Pills become an addictive study aid: At colleges, students take a deadly risk by abusing ADHD drug.

Byline: Megan Twohey

Mar. 26--A tough math class prompted Rich to take the drug. The effect: "I could study for, like, eight hours straight," said the University of Wisconsin-Madison junior.

Samantha, a Marquette University sophomore, popped it on the eve of a big history test.

"I stayed up all night," she said, "and totally zoned in."

For years, students have used coffee, NoDoz caffeine pills and other stimulants to help them through exams, papers and other demands of college.

Today, some students are taking a study aid that can be deadly.

Adderall, a medication for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, has become popular among college students who don't have the disorder, according to students, college health officials and an emerging body of research.

Adderall is an amphetamine and works like cocaine. Those who use it can stay focused and awake for hours on end. Students with prescriptions sell it or give it away.

"If you can take a drug that allows you to stay…