Helping Your Teen Stay Clean: The Possible Dangers of Study Drugs

Many teens want to do well in school, striving to get into the college of their dreams. Whether your teen has ADHD or intends to concentrate more, they may ask about medications aptly named "study drugs."

Although these medications do improve alertness and help them stay awake, these drugs come with many dangers, including the risk of substance abuse disorder. If you're concerned about your teen and substance abuse, the Victory Treatment Program has the tools and resources to help.

Stacey Maltman, FNP-BC, is an addiction and recovery specialist who helps you understand the risks of studying drugs for your teen. She also provides various treatments that allow them to overcome addiction.

What are study drugs?

"Study drugs" are medications that temporarily increase energy and alertness. They require a prescription and are in the stimulant drug class. Common medications teens utilize to study include amphetamines and methylphenidate.

These medications are for children and teens with ADHD, but some kids use them to help them concentrate and study to do better in school. However, these drugs only increase alertness and energy for short periods, meaning they may misuse them or use too much.

Study drugs don't just help teens stay alert to do well in school; they also increase your teen's blood pressure, pulse rate, and breathing. When teens use them appropriately, there are few side effects, but they may become addictive.

Dangers of study drugs on teens

Stimulant drugs for studying carry many dangers for teens who don't have ADHD or a medical reason to use them. The biggest threat is the potential for your teen to abuse these medications and become addicted.

Most people who need stimulant drugs start with a very low dose and build up slowly as needed. Teens using these medications to concentrate or do well in school are more likely to use a higher dose that comes with dangers that include:

• Irregular heartbeats
• High blood pressure
• Seizures
• Heart attacks
• Stroke

Study drugs are stimulants that increase your heart rate, which puts your teen at risk for severe cardiovascular conditions. Less dangerous side effects of misusing these medications include nervousness, trouble sleeping, and a decreased appetite.

If your teen is addicted to study drugs, they may have severe withdrawal symptoms like trouble sleeping and irritability or mood swings.

Alternatives to study drugs

If your teen is begging you for medications to help them concentrate on school, it's essential to think twice before allowing them to use stimulant medications. There are plenty of helpful alternatives that don't carry the risks of study drugs, and they include:

• Eating a healthy diet
• Getting regular exercise
• Getting plenty of sleep
• Practicing relaxation or meditation

It's essential to talk to your teen about the dangers of study drugs and helpful alternatives to keep them from misusing these medications. If they require these medications for ADHD, it's crucial to speak to them about using the proper dose.

How to keep your teen clean

When your teen already has an issue with study drugs, it's crucial to seek treatment from Stacey. She evaluates your teen's symptoms and offers outpatient detoxification, IV therapy, and support groups for addiction recovery.

You should also keep any prescriptions in a safe place or locked up to prevent misuse or addictive behaviors.

Call the Victory Treatment Program today to schedule an appointment to discuss detox for your teen, or visit our website to learn about addiction recovery.