Detoxing From Study Drugs: Get the Facts Now

The term “study drugs” refers to prescription stimulants that some high school and college students use to help them stay alert and study. This issue is surprisingly common:

On college campuses, up to 1 in 4 students used stimulants for non-medical purposes in the past year.

Used appropriately under the guidance of medical professionals, these drugs can alleviate the symptoms of mental health conditions and improve alertness. When not used medically for these real conditions, study drugs are often highly addictive.

People who have not been prescribed these medications but who take them anyway to help them get through the stress of high school, college, or other stressful responsibilities are putting themselves at risk of many serious health conditions.

This includes substance use disorder (SUD), the medical term for addiction.

Types of Study Drugs

Study drugs can include caffeine pills or more serious stimulants like Adderall. These drugs are usually abused by people whose goal is to increase their alertness and focus to assist them with school.

The most common study drugs are stimulants prescribed for attention deficit disorder (ADD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). These include:

• Adderall

• Ritalin

• Concentra

• Focalin

• Vyvanse

Drugs used to treat narcolepsy, such as Modafinil, are also often abused, alongside other nootropics like Adrafinil and Phenylpiracetam.

Abusing Phenylpiracetam is particularly dangerous because the drug has not been FDA-approved. Its positive effects are relatively moderate, but its negative side effects are varied and often severe.

Signs of Study Drug Abuse

Due to the wide range of study drugs, there are different signs and symptoms associated with the abuse of these drugs. The abuse of study drugs can have many effects, including:

• Reduced appetite

• Weight loss

• Risky sexual behavior

• Rapid heart rate

• High blood pressure

• Depression

• Insomnia

Signs of Nootropic Abuse

The abuse of nootropics such as Modafinil, Adrafinil, and Phenylpiracetam can have a more extensive list of side effects, especially if there are underlying mental health conditions. Symptoms of nootropic abuse include:

• Vertigo or dizziness

• Motor impairments

• Spatial memory problems

• Agitation

• Stomach issues

• Diarrhea

• Hot flashes

• Headaches

• Insomnia

• Severe fatigue

• Paranoia

• Hypomania

• Restlessness

• Anxiety

• Panic attacks

• Psychosis

Beyond the effects of study drugs on mental and physical health, SUDs can consume someone’s life.

If an individual is addicted or might be becoming addicted to study drugs, it is essential for them to seek help from medical professionals. Drug and alcohol treatment can help them have a safe detox and be able to move on to a life without drugs.

Detoxing From Study Drugs

The treatment for study drugs will vary depending on the drug the user is addicted to and the severity of the addiction. Symptoms of withdrawal from stimulants like Adderall and Ritalin include: 

• Appetite changes

• Dehydration

• Headaches

• Muscle pains and spasms

• Fatigue

• Anxiety

• Psychosis

Additionally, people withdrawing from stimulants may face intense cravings as their body learns to function without the drugs.

Detoxing From Nootropics

Symptoms of withdrawal from nootropics like Modafinil and Adrafinil include:

• Sleep disturbances

• Lethargy

• Brain fog

• Irritability

• Mood Changes

• Relational difficulties

Although the withdrawal symptoms of nootropics are often not as severe as withdrawals from stimulants, any kind of drug withdrawal can be exhausting and painful. Withdrawal can also come with complications, especially if there are underlying medical conditions.

To safely and successfully detox, the individual will need patience, encouragement, and guidance from medical professionals. No one should ever try detoxing by themselves. Instead, it is important to seek treatment at an inpatient or outpatient treatment facility. 

Inpatient Vs. Outpatient Detox

Not all addictions are the same. Some people will have severe addictions, but others will have mild to moderate SUDs. Finding the best treatment for prescription stimulant addiction can be tricky.

Severe addictions are usually marked by the person’s inability to take care of themselves, difficulty consistently attending or performing at work or school, and damaged relationships with friends and family. In cases of mild to moderate addictions, the person may still be somewhat stable and can keep a schedule and handle the tasks of day-to-day life.

For severe cases, inpatient treatment centers offer the best chance for a successful recovery. In an inpatient facility, the person detoxing will be in an environment free of drugs and alcohol, making relapse nearly impossible during this critical time.

They will also have 24/7 access to medical professionals that will be able to ease the symptoms of withdrawal and mitigate cravings. Most importantly, in an inpatient facility, the person will engage in therapy to learn new coping mechanisms and other essential skills to help them continue on the road to recovery once they leave treatment.

In an outpatient facility, people with mild to moderate addictions will still receive the same opportunities for treatment and therapy as they would in an inpatient facility.

Since outpatient treatment is part-time, they will have the freedom to continue going to work and school or attending to other outside responsibilities. If someone has a healthy living environment and can handle the responsibility of not relapsing while at home, an outpatient facility may be an excellent option to give them the tools and resources they need for a successful recovery. 

Get Treatment for Study Drug Abuse at The Forge Recovery Center

At The Forge Recovery Center, we understand that detoxing from study drugs can be difficult, exhausting, and sometimes dangerous. However, it is a necessary first step toward recovery.

We believe that no one should ever have to detox alone, especially young adults, who are disproportionately affected by addictions to study drugs. Our expertly trained staff are experienced in treating substance use disorders. We can help you or your loved one on the road to recovery with scientifically proven medications and therapies.

If you have questions about the signs of study drug abuse or the treatment options available to you or your loved one, we would love to help. Contact The Forge Recovery Center today.

Written by

Brian Moore

Content Writer

Reviewed by

Jeremy Arzt

Chief Clinical Officer

July 8, 2022