By Christopher Newport University

As college students across the country cram for their finals this week, many will turn to the use of “study drugs” to get through the stresses of exams.

Prescription drugs such as Ritalin, Adderall and Vyvanse are stimulants that are frequently prescribed to treat those diagnosed with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Often referred to as “study” or “focus drugs,” the misuse or abuse of these prescription stimulants have become commonplace for students during the school year.

The Center on Young Adult Health and Development defines the misuse or abuse of prescription drugs as any intentional use by those “who do not have a prescription” or use it in a way that is “inconsistent with the prescribing physician’s instructions.”

In fact, according to the Center on Young Adult Health and Development, nearly one-third of college students have participated in the misuse of stimulant prescription drugs at least once while attending college.

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