Is your teen hoping to get into a certain college? Does he or she feel pressure to perform well academically? If so, your teen could have decided to use “study” drugs in an effort to focus better, stay awake longer to study and get better grades.
The problem is that these study drugs have serious side effects that could harm your child’s health. In addition, if caught with them, it could also lead to criminal charges, suspension or expulsion from school, and the derailment of his or her future. You will need to take swift action in order to mitigate any adverse consequences your teen could face that put his or her future in jeopardy.
Study drugs are usually not illegal substances
You taught your teenager to stay away from illegal drugs, and you are confident he or she adheres to your teachings. However, most study drugs are not considered illegal, which could lead your teen into a false sense of security when it comes to using them. In fact, doctors legally prescribe many of the substances that students use for those who live with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
These stimulants may give your teen more energy and keep fatigue at bay — temporarily. If your teen takes these types of drugs without the supervision of a doctor or a prescription, he or she could experience the following adverse side effects:
- Increased blood pressure
- Increased heart rate
- Tremors
- Faster breathing
- Restlessness
- Increased blood sugar
- Paranoia
- Mood changes, including anger
- Psychosis
- Muscle weakness and pain
- Seizures
- Suppressed appetite
- Anxiety
- Unintentional weight loss
- Sleep problems, including insomnia
- Depression
- Fatigue
In severe cases, your teen could fall into a coma. The other issue is that the medical community considers these drugs highly addictive. Addiction makes people do things they would never consider otherwise. Stealing, assault and other crimes often accompany addiction. In fact, merely possessing study drugs without a valid prescription could lead to an arrest as well.
Doing what’s best for your teen
If police do take your child into custody for illegally possessing study drugs, a conviction could have far-reaching consequences. Moreover, any criminal penalties associated with a conviction will not cure the underlying problems associated with the circumstances. What your child may need more than anything is help in conquering the addiction and dealing with the emotions and feelings that led to using in the first place.
With the help of an experienced Georgia attorney, it may be possible to get your teen the help he or she needs in order to get life back on track.