Rise in use of grade-boosting drugs

A study has shown that seven percent of Dutch university students use the ADHD-medicine ritalin for non-medical purposes.

Three percent say they use the amphetamine-based 'smart drug' to improve concentration during exam periods, while five percent claim to use it for recreational purposes. Of all interviewed students, 12,5 percent say they intend to use Ritalin for these reasons in the coming year.

The use of nootropics such as ritalin, dexedrine, and modafinil has been increasingly popular with students who use it to boost their grades.

While some believe the use of these brain-boosting drugs should be banned, experts warn that this would be virtually impossible.

Vince Cakic, from the department of psychology at the University of Sydney, writing in the Journal of Medical Ethics, says "If the current situation in competitive sport is anything to go by, any attempt to prohibit the use of nootropics will probably be difficult or inordinately expensive to police effectively." He adds: "The possibility of purchasing 'smartness in a bottle' is likely to have broad appeal to students."

A recent survey in the United States found that as many as a quarter of the students on some campuses have used these study drugs in the past year.

Do you ever use (natural) brain boosters, and if so, which is your favorite? Leave an answer in the comments below!

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Comments

Mogul - 2009-10-13 12:50:56

Ritalin is serious stuff indeed. Unbelievable they stuff kids, who can't make a choice for themselves, with those chemicals...

Jeroen - 2009-10-13 21:18:25

Well I normally never take brainboosters or anything like that but during the exams I take homemade pills with a mixture of guarana and kolanut. Not just for the concentration but also to keep myself awake since exams are such a stressed out period I have bad nights of sleep and I don't like to be drinking huge amounts of redbull. This works good for me

Jay - 2009-10-14 22:58:39

Ritalin is shit...For your body and your well being, it's even worse for poor kids who take it every day, they didn't choose to be drugged and doctors tell them it is good...
I personally used ritalin for my exams and it is really crazy stuff. "Intelligence in a bottle"... But the side effects are serious.
You fell really bad with those chemicals.
But for a short period it is magic...
And I discourage anyone to take this garbage every day.

Webro - 2009-10-15 18:23:37

I use guarana, ginko biloba and spirulina to get more energy and better focus. Also green, white tea or herba mate helps. Another good tip for your brain is omega's 3,6,9 (hemp seed oil) and curcuma (yellow root) which makes your neurons fire better.

I wouldn't recommend Ritalin to anybody, for me it's like amphetamines a temporary brain boost but you are over taxing your system and can be damaging.

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