In a troubling trend, Chinese teenagers are turning to misuse of prescription drugs as a means to cope with the intense academic pressure they face. A high-performing student named Xiaomei, aged 14, initiated her drug usage by overdosing on cough medication to impress an older peer. This was the start of a two-year long struggle with various prescription drugs, none of which were prescribed to her or any family member. The drugs, often obtained through online platforms, included painkillers and epileptic seizure medication. Teens are using these substances as a form of 'pharmaceutical high', escaping the pressure of their studies, exams, and familial disputes. The ease of access to cheap prescription drugs in China, a leading producer of pharmaceutical ingredients, is a significant factor contributing to this alarming trend. Authorities have acknowledged the issue, with the misuse of prescription drugs becoming increasingly prevalent among minors. The National Narcotics Control Commission has raised concerns about this surge, particularly within elite educational institutions where academic performance determines a student's future. Parental expectations and the legacy of China's one-child policy also play a role in exacerbating the pressure felt by these adolescents.