ADHD medications and college: Drug use could lead to charges

On Behalf of | Jun 29, 2021 | Drug Charges

When your child went away to college, you never thought they’d have a problem with the law. That’s why you were surprised to get a call saying that they had been arrested for possessing drugs that didn’t belong to them.

You found out that they had another student’s ADHD medications on hand, which you couldn’t understand. Were they left behind accidentally? Were they using them because they felt they might have this condition? Regardless of the reason, they’re in trouble for possessing them now.

Attention deficit hyperactive disorder medications: Study drugs

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, is a common neurodevelopmental disorder, so there are many students who will take medications to cope with the illness.

On the flip side, these drugs can also be used as study aids, although it is illegal to use them without a prescription. Students on college campuses may abuse the ADHD medications to help them:

  • Stay awake longer
  • Increase their ability to focus
  • Lose weight
  • Curb their appetites

While these medications may be helpful when a person has ADHD or when they’re taken as prescribed, they can cause significant health problems when they’re not taken as directed.

ADHD medications are stimulant drugs

ADHD medications are stimulants. People who have taken the medications may have side effects such as:

  • Increased body temperature
  • Increased heart rate
  • Raised blood pressure

At very high doses, these can lead to extreme anger, feelings of paranoia, trouble sleeping and other issues.

It’s worth mentioning that stimulants have the potential to be addictive as well.

What can you do if your child takes stimulants while at college?

If they are facing drug-related charges, your first priority should be to have an attorney get involved in the case. Then, talk to your child. Whether they were taking the drug, simply in possession or were trying to sell pills, now is a good time to have a conversation about what they’re doing and why those actions may not be legal. Your attorney will work with you on the case to help protect them against the harsh penalties that could come with a conviction.

Watch how we can help you with your legal situation

Archives

Do You Have a Defense?

Do You Have a Defense?

Avvo Clients' Choice 2018 Criminal Defense    Avvo Clients' Choice 2018 Criminal Defense

Charles Waechter | Lawyer.com Premium
FindLaw Network