Final Exams, Stressful Students and Bad Habits

As the week of finals fastly approach, some students will push their bodies to an extreme and unhealthy limit in attempt to study for long periods of time for exams.

To maintain focus may become quite difficult. This causes some students to use the drug Adderall which helps better their study skills and enhances their concentration level. Released in April, the National Survey on Drug Use and Health stated that 7 percent of all full-time college students, ages 18-22, use Adderall.

Adderall, an amphetamine, is a central nervous system stimulant that affects chemicals in the brain and nerves that contribute to hyperactivity and impulse control. It is designed to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, better known as ADHD. This drug has legal medical uses but has a high potential for abuse.

Arthur, a senior Public Relations major, said the stress of his major drives him to use Ritalin so he can concentrate before and during exams. Ritalin is a drug similar in composition to Adderall.

"Usually I take Ritalin or something like it so that I can stay up for 48 hours straight," Arthur said. "It helps short term. You don't retain anything, but it definitely helps short term. If I want to get into my internship I've got to get all As or close to, so I do it for that reason also."

Sebastian Health Center Director suggested that drugs aren't the only concern during the last week of finals.

"There are alot of things that could happen during finals week," said the Director. "Things like sleep deprivation and poor eating habits are things that will not improve performance on finals."

Alex, a freshman who admitted to abusing the use of Adderall, said he stays up for long periods of time before his test and other strenuous homework assignments. "I've studied for 12 hours straight without a break; without eating or anything," he said.

The coordinator of health promotions at Sebastian Health Center, said the stress surrounding final exams causes many students to resort to dangerous measures. "Stress levels are heightened because students want to do well on their finals. They want to make good grades and their stress response, if they don't have healthy coping mechanisms, can be negative."

The best ways to prepare for a final are to get adequate sleep and begin studying at least a week before the test so "cramming" isn't necessary. Drugs are not beneficial.