As finals week approaches, some students will push their bodies to unhealthy limits in attempts to study for long periods before exams.

Some students use the drug Adderall to focus while they study. The National Survey on Drug Use and Health, released in April, stated 7 percent of all full-time college students aged 18-22 use Adderall. This was almost twice the percentage of reported usage among the same age group not attending college full-time.

Adderall, an amphetamine, is a prescription drug designed to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and is classified as a schedule II substance under the Controlled Substances Act. This designation means the drug has legitimate medical uses but has "a high potential for abuse."

Terrence, a junior biology major and pre-med student, said the stress of his major drives him to use Ritalin, a drug similar in composition to Adderall, so he can concentrate before and during exams.

"Normally I take Ritalin or something like that so I can stay up for 48 hours straight," Terrence said. "It helps short term, you don't retain anything, but it definitely helps short term. If I want to get into medical school I've got to get all As or close to, so I do it for that reason."

Wellness Resource Center Director Kim Dude said drugs aren't the only concern during the last week of exams.

"There are many things that can happen during finals week," Dude said. "Things like sleep deprivation, poor eating habits, no-dos to keep awake, in reality none of these things will improve performance on finals."

Alex, a freshman who admitted to Adderall use, said he stays up for long periods before most of his tests.

"I've studied for 12 hours straight without a break without eating or anything," he said.

Terry Wilson, coordinator of health promotions at the Student Health Center, said the stress surrounding final exams causes many students to resort to dangerous measures.

"There are heightened stress levels because people want to do well on their finals, they want to make the grade," Wilson said. "And their stress response, if they don't have healthy coping mechanisms, can be negative."

Dude said the best ways to prepare for a final are to get adequate sleep and begin studying at least a week before the test so "cramming" isn't necessary.

Wilson, who has coordinated more than 15 seminars this semester about reducing stress, said deep breathing techniques were one of the most effective ways to relieve anxiety before an exam. She said most of the things students do to succeed are short-term solutions.

"I think they're easy, quick fixes" Wilson said. "It's human nature to do things that make us feel better instantly.

Sophomore Gavin Womack, a graphic design major, said he doesn't feel the need resort to drugs.

"Drugs won't benefit you during finals week," Womack said. "Some people pull all-nighters. I mean, I pull all-nighters and I like drink coffee and caffeine but I don't do drugs. I rely on my personal energy