If you're a student stressed about finals, praying for a miracle to pull you back from distractions and help you focus, you aren't alone. Which is why the current 'trending' taboo- the consumption of ADHD drugs as 'Academic steroids' -has raised interest among students as the go-to option for better grades.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD is a condition affecting the brain. A person with ADHD is hyperactive, and has trouble focusing. Medications such as Adderall, Eyvanse and Ritalin are the prescribed drugs for treatment. 

Students using ADHD medications without showing symptoms claim that the medications enable them to have razor-sharp focus and the ability to pull all-nighters without distraction. This "smart drug" or "study buddy" is a stimulant which releases four types of amphetamine salts to promote focus and wakefulness in the body. They claim it's like putting blinders on and only seeing the words on the pages of their books. Nothing can distract them, which is enough to entice any stressed, overburdened student.

There is no single test that can be used to diagnose ADHD. It is diagnosed after a person has shown the symptoms of ADHD on a regular basis for more than six months. This makes it convenient for many to deceptively present false symptoms which compel doctors to write them prescriptions for ADHD medication. The meds are also dealt around like any common street drug. Universities and colleges are beginning to place regulations with rigid consequences regarding the discovery of students using these 'academic steroids'.

Even though ADHD medication is widespread in the United States, students around the world tend to get motivated upon hearing about this remedy. Before you start googling up doctors near you to fool into prescribing these drugs consider the major downsides. 

ADHD medication Adderall may seem harmless, but it is classified as a Class 2 drug, belonging to the same class as cocaine and morphine. Psychologically, students believe they need to consume a stronger dose to feel the same level of concentration. Increasing its dosage can bring about anxiety, mood swings, depression, suicidal thoughts, and even death. Furthermore, no evidence suggests that ADHD medications promote cognitive functioning. Contrarily, new evidence indicates that ADHD drugs are associated with deterioration in academic and social-emotional functioning.

And how disrespectful is it for people truly suffering from ADHD, who too are suspected of falsifying symptoms to get the medication? Not all students consuming Adderall and other meds are dishonestly claiming the disorder. Statistics say that around 11 percent school students are victims of ADHD. 

So instead of getting hyped over this new 'academic steroid', take a good look at your life, drink a cup of coffee, and attempt to study like a regular student. (Unless you do have ADHD) 

Samin Sabah Islam is on a quest to find the perfect diet while simultaneously swallowing the last slice of pizza. Throw her some tips at [email protected]