Before a sweet summer of freedom, our kids must first buckle down and tackle final exams. Whether your kids are in high school or college, this can be a nerve-wracking and stressful time.
Although it’s easy to get caught up in other year-end events, don’t overlook this critical time in your child’s life. Whether it’s academic pressure, achieving personal goals or other motivators that drive your child, be conscious of helping them keep the stress levels under control before they turn to extreme situations to cope, such as misusing a prescription stimulant to stay focused. The Partnership at DrugFree.org reports, “One study at a large university found 34 percent of students had used a prescription stimulant drug to help them focus when they felt academic stress.”
A recent study by Brigham Young University researchers further brought this to light when their analysis of Twitter content revealed that Tweets about the ADHD drug Adderall increased during finals season.
“This data suggests that they’re using it as a study aid. Many of the tweets even made a study reference.” (Read the full article.)
Here's how you can help reduce the prescription drug epidemic and help your kids safely navigate final exams:
- Ask your kids about their upcoming final exams. You’ll be aware of what’s on their plate and talking about it might help reduce some anxiety.
- Recognize that your kids are busy and doing something important so that they don’t feel like you aren’t taking them seriously.
- Break up the study routine with something fun to help balance the mood.
- Encourage adequate rest, healthy food and hydration to maintain physical health.
Happy (and safe) studying!
