Drugs like Adderall, Ritalin and Vyvanse are the most commonly abused drugs in both colleges and high schools. It is not surprising that in an age when prescription opioids are more dangerous than black market drugs, over the counter amphetamines have also risen in popularity. That’s right, amphetamines, the same chemical classification as meth or speed.

The most common reason for prescribing Adderall is for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention among children who are diagnosed with ADHD in 2016, 62% were taking medication. 18% of the 2-5 year old age bracket are prescribed medication. Yes, those are kids who haven’t even started first grade, and yes, we are giving them amphetamines.

A recent study at the University of Michigan revealed that a quarter of students were using prescription amphetamines, but only 9% had a prescription. Students are buying these “study drugs” for a market price of $5-15, depending on the study season, availability and dosage.

These drugs are being used for an assortment of reasons, some people taking them for several different ones. Students commonly use it both to study and also to mix with alcohol to drink longer but to stay wired. It is also commonly used for weight loss or to stay awake. This is a frightening reality considering that weight loss and restlessness are side effects, not the desired effects.

According to the DEA , Adderall is a schedule 2 drug, not schedule 1. The scheduling system is designed to restrict access, classify addiction probability, and provide guidelines for punishment in court. Schedule 1 is the most serious and schedule 5 is the least. This system has been under scrutiny recently with the outbreak of America’s most recent prescription crisis. Marijuana is still a schedule 1 drug with Xanax (a chemical cousin to date rape drug Rohypnol) only classified as a schedule 4 drug.