Both the stress of finals and the desire to party can drive students to use prescription drugs to increase concentration.

Drugs like Ritalin and Adderall are used by people with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention Defict Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), according to University of Dayton Alcohol Drug Abuse Prevent ion Team. The effect of these drugs is to stimulate the brain and help it to focus, which is one reason many students without these disorders take these drugs: they help focus on their work.

Junior Jessica Vonderhaar, a communication major, takes Adderall for her ADD, and it helps her complete homework and get through school succesfully.

"It's allowed me to be able to focus more in class and get more homework accomplished after class," Vonderhaar said.

This ability to focus and get things done is in high demand on college campuses come exam time. According to jointogether.org, Adderall and other drugs like it are very popular on college campuses because they help students increase concentration and stay awake longer for studying or for partying. Use of prescription stimulants like Adderall have serious risks associated with them.

Vonderhaar understands that students not on the medication may have the desire to take it for help studying. Her main worry is the side effects it could cause.

"If people feel as if they need to take it in order to get things done then so be it," she said. "But just like any prescription drug it can be dangerous if they're not careful."

As with any prescription, the use of Adderall by those for whom it is not prescribed leads to serious sides effects on one's health. According to the ADAPT Web site, Adderall is an amphetamine and has as high potential for addiction. Over time the drug has the potential to be as addictive and detrimental as cocaine.

The drug can cause serious physical changes from an increased heart rate to nausea, diarrhea, nervousness, weakness, dizziness and insomnia. Taking Adderall with alcohol makes all of these symptoms worse. While many students take the drug to stay awake longer, it radically alters their sleep patterns.

Beyond the physical consequences, the use of someone else's prescription has serious legal ramifications as well. As described on the ADAPT Web site, The University of Dayton policy states that the first drug offense results in a $250 fine and mandatory drug abuse classes. A second offense "is cause for suspension from all UD housing, athletics, extracurricular activities," the Web site said.

If a student either gives or takes drugs a third time, he will be expelled.

Methamphetamines like Adderall are Schedule II drugs, the second highest national level in terms of dangerousness and illegality. The sale of drugs like this carries a federal penalty of a minimum of five years in jail for the first offense.

Using drugs at exam time has psychological consequences, too. Dr. Steven Mueller, director of the Counseling Center said that the use of Adderall and drugs like it "can create a false sense of security." Students can come to actually psychologically believe that they need the drug and it "becomes the only coping mechanism" for dealing with the stress of finals.

If students are struggling with drug use or suspect a friend might be, the Counseling Center, located in Gosiger Hall is a place where they can come to get help. Dr. Mueller said that not only is it against the law to give the drug to a friend, it also goes against the Marianist character of the university. Giving friends something that is very harmful for them is not how a Marainist community functions, he said.

Ultimately, students are responsible for understanding the risks and serious consequences associated with the use prescription drugs like Adderall. For more information visit the ADAPT Web site at http://campus.udayton.edu/~adapt/druginfo/rxdrugs.html.