5 things to know about study drugs
With exams and major projects coming up, some students may feel tempted to misuse prescription stimulants—often referred to as “study drugs”—in hopes of boosting academic performance. These study drugs, such as Ritalin or Adderall, are prescription stimulants that are sometimes used without a prescription or not as prescribed to try to boost stamina, energy or concentration.
It’s important to recognize that while these medications can be helpful and necessary for individuals who are prescribed them and use them as directed, taking them without a prescription or outside of medical guidance poses serious health and legal risks. Supporting academic success means promoting safe, informed choices and respecting the role of prescribed treatments in managing health conditions.
If you’re thinking about using any substances not as prescribed to help you study, here are some important things to keep in mind.
1. Be aware of possible risks and side effects
While some people may believe that using stimulants not as prescribed may help them focus better, they’re not likely to help your academic performance. In fact, misusing stimulants and amphetamines can lead to unintended consequences, including:
- Risk of accidental overdose due to counterfeit pills that may contain other unknown substances
- Increased anxiety or other mental health impacts
- Physical discomfort, including nausea, digestive issues, etc.
- Risk of seizure and cardiac event, especially if dosing isn’t managed by a healthcare provider
- Increased irritability
- Losing sleep, feeling fatigued
- Focusing on the wrong things (like organizing your room instead of studying)
- Becoming addicted to, or dependent on, amphetamines
Keep in mind: Even when taken as prescribed, stimulants can cause side effects. If you’re using prescription stimulants for a medical reason and have concerns about side effects, reach out to your healthcare provider for support.
2. Reduce risk
Taking any prescription medication without a prescription or in a way that isn’t directed by your doctor can be dangerous. This includes using stimulants to study or taking anti-anxiety medications (like Xanax) to manage stress. Mixing stimulants with depressants—such as alcohol, Xanax or opioids—can make the risk of overdose even higher.
Also, be aware that any drug not bought directly from a pharmacy could contain fentanyl, methamphetamine or other unexpected substances. Counterfeit pills are often made to look like real prescription medications, including Adderall, Percocet, Oxycontin, Roxicodone and Xanax. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency has found that nearly half of all fake prescription pills tested contained a deadly amount of fentanyl. Any pill you get from friends, classmates or dealers could be fake and very dangerous (reminder: possession and/or selling narcotics, including Ritalin, Adderall and Xanax, is illegal and can result in criminal charges. These actions are also a violation of the Student Code of Conduct.).
If you choose to use substances, use fentanyl test strips to check them before you use. You can get free test strips from Health Promotion on the third floor of Wardenburg Health Center.
Keep in mind: fentanyl test strips can help, but they do not guarantee your safety. Fentanyl might still be in a different part of the pill or powder, or there could be other harmful substances present.
Here are some other things to keep in mind to reduce your risk:
- Assume any drug not purchased directly from a pharmacy is contaminated with harmful substances.
- If you choose to use stimulants without a prescription, start slow, use smaller doses and practice caution.
- Keep naloxone, an FDA-approved nasal spray that can be used to temporarily reverse opioid and fentanyl overdoses, on hand and learn how to use it.
- Avoid using substances alone. If someone experiences an overdose, make sure they know how to call for help and administer naloxone.
- Practice healthy habits, like eating regularly and staying hydrated.
- Schedule time to sleep and recover after use (sleep is one of the best predictors for academic success).
3. Prevent overdoses
If you choose to use study drugs with or without a prescription, you may experience unwanted side effects, including accidental overdose.
Call 911 if you or someone you know experiences any of the following:
- Irregular heartbeat, chest pain
- Confusion
- Convulsions, seizures
- Delusions, hallucinations
- Passed out, unresponsive
- Shallow breathing
- Blue/gray lips or fingertips
Calling for help in an alcohol- or drug-related emergency means neither the person who calls for help nor the person who needs help will be subject to formal disciplinary sanctions by the university (i.e., probation, suspension, expulsion).
To be covered by the Amnesty Policy, a student must:
- Call for help (911 or university staff).
- Stay with the individual until help arrives.
- Cooperate with staff and emergency responders.
The 911 Good Samaritan Law states that a person is immune from criminal prosecution for an offense when the person reports, in good faith, an emergency drug or alcohol overdose event to a law enforcement officer, to the 911 system or to a medical provider.
This same immunity applies to persons who remain at the scene of the event until a law enforcement officer, or an emergency medical responder arrives, or if the person remains at the facilities of the medical provider until a law enforcement officer, emergency medical responder or medical provider arrives. The immunity described above also extends to the person who suffered the emergency drug or alcohol overdose event.
4. Consider alternatives
As you weigh the risks and side effects of using study drugs, think about whether there are other ways to boost your energy and focus while avoiding unwanted experiences. For example, getting seven to nine hours of sleep each night can help you feel more alert, and breaking your study sessions into shorter, focused blocks may make you feel more productive.
Usually, the most effective way to improve your grades and prepare for exams is to start early, give yourself plenty of time to study, get plenty of sleep and take regular breaks.
Here are a few tips to try:
Plan your study time. Study when you’re most alert—whether that’s morning or night.
Prioritize subjects. Focus on what’s on your exams, starting with topics you know least. Ask instructors if you're unsure what to study. If you get stuck, move on and come back later.
Reduce distractions. Silence your phone and let friends know you’re unavailable during study sessions. Reward yourself with short breaks after hitting milestones.
Go to bed at a reasonable time. Aim for at least seven hours of sleep each night. If you’re tired, a 15–20-minute nap can help. Rest supports memory and focus!
Start small. Break big tasks into smaller steps. Use outlines to overcome blank-page anxiety and tackle study guides in chunks.
Set the mood. Create a study-friendly space with all your supplies ready—laptop, charger, snacks, water and materials.
Maintain your energy. Eat regularly and stay hydrated. You’ll focus better and get more done.
5. Find support
CU Boulder has a variety of resources to help students prepare for exams and projects. These are a great alternative to going it alone and can be more effective than using study drugs.
Tutoring and academic resources: Our university has a variety of tutoring and learning services. Some are specific to classes, departments or groups of students, while others are available campus wide. Many of these services are free to use. If you aren’t sure where to begin, check your syllabus and ask your professor for help or referrals.
Peer Wellness Coaching: Meet one-on-one with a trained peer wellness coach to set wellness goals and connect with campus resources. Coaches are available to help you create a plan to study, reduce stress, manage your time, create a sleep schedule or routine, practice self-care and more.
Let’s Talk: Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS) provides free drop-in services through Let’s Talk. Counselors are available in person and online to help provide insight, solutions and information about additional resources related to academics, stress, anxiety, substance use, relationships and more.
Collegiate Recovery Community (CUCRC): The CUCRC provides meetings and support groups, recovery-focused housing, events and activities, peer support and more for students in recovery or interested in pursuing recovery from drugs, alcohol, eating disorders, self-harm, other addictions and harmful behaviors.
Alcohol and Other Drugs Information: CU Boulder is committed to the health and wellness of our students. Learn more about campus policies, programs and tips to stay safe while using alcohol and other drugs.