DURHAM, N.C. ÷ Faced with all-nighters, some Duke University students are bypassing Red Bull, lattˇs and caffeine pills for something that works much more effectively ÷ Ritalin.

While some students take this prescription drug for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, studies show that the abuse of the drug has increased across the country. The Drug Enforcement Administration has listed methylphenidate, the generic name for Ritalin, as one of its Schedule II drugs, those with the highest potential for addiction and abuse.

Abusing Ritalin is not a foreign concept at the university either. Aron Grossman, a sophomore who transferred from Duke to Emory last year, says he knew about 10 to 20 Duke students last year who took the methylphenidate without a prescription.

"It's like speed. They snort it," he says. "I think most people take it not to go out and party but to stay awake and work even if they don't have ADD."

Jeff Kulley, a psychologist with Counseling and Psychological Services, says that is exactly how it works.

"Some [students] will use the drugs ... to help them concentrate if they are tired or have a hard time focusing," Kulley says. "They'll use it similarly to the way a person might use caffeine pills ... to enhance their concentration or studying."