In today’s generation, academics are becoming increasingly more difficult. Whether it is a midterm one still has to study for, or an essay that still needs to be written, staying awake and remaining focused can be an obstacle when it comes to college students. But, for many students, Adderall is the answer. Commonly used to combat ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), Adderall is a (brand name) prescription drug now being used amongst college students in order to increase academic performance. This drug is a stimulant for the central nervous system and is believed to boost the ability to focus and stay organized for those who can not do either. What students may not know, or may choose to ignore, are the dangerous side affects that Adderall comes with, especially if the drug is not being used for what it is originally intended for. Those who turn to this drug without any medical reasons can become heavily dependent and experience an array of side effects such as restlessness, decreased appetite, depression, anxiety and, of course, the risk of addiction.

In my four years of college, I have met countless amount of students who used Adderall to help their academic performance and I always thought, Isn’t there another way to study class material better? Why turn to such a dangerous drug?

The bigger question is, Aren't there any alternatives to gaining more focus and performing better in academics? The answer is, yes. That is why I took to researching some healthier ways students could combat their lack of focus without the use of addicting or harmful drugs.

One of the main reasons behind taking Adderall is that students feel they lack focus, but what may really be the issue is that they do not have a good study method, thus, leaving them feeling helpless and unfocused. Studying class material is never an easy feat, but there are definitely ways to do so without the use of drugs.

Keep a planner.

Using a planner to write down all your assignments is a great way to keep everything organized. This way, when you complete an assignment, you have the satisfaction of crossing it out in your planner.

Make a study guide.

It certainly is great when professors just hand you a sheet of paper with all the concepts you need to know for an exam, but if you have professors who aren't as nice, then making your own study guide is the way to go. This not only helps you organize your notes, but it helps reinforce your understanding as you physically write everything down.

Take breaks.

Studying continuously for hours is tiring. You know that; I know that; everyone knows that. So, taking breaks is crucial. Whether you go to use the restroom, eat a snack or get up and move around for a bit, taking at least 15 minutes away from your computer screen or textbook can work wonders. This not only helps your state of mind, but your body will thank you later.

Do not pull an all-nighter.

As much as studying all night may seem like a good idea -- trust me, it's not. Not getting enough sleep could be the worst thing you could do the night before an exam. Skipping this critical time can cause you to remember less the next day, since our brain processes and encodes information into our memory while we are asleep. Instead of pulling an all-nighter, plan your day out in your planner and devote specific times of the day for studying, leaving at least seven to eight hours to sleep at night. Your brain will most definitely function better the next morning in time for your exam than it would have without sleep and hours of mindless studying.

At college campuses nationwide, students have delved into the world of Adderall misuse and abuse causing a widespread epidemic. Educating students (and, more importantly, young adults who will be entering college) about the risks of drug prescription abuse is fundamental to a more safe and healthy future for our next generation. Whether it is a friend, family member or colleague influencing you to rely on drugs to get the job done, know that there are alternatives to studying and doing better in school. There is always another route.

Just say no.