Prescription drugs for treatment of ADHD have become increasingly popular over the last decade. Studies show that 1 in 4 college students have taken these drugs without a prescription to help boost their academic performance. Students frequently feel that they need to abuse this common ADHD prescription drug in order to compete. The pressures of the university life can be intense, but is taking prescription medication illegally worth it? Is it safe? And are there alternatives?

Taking prescription medication without a prescription is in fact, illegal. The moment you put the pill in your mouth you are doing drugs. To some, this means nothing. But to the law, you are in violation and you could be prosecuted. All that aside however, prescription medication is not healthy for those who are not prescribed. The purpose of these drugs is to correct imbalances in your brain. If your brain is already functioning correctly, then altering it can create imbalances that have negative affects on other key bodily functions and long-term health. Some of the leading prescription drugs are even considered a form of speed. They increase your heart rate and blood pressure, many times causing headaches and chest pains. Other side effects include: dry mouth, upset stomach, nausea, diarrhea, loss of appetite and weight, constipation, nervousness, restlessness, dizziness, vomiting, stomach pain, fever, unusual weakness or tiredness. Many times people experience drastic mood swings after the effects of the drug wears off. Perhaps the most negative side effect is the extreme dependency that can occur after taking these medications for only a few weeks. Going without can have negative withdrawals that are similar to those of Cocaine… Not good. Long-term effects have not been tracked but scientist and doctor’s opinions have frequently been found to be negative.

Many students find this controversial drug enticing. All the hype could only mean that it works, right? They are not concerned with the side effects, and simply want a more effective way to compete in school. Little do students know, there are a number of alternatives that are similar in intense effectiveness, but are less dangerous and do not require a prescription. Supplements with all the same effects, but done so with natural and legal ingredients.

There are a number of brands that focus on factors that the leading drug brands don’t even address; factors including memory and overall brain health. A healthy brain functions better and there are many elements and natural supplements that aid in this. Complex metabolic function occurs every second within your brain, feeding it with what it needs makes a world of difference. Neurotransmitters called acetylcholine move and store information in your brain. By boosting and feeding the acetylcholine, one can increase memory and retention, as well as aid in the flow of information. Stimulating and energizing the mind, as many prescription neurological enhancing treatments do, is only one piece of the puzzle.

Students and parents should be informed as well as investigate alternatives before taking drugs to boost brain power. Supplements can have similar (and often superior) effects to the leading ADHD drugs.

Our preferred Adderall alternative study supplement is Cerebral Success. Cerebral Success is a nootropic focused on providing awesome mental energy, health, focus, and enhanced memory.