The DECA Chapter project called “Study Buddy.” was put together by juniors Nicky Kandola and Nico Chopivsky, along with senior Alondra Sanchez.

The Study Buddy project is organized by the DECA Chapter. It revolves around getting rid of the negative ways students cope with their heavy work load. The project mainly focuses on the increasingly problematic trend of high school/college students abusing Adderall—a prescription drug aimed at those with ADHD—in order to concentrate in school.

“We conducted this project to raise awareness about the abuse of Adderall in high schools and in colleges around the U.S.” Kandola said.
The DECA Chapter started the project by conducting a survey which asked 185 people of different age levels if they knew anyone who had abused Adderall.

From the results of the survey, the DECA Chapter came to the conclusion that community prevention based campaigns for high school students and a special community program for adults would have to be conducted.

“We learned that this prescription drug can lead to serious side effects when abused such as aggressive behavior, dramatic and unhealthy weight-loss, hallucinations, and much more,” Kandola said.

The DECA Chapter will continue to promote their findings and use these campaigns and special programs to combat the abuse of Adderall in high schools and colleges.