Drugs and the Exam Period

If you are worried about a friend's drug use, or your own, then there are a number of people you can speak to.

In an emergency, don't delay ringing 999 for an ambulance. From the Talk to Frank website:

"If you're with someone who needs medical help, call an ambulance and tell the crew everything you know about the drugs taken, it could save their life. If you have any drugs left, hand them over to the crew as it may help. They won't tell the police."

If you are a University of Leeds student, Leeds University Union's advice service is free, confidential and on campus. As they are used to supporting students through all sorts of problems, big and small, they're really clued up on University and Accommodation disciplinary procedures, how to help with mitigating circumstances and extension requests, and know what services are on offer around Uni and Leeds.

Forward Leeds are an external service that connect up alcohol and drug support in Leeds. From their contact page there is simply one number to ring if you need support, or you can self-refer using the form on the page.

There is a wealth of information about a variety of study drugs, and we've put a lot of the really useful stuff below.

However, remember it's your responsibility to validate the sources and understand what you're taking each time.

• Modafinil
• Adderall (more on Amphetamines here and remember to look at how Amphetamines mix with other drugs/alcohol here)
• Ritalin/Methylphenidate
• Noopept

Lots of people use alcohol, marijuana, or other drugs as a way to reward themselves or manage stress, but it can increase anxiety and disrupt your sleep. It's always best to understand the desired effects, but also to understand the undesired ones so that you can make a decision that's right for you. Websites like drugsand.me, tripsit.me and erowid.org have huge amounts of information on a wide range of drugs, however, remember that all drugs affect people uniquely and not all information is always accurate.

Sleep, especially around exam time, can be really difficult to master. Some of the appeal of study drugs can be that they will keep you awake and attentive far longer than you'd usually be able to. However, for some it becomes more difficult to sleep even once they feel tired or have finished working.

If you are going to take a study drug, be cautious with the dosing and wait for effects to onset before thinking about increasing the dosage. Be sure to take it early in the morning so you still have the chance of a good night's sleep later on.

Struggling with sleep anyway?

This is a fab blog by a Leeds student about getting into a good sleep routine. The Health and Well-being ambassadors at LUU even made a podcast!