A concerning trend has emerged among Chinese teenagers, who are resorting to non-prescribed prescription drugs to cope with academic pressure and fear of failure. One 14-year-old student, Xiaomei, from a coastal province in China, started overdosing on cough medication after being advised by an older peer that it would help her relax. She purchased the drugs online without a prescription, which usually required one, and became addicted to the numbing sensation they provided. The use of these substances can lead to severe side effects such as hallucinations and impaired coordination when taken in large doses. Xiaomei's story is echoed by dozens of other Chinese teenagers who are seeking a "pharmaceutical high" as an escape from pressure, often found in chat rooms across various social media platforms. The government has launched a crackdown on the misuse of these drugs, but young people continue to find alternatives, given China's position as a major producer of pharmaceutical ingredients. This alarming trend raises questions about the accessibility and affordability of prescription drugs in China and the need for increased awareness and preventive measures among adolescents and their parents.