inside me. I knew what it felt like for her to be in such a situation. But after hearing how someone I loved so dearly struggled I have no option but to promise her help. I wanted to help in all possible ways. I sought counsels from an old and experienced nurse whom I've known to deal on natural herbs because I believed in nature. After hearing from me she smiled and before I could say another word she replied me there's cure but natural herbs. I don't care as long as my child is cured! I shouted. She told me about a doctor in Africa who has cured people of herpes. She gave me his email drutuherbalcure@gmail.com ,I contacted him immediately and then ordered medicine for my child which he sent through the UPS courier to me. My daughter started medication and the next day her mouth sores were physically healing and she told me it's working and within four weeks she testified to me that she was cured! I've always believed that nature has cure for any diseases and I'm happy to tell everyone my child is cured.
    Six months later we went for another test to be sure and here is the result,
    Six months after medications;
    Her hsv1&2 test results;
    Igm - 1.49
    IgG - 0.36
    She don't have any symptoms again and has moved on happily and is now in a serious relationship with her fiancee

    ReplyDelete

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