It can be tough to be a student. The social and familial pressure to succeed can put students under a lot of strain – and some turn to so-called “study drugs” to help them through.
Study drugs are a colloquial term applied to stimulants like Adderall and Ritalin, both of which are often prescribed to people with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) to help them concentrate. When taken by someone without ADHD, however, these drugs essentially act like prescription “speed.” They can allow someone to fight off fatigue, stay awake longer to study and enhance their cognitive performance during exams.
What’s the problem?
Study drugs are still drugs – and when they’re taken without medical need and by the wrong person, they can be physically harmful. In addition, sharing your prescription medication – or buying pills from a friend – is illegal.
In Arkansas, possession of a Schedule II controlled substance, such as stimulants like Ritalin, without a prescription, is a felony. Depending on the situation, a conviction could result in years behind bars, plus fines – and a lot of collateral damage to your future. You could be permanently barred from certain professional licenses, have difficulty completing your education, have trouble finding employment and housing and lose important civil rights.
What if you’re the person supplying the study drugs? Whether you make a buck or two off the exchange or you give it to your roommate out of nothing more than a desire to help them through a rough spot, you can be charged with drug trafficking or distribution. Those charges are not just for stereotypical drug dealers – and the authorities have gotten increasingly harsh in their response to prescription drug crimes.
If you are facing charges related to a prescription drug offense, do not attempt to talk your way out of the situation. It’s far better to exercise your right to remain silent until you can discuss your defense options with an attorney who can help you to protect your interests as you move forward.