With finals happening now or soon, some busy teens may be looking for a boost, sometimes in the form of a "study drug”—a prescription stimulant or amphetamine not prescribed to them. Commonly used are AD/HD medicines like Adderall, Concerta, Ritalin and Vyvanse, which kids think will help them stay awake and alert and get better scores as they cram for and take tests. It's perhaps surprising that as many as 10 percent of high school sophomores and 12 percent of seniors have used a study drug not prescribed by their doctor, according to a new University of Michigan Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll on Children’s Health. Even more surprising: Most parents don’t suspect a thing. 

The poll found that only 1 percent of parents of 13- to 17-year-olds not prescribed AD/HD meds believe their teen has used a study drug. Although most parents are in the dark about this drug use, half of all parents say they're “very concerned” about teens using study drugs in their communities. More than 75 percent of parents support school policies aimed at stopping the abuse of study drugs in middle and high schools. 

The findings show that parents need to discuss the use of these drugs with their kids. "Taking these medications when they are not prescribed for you can lead to acute exhaustion, abnormal heart rhythms and even confusion and psychosis if the teens get addicted and go into withdrawal," says Matthew M. Davis, M., MAPP, director of the Mott Children's Hospital poll. Kids need to know that these drugs are potentially harmful, that designating time for sleep and study is by far the better way to go for test prep and taking. 

Have you spoken with your kids about study drugs? Let us know in the comments below!