Whether it be studying for an exam you feel ill-prepared for or finding the energy to finish an essay that needs written, staying awake and focusing can sometimes seem impossible for college students. Many students have found a “solution” to the challenge by using Adderall. Adderall is a prescription drug commonly used for ADHD in children and young adults. Lately, many students who do not have a prescription have been using it as a way to boost their ability to concentrate and stay organized.

What many people ignore, though, are the dangerous side effects that come with the drug. Those who rely on this drug, even if only on occasion, can experience many negative side effects including loss of appetite, depression, anxiety and the risk of addiction.

More and more I hear people casually talking about how they took some Adderall in order to do what they needed to. It is important for students to realize that Adderall is not the answer to late night cramming and exhausting essays. Studying class material is not always easy, but there are ways to get through difficult schedules without leaning on a drug as a crutch.

1. Keep a planner.

In order to remember everything that you need to get done, it’s important to write it all down. There is no feeling better than crossing a difficult task off of your to-do list.

2. Take breaks.

Realistically, it is not logical nor good for your mental state to study for six hours straight. Come up with a routine that suits you by studying for x minutes then taking a five-minute break. Don’t forget to stop to get up and move, grab a snack and take a few minutes to relax.

3. Exercise.

A study done by an MSU doctoral student, among many other studies, show that “People with [gym] memberships had higher cumulative GPAs and had also completed more credits by the end of their freshman years.” On top of that, working out is one of the best stress relievers. You may feel like you don’t have enough time to get to the gym, but if you make time to get some exercise in, you will feel better and be more productive.

4. Get enough sleep.

You may feel like studying all night is the only answer to getting a good grade on an exam, but it truly is worse for you and your exam score to miss a night’s worth of sleep. Skipping crucial resting time can cause you to remember less the next day since our brain encodes information into our memories while we sleep. Going to sleep for seven hours is more important than spending all night in the library slaving over books that you won’t even remember reading. Your brain will surely function better the next morning after some rest than it would after countless hours of mindless studying.

5. Skip the party.

If you have a lot of studying to do and are feeling a little extra stressed, the best way to get over that is not to go out and party. Stay in and get your work done first because you will feel so much more accomplished and won’t have that nagging pain of knowing that you should be at home studying. Giving up a few nights out is better than resorting to recreational use of Adderall.

6. Eat healthy foods.

While it’s most convenient and comforting to eat junk foods while studying, try switching to a healthy alternative. You will feel more energized because you will be getting necessary vitamins and nutrients that their body needs to function effectively.

7. Use caffeine to your benefit.

While not the healthiest option, caffeine is a better alternative than Adderall you stay up late enough to finish your project. The occasional caffeine diet consisting of coffee, Red Bull and Five Hour Energy can be helpful and is cheaper and arguably safer than resorting to Adderall.

8. Avoid procrastination.

Don’t wait until the last minute to do things. If you try to stay on top of things, you won’t be cramming and pressed for time. If you finish things as soon as possible, then you won’t feel rushed the night before the due date and won’t feel like you need a stimulant to finish your work in ample time.

9. Create a study group.

Adderall is not the type of study buddy you need. What you need is a group of people to meet up with to get homework done or study for an exam. Having friends to study with is a good motivation to help you stay on track and keep you from getting frustrated when you can’t figure something out.

Adderall and other ADHD drugs may help you feel more focused, but the risks you are opening yourself up to are greater than a less than average grade on one exam. It’s difficult to map out a way to do well in your classes, do sports or extracurriculars, and maintain a social life. But it is possible.

The use of Adderall has become an epidemic in college campuses all over. Its accessibility and its reputation among students is part of what makes it seem so appealing. What students don’t realize is that Adderall does not increase your ability to learn or your intelligence; it just makes you work more diligently. Taking this drug is not going to teach you a semester’s worth of calculus, write a perfect thesis, or remind you of all of the laws of physics. It is not some magical pill you need to learn material.

You are able to do well without taking Adderall, so do yourself a favor and don’t start relying on it.