Raise Your Hand if You Took Adderall to Study for Exams

By Cynthia Hsu, Esq. on December 22, 2011 | Last updated on March 21, 2019

Law school finals week is a time filled with stress, tensions, and of course, prescription drugs. It seems students everywhere are ingesting Adderall.

Adderall is meant to alleviate the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It's a stimulant, which means it also allows students to stay awake for long stretches of time.

Honestly, staying awake is something all law students struggle with. It's rare that students are positively enthralled with contract or property law. Does "fee simple absolute" ring a bell? Most likely, just hearing that phrase numbs your brain and almost lulls you into a coma.

That's where Adderall comes in. You pop a pill, and you stay awake no matter how deathly dull you find the material!

Of course, it's not exactly legal to use the drug without the proper prescription. As students of the law, you should really know better. Maybe there are some legal alternatives out there for you Adderall-junkies:

Redbull and 5-Hour Energy drinks: Some students don't think these work. But perhaps the trick is to think that it will work. It's called the placebo effect, and it can do wonders.
A cold shower every now and then: Feel like taking a nap? Is your study cave a little too cozy? Take a 15-second cold shower. The burst of cold water should wake you right up. Or, if you don't feel healthy enough to take a cold dip, splash some water onto your face for a similar effect.
Drink some coffee and take a nap right after: Caffeine takes some time to work through your digestive system. Take a short 15-minute nap right after you down a cup of Joe. You'll feel refreshed, and the caffeine you ingested will kick in. Be careful though: a 30-minute nap may lead to sleep inertia.

So there you have it, law kids. Try not to use Adderall as a study aid. Well, at least try some legal alternatives first.

Related Resources:

Students turn to Adderall as study aid (The Daily Iowan)
Top 7 Law School Study Aids (FindLaw's Greedy Associates)
21 Serious, Creative, & Crazy Study Spots for Law Students (FindLaw's Greedy Associates)