It’s no secret that “study drugs” like Ritalin and Adderall run rampant among college students.

College presents an environment that almost encourages these study drugs. With the pressure to pass classes, get jobs and internships, and participate in extracurricular activities, students must juggle many sources of stress that might drive them to use outer sources of energy and focus.

Most students who abuse the drugs get them from their friends who have prescriptions. In fact, 83% who reported misuse of stimulants reported that they got them from their friends according to a study by Ohio State University. These transactions aren’t usually seen as “drug deals,” but rather they’re intended to help a friend out.

Particularly during finals week, there is more demand for study drugs as students stress over their final tests and assignments. However, adverse side effects like high body temperatures and irregular heartbeats are possible if the drug is used inappropriately.

Schools are working to improve the study habits of students so they don’t feel the need to use these drugs, but still nearly one-third of students have participated in stimulant drug misuse at least once while in college (Center for Young Adult Health and Development).

“It is a capsule, it looks safe,” said Sam Dillistin, who has a prescription for Vyvanse, in the article. “People take pills every day, nobody seems to have an issue with it.”

To read the full article by USA Today College, click here.