With all the pressures on students these days to pass difficult examinations and consistently be at the head of the class, it’s no wonder many are turning to dangerous prescription drugs to boost their performance. Many feel enhancing their ability to study and concentrate with so-called “smart drugs” is the only way to perform well enough to compete in today’s ultra-competitive landscape. But what are these drugs actually doing to student’s brains, and are they safe?   What Are “Smart Drugs?” “Smart drugs” is a term that refers to a group of medications that are typically given to patients with ADHD, depression or other neurological conditions where a chemical imbalance causes the inability to concentrate, focus or stay awake and alert properly. For these patients, medicines like Adderall, Ritalin and Modafinil stimulate the brain to make up for the deficiency caused by the neurological condition, and they are quite effective in allowing these patients to gain the focus they need.   However, students without these chemical imbalances have started taking these same drugs, thinking that they will receive the same benefits of increased concentration, improved focus and greater alertness. Many take these drugs before a big exam or project is due, using them to pull extensive all-night cram sessions. In fact, many students are so dependent on these drugs, they can’t or won’t sit down to study without them.   But what effects are these prescription drugs having on the…