# Why Non-Prescription Stimulant Use DOESN’T Work Source: https://3rdmil.com/why_non-prescription_stimulant_use_does_not_work/ Last updated: 2026-06-08T17:44:09+00:00 Why Non-Prescription Stimulant Use DOESN’T Work - 3rdmil - Blog [Skip to content](https://3rdmil.com/why_non-prescription_stimulant_use_does_not_work/#content) ![](https://3rdmil.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/bg_big_alt.svg) ![](https://3rdmil.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/why-non-prescription-stimulant-use-doesnt-work-scaled-1-1536x1024.jpg) ## Why Non-Prescription Stimulant Use DOESN’T Work Pressures such as a persistent desire to succeed academically, poor sleep habits due to large workloads, and the persistence of underlying social and financial demands may place students at an increased risk for misuse of various drugs, including stimulants. ## What is Non-Prescription Stimulant Use? The number of high school and college students using non-prescription stimulants (NPS) has **increased significantly** in recent years. Stimulants such as [Adderall](https://3rdmil.com/blog/the_misuse_of_adderall_continues_to_skyrocket/) and Ritalin are often prescribed to individuals with conditions like ADHD, and have proven to be effective; however, the results can be different for individuals who take them without a prescription. NPS use falls into two main categories.  1. Not taking it in the manner prescribed by a physician. (Taking larger doses or taking them more frequently than prescribed. 2. Using the drug without a prescription (Taking a friend’s prescription) Many students believe taking NPS will increase their academic performance or help them pull an all-nighter for a test they forgot to study for. However, non-prescription use of stimulants actually has many negative effects. ![Dangers of nps use](https://3rdmil.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/dangers-of-NPS_1-scaled.jpg) ## Here are 3 Reasons Why NPS Use Doesn’t Work: ### \#1 Students who use NPS usually have lower GPAs than their non-using classmates. While stimulants have proven to be effective for those diagnosed with ADHD, that is not the case for students without ADHD. In fact, their GPAs are a letter grade lower on average. ### \#2 There can be severe dangers for those with heart problems. It’s not always easy to tell how your body will react to NPS, but those with a heart condition are at additional risk. It can also lead to seizures and high blood pressure; reactions can be severe enough that they lead to death. ### \#3 Those who use NPS are more likely to abuse alcohol and marijuana and develop drug addictions later on. Students who use NPS often mix stimulants with alcohol and marijuana, which can have severe consequences. Additionally, using NPS makes it more likely you will become addicted to other drugs later on in life. Next time, before you think about getting an extra “boost” in your studying, remember why NPS use doesn’t work. *Visit our course, [Other Drugs](https://3rdmil.com/other-drugs/), to learn more about our drug misuse prevention course for your court or campus.  *   - [Abusive Behavior](https://3rdmil.com/tag/abusive_behavior/), [Anger management](https://3rdmil.com/tag/anger_management/), [Domestic Violence Rescources](https://3rdmil.com/tag/domestic_violence_rescources/), [Drug Abuse](https://3rdmil.com/tag/drug_abuse/), [Non-prescription Stimulants](https://3rdmil.com/tag/non-prescription_stimulants/), [NPS](https://3rdmil.com/tag/nps/) ## Popular Topics: - [Alcohol](https://3rdmil.com/category/alcohol/) - [Drugs](https://3rdmil.com/category/drugs/) - [Cannabis and THC](https://3rdmil.com/category/cannabis-and-thc/) - [Vaping and Nicotine](https://3rdmil.com/category/vaping-and-nicotine/) - [Human Trafficking](https://3rdmil.com/category/human-trafficking/) - [Healthy Relationships](https://3rdmil.com/category/healthy-relationships/) - [Universities and Colleges](https://3rdmil.com/category/universities-and-colleges/) - [High Schools and Middle Schools](https://3rdmil.com/category/high-schools-and-middle-schools/) [https://3rdmil.com/?s=](https://3rdmil.com/?s=) ![](https://3rdmil.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/search_desktop.svg) ![](https://3rdmil.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/search_mobile.svg) [see all articles tablet](https://3rdmil.com/?s=) ![](https://3rdmil.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/search_desktop.svg) ![](https://3rdmil.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/search_mobile.svg) [Page 1 32](https://3rdmil.com/?s=) ![](https://3rdmil.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Page-1-3.svg) ## Related Articles [![bg\_sec2](https://3rdmil.com/wp-content/uploads/elementor/thumbs/bg_sec2-qgm4sqdgtva4y0szr7luczafz6p3apz36ubh34q1g0.webp) ## AI and Academic Integrity: How Universities Can Prevent AI Cheating and Protect Their Reputation ![](https://3rdmil.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Little-Squares.svg)](https://3rdmil.com/ai-academic-integrity-higher-education/) [![Cannabis\_ A\_Detailed\_Guide-img](https://3rdmil.com/wp-content/uploads/elementor/thumbs/Cannabis_-A_Detailed_Guide-img-scaled-1-qk224g3aw94ulf50ia25tol5l5prkigud7zuec2bbk.jpg) ## The 2018 Farm Bill Explained: What Schools, Courts, and Agencies Must Know in 2026 ![](https://3rdmil.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Little-Squares.svg)](https://3rdmil.com/the-2018-farm-bill-explained-what-schools-courts-and-agencies-must-know-in-2026/) [![hazing prevention photo](https://3rdmil-uploads.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/06212432/hazing-prevention-photo.jpg) ## Hazing Is a Multi-Million Dollar Problem for Universities: Here’s Why Prevention Matters ![](https://3rdmil.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Little-Squares.svg)](https://3rdmil.com/cost-of-hazing-universities/) [![Screenshot 2026-05-07 110053](https://3rdmil-uploads.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/07160103/Screenshot-2026-05-07-110053.png) ## Course Highlight: Hazing & Hosting ![](https://3rdmil.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Little-Squares.svg)](https://3rdmil.com/course-highlight-hazing-hosting/) [https://3rdmil.com/?s=](https://3rdmil.com/?s=)