Legal And Medical Consequences Of Study Drugs
Trying to stay awake for class is often hard, especially when you have to cram for your class exams. Some students choose to drink coffee, but others opt to take a different route. “Study drugs” are one illegal way that some students try to stay awake for long periods of time so they can go to class, study and still have some sort of social life.
The thing that makes study drugs illegal is that these are often prescription drugs that are written for another person. It is possible to face criminal charges if you are found to be taking study drugs. Here are some of the legal and other consequences you might experience when you take these drugs.
Possession of A Controlled Substance
Possession of a controlled substance can lead to 180 days in jail when the minimum punishment comes into the picture or up to life in prison in more serious cases. The fines can be as small as $2,000 or up to $100,000, depending on the severity of the charge.
The charge you face depends on the drug you have in your possession and the amount of the drug you have. In all cases, you are looking at a felony charge.
Health Effects of Study Drugs
The health effects of drugs like Ritalin and Adderall that aren’t prescribed to you can have serious consequences. You can become dependent on the drugs, which results in a craving for it, as well as higher tolerance levels and then needing larger doses to feel the effects of the drug.
It is possible to suffer from withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking the drug. Depression, anxiety, headache, paranoia, dizziness, restlessness, high blood pressure, insomnia, suppressed appetite and impotence can also occur.
A survey done at the University of Texas shows that many students choose to study using natural methods instead of study drugs. It noted that 87 percent of the students didn’t use any drugs at all.
Students who are having trouble keeping up with their studies should reevaluate their schedules and determine how they are able to catch up. Instead of turning to prescription drugs that aren’t yours to take, you can find other ways to help you focus and remain awake.
If you do find yourself facing criminal charges for study drugs, learn about the options that you have for a defense. Texas law doesn’t take kindly to drug convictions, so not doing anything about the charges is not an option.