In recent years the abuse of prescription “study drugs” such as Adderall, Dexedrine, Ritalin, Concerta, and Vyvanse have been on the rise. The use of these drugs without a real need for them can have some serious side effects, and in some cases even lead to death. Overuse can lead to intense anger, paranoia, heart problems, and mental health problems. But, what exactly are these stimulants?
“Study drugs” such as Adderall and Ritalin are prescribed to patients with conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Though these drugs may help these people, that does not mean it will have a similar effect on you. In most cases these drugs are attained by being stolen from a friend or relative with a similar condition.
There are many alternatives to these drugs to help people that have trouble focusing. A combination of meditation and exercise is a great way to improve your concentration. Try going for a run and then calming down with a yoga class to get your mind settled in preparation for a study session. A good night’s sleep can also do wonders for your mental state. Rest is vital to thinking clearly and staying alert, so try to get between 8-9 hours of sleep. Hydration and healthy eating in combination with these other alternatives can really kick-start a flow of good ideas. Foods such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, fish, and lean protein fuel your body and lead to a healthy mental state. No matter how you decide to enhance your focus these are all safe and effective ways to do so.
If you think you may have a form of ADHD, please contact your doctor.