How prevalent are study drugs at Penn State?

Ritalin, Adderall, Wellbutrin – you know what they are, and you know what they do.

Prescribed for ADHD, these drugs help people focus when they have difficulties doing so on their own. But what does it do for regular, stressed out college students with exams coming up? That’s right, these suckers help you focus.

Casually coined “study drugs,” these prescription medications are apparently a stereotype associated with most college campuses, and are a common issue surrounding academic integrity.

So, are Penn State students taking drugs to boost their creativity, or is everyone studying the old fashioned way?

Most students we talked to, freshmen and upperclassmen, didn’t seem to be familiar with study drugs at all (at least not for studying), which bodes well for Penn State’s academic integrity.

When asked if she had heard of any medications floating around campus, study drugs specifically, Shrubshri Rajendra was surprised.

“Things that help you focus?”

But she seemed fairly open minded to taking mental supplements for the sake of GPA.

“Yes, I’d probably try that. But I’d also consider drinking coffee and staying up all night long too, which isn’t very healthy either. That probably indicates that we’re a really stressed out student body, though, which sucks.”

Jordan Fletcher, a junior living in Pollock, was candid about his views on study drugs as well, insisting on their absence here at Penn State.

“Been here for long enough to know that those drugs aren’t here. Not around me anyway.”

If they were prevalent on campus, hypothetically, what would that indicate about our school?

“It’s probably a bad sign for students. Like, they’re probably stressed. But I want to tell them, you know, you’re smart without that shit, don’t get in trouble.”

Jorge Garnica, a freshman and newly minted fraternity brother, knew exactly what they were, but also wholeheartedly denied their presence on and off campus.

“Yeah, I know you take them basically to focus and stuff. But they’re not here. I haven’t been offered any and I haven’t heard of any of my friends taking them. But even if they were here, it wouldn’t define us as a school.”

Other students were not so sure.

Daniel Hizgilov, a freshman, says he’s started hearing stories about study drugs in the first few weeks of the semester.

“Apparently some kid on my floor has ADD, so he sells his Adderall.”

What do you think this says about our school?

“It doesn’t really say much about our school, just college in general. Students are just really stressed and looking to stay up all night.”

Stephanie Rosenbloom, a teaching assistant and senior, had many horror stories to tell about study drugs.

“They’re extremely prevalent. Pretty much every guy I met at frat parties were big Adderall users. I know that once a person, or a person’s brother, gets the prescription, they share. I can’t even count the number of times I’ve heard that story.”

What do you think this indicates about our school?

“I mean, I think it says that students are spread too thin. As for the long term effects of these drugs, I think it feeds people’s short term memories and creates really bad procrastination and cramming tendencies.”

A few questions to a small time campus dealer of these coveted products furthered proved that study drugs are, in fact, circulating at Penn State.

“I can’t really speak for everyone, but the people I sell to just feel like there’s no way out. They’re really stressed and desperate to get things done on time.”

Do you try your own drugs?

With a chuckle, he says “I’m pretty sure the Adderall is the one thing my parents want me taking, and that’s what I stay away from.”

Does demand ever get particularly high? Pardon the pun.

He laughs again.

“I mean, I only sell to my friends, or my friends’ friends. Precautions, you know. And they buy pretty consistent amounts. I don’t like change, and they know how much I usually have. But they get really desperate with big exams and midterms.”

Overall, study drugs are a largely unexplored topic on campus or at least one kept under wraps, but regardless a source of a lot of tension for many people.

Many individuals we approached seemed quite forthcoming to talk about their experiences with study drugs until they found out they would be quoted and photographed, and then they withdrew their interviews.

While this type of behavior may indicate a prevalence of drugs on this campus that no one is talking about, perhaps it is more important to address why students are willing to risk their health, their grades, and their reputation by popping pills.