Students are using prescription drugs for studying to help get focused.

Adderall and Vyvanse are both prescription drugs that have become a popular study buddy for college students around the nation.

The drug is intended for people with ADHD who need help focusing.

It has found its way to college campuses as a way for students who need a little extra help with managing class work loads and staying up late to study for exams.

“When I take [Vyvanse] my whole body slows down. When I take it before a test I don’t get distracted,” said Lauren Dowling, a sophomore business major.

Dowling has ADHD and has been on a prescription since age five and now takes Vyvanse.

Dowling said students who know she takes Vyvanse have approached her about buying the drug from her, usually saying something along the lines of, “Hey I know you take it. Can I buy some from you? I have a really big test and I need it.”

The majority of students at least know somebody who has tried taking Vyvanse or Adderall when it wasn’t prescribed to them.

“Most people I know use it for study purposes,” said Britney Duke, a sophomore communications and marketing major.

Most Adderall or Vyvanse pills that are sold illegally, go for about five dollars a pill.

Students don’t find it hard to come by, either. 

“One of my friends gave it to me for free because they have a prescription for it,” said Artem Shakirov, a sophomore finance major. Shakirov said he has only tried it. “I used it so that I could be able to stay awake longer so I could study,” said Shakirov. Shakirov said he tried Vyvanse.

Some students say that while studying is the main purpose for abusing these drugs, some people use them to party.

These drugs cause the person to stay awake and be able to party longer. They also can act as a type of speed.