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Parents Beware: High School Exams are Here — Students Misusing Drugs as Study Aids —

Steven Marcus, Executive and Medical Director,

Dr. Bruce Ruck, Director, Drug Information and Professional Education

New Jersey Poison Information and Education System (NJPIES)

Newark, N.J. — June 6, 2012 — High school can be difficult. Peer pressure, teachers, reports, final exams, school activities and the desire for academic excellence can make life for a high school student quite overwhelming at times. With finals starting in the next week or so, the NJ Poison Experts encourage parents of high school students to talk to their children about the dangers of study drugs (e.g. prescription medicines for ADHD and caffeine) and the symptoms they may cause.

 Study drugs are drugs that are misused/abused as study aids. Students often believe that these drugs enhance or focus concentration and increase stamina when they cram for tests or write lengthy papers. The use of study drugs is not new. For years, students have looked for ways to make studying easier, more efficient and more manageable. The drugs of choice are prescription stimulants (amphetamine derivates) and caffeine. Continue reading Parents Beware: High School Exams are Here — Students Misusing Drugs as Study Aids —