Illegal Drugs and So-Called Study Drugs

You may hear that some drugs are 'natural', 'harmless' or that a friend's prescription pills will help you revise. This lesson gives you the facts and the law, so you can say no with confidence.

Common myths

• Myth: 'Cannabis is legal now.' In the UK cannabis is a Class B drug, and in the UAE all narcotic use is a serious crime.
• Myth: 'It's only illegal if you sell it.' GOV.UK says sharing drugs counts as supply, which carries higher penalties than possession.
• Myth: 'It's fine because it's a prescription medicine.' A medicine prescribed to someone else is not safe or legal for you.
• Myth: 'Everyone does it.' Many students never use drugs, and plenty choose to stay completely clear of them.

Why there is no 'safe' illegal drug

• Illegal drugs are not regulated, so you cannot know what is in them or how strong they are.
• Mixing substances, including alcohol, increases the danger.
• Beyond health, the legal risks are severe: imprisonment, a criminal record and, for foreign nationals in the UAE, deportation.
• If someone becomes unwell after taking anything, call emergency services and tell them what you know. Medical staff are there to help.

'Study drugs' and prescription stimulants

• Mayo Clinic lists ADHD stimulants such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) among the prescription drugs most often misused.
• Mayo Clinic says stimulant misuse can cause raised body temperature, heart problems, high blood pressure, seizures or tremors, and can lead to hallucinations, aggression, paranoia and addiction.
• GOV.UK lists Ritalin (methylphenidate) as a Class B drug, so taking or passing on pills not prescribed to you carries real legal risk in the UK.
• Mayo Clinic's advice is clear: never use another person's prescription, even for a similar condition.
• Never give, sell or share your own prescribed medicine either; in the UK sharing can count as supply.

Better ways to cope with exam pressure

• Use proven study methods such as retrieval practice and spaced practice (see the Study Skills module).
• Protect sleep, food and movement during exams; tiredness is the problem study drugs claim to fix.
• If you are overwhelmed, talk to your tutor or university wellbeing service early; extensions and support exist (see Balancing Study, Work and Life).
• If you think you might have ADHD or another condition, see a doctor for a proper assessment rather than self-medicating.

If you are offered something

• 'No thanks, I don't do that.' is enough.
• 'I've got a drug test for sport.' or 'My visa matters too much.' are strong reasons, as long as they are true for you.
• You can leave any situation where drugs are being used. Message a friend to meet you or call a taxi.
• If a friend is using and you are worried about them, see lesson 8.