Brain Fuel: The Ethics of Nootropics
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

Brain Fuel: The Ethics of Nootropics

183
Brain Fuel: The Ethics of Nootropics

Neuroenhancement, or academic doping, is a common practice on college campuses across the country. Drugs such as Adderall, Ritalin and Vyvanse are readily available to those with the right connections. Recently, nootropics, or “smart drugs," have arrived on the market as legal substitutes for these cognitive-enhancing drugs. Nootropics are said to be effective by increasing blood flow, oxygen uptake and glucose metabolism within the brain, impacting mental energy levels as the brain is better supplied with nutrients that promote wakefulness and alertness. Additionally, accelerated blood circulation improves mental stamina through an increased ability to concentrate.

Although there is not yet enough research to back up the fact that these smart drugs actually do improve cognitive ability, nootropics are said to improve memory, learning capacity, motivation, attention and focus. Despite their legality, a debate has risen as to whether or not their use is ethical. If, in fact, nootropics actually do produce the same effects as taking unprescribed Adderall, smart drugs prove to be a better substitution for buying Adderall from the kid who lives across the hall. Since nootropics are legal and available to the public, the argument that the use of these drugs creates an unfair advantage in academics is invalid. As opposed to what critics of nootropics may argue, smart drugs are actually creating an equal playing field throughout college campuses, because all students are capable of purchasing them if they choose.

Drugs like Adderall, on the other hand, are intended to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. Taking these drugs without a prescription can create an unfair advantage in academia. For those without a prescription at their disposal, gaining access to cognitive-enhancing drugs may prove to be difficult. While my view is entirely objective, the case of unethicality that can be argued when it comes enhancing cognitive ability is that some students have managed to obtain these prescriptions when they do not actually suffer from ADHD or narcolepsy.

Let's face it, a significant number of students that do have prescriptions for Adderall or Ritalin would readily admit that they do not actually need it. Students end up selling half the bottle of pills and keeping the other half for their own personal use, proving that the intended daily dosage is not necessary for them to perform well academically on a daily basis. In fact, these pills, which have been unnecessarily prescribed to or obtained by many students, tend to only become essential to many students' academic performance the night before that 10-page paper (that has yet to be started) is due.

If you are a perpetual slacker and tend to need to a little extra motivation to get those assignments in on time, this article should be good news for you. Nootropics are an option. As long as drugs like Adderall, Ritalin and Vyvanse are obtained by those who do not actually need them, these new smart drugs will maintain their ethicality by evening the playing field on college campuses across the country. With nootropics now available to students, some can manage to achieve success in the three main components of college lives: sleep, social life, and academics. With the promise of aiding in the accomplishment of this trifecta, nootropics are looking to be the wave of the future.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

71025
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

132589
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments