Whether you have a major exam coming up or a project that will constitute a significant amount of your grade, you may need to do a lot of intensive academic work in a short amount of time as part of your college education. Some people who struggle with procrastination might even find themselves needing to stay up all night in order to finish necessary classwork or prepare for a test.
Trying to pull an all-nighter often requires chemical assistance. Many people will down cups of coffee throughout the night to keep themselves awake. Other students might turn to stimulant medications commonly prescribed for attention deficit disorder (ADD) or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). If you get caught buying or taking someone else’s medication, the consequences could be serious.
Prescribed stimulants are controlled substances
There’s a reason that your classmate needs a prescription for Ritalin or Adderall. These medications can help people focus, but they also have a high risk of abuse and chemical dependence.
Given how effective these chemicals can be at helping people get work done, people with prescriptions might monetize their medication by selling it to their classmates. Both the person handing out the medication and the people buying and consuming it run afoul of state and federal drug laws in doing so. The consequences if you get caught could include criminal charges, suspension or expulsion from school, the loss of scholarships and ineligibility for federal student aid in the future.
College students facing drug charges need to evaluate the risk that a conviction will have for their future. An experienced attorney can provide valuable guidance and work to mitigate the consequences.