'Smart drugs' could be considered as an umbrella term for all narcotics that sharpen cognitive function, increase memory retention and, above all, extend concentration far beyond one's normal and natural capacity. It has even be used in the military to keep soldiers alert in places such as Iran! However, the most common use for smart drugs currently is to help evade the inevitable exam fatigue for students.
According to student blogger, Tom Newham, from The Guardian, watching his friends experiment with these drugs was "unsettling and, frankly, a little bit scary". A friend described his experience thus:
"It messes with your mental reward system," he said. "It makes you desperate to do what you know you actually need to do. You just don't want to do anything else. I wanted to revise all the time, non-stop.
Would You?
Even when prescription drugs are used for their specifically designed medical purpose, they commonly trigger side effects in the body. However, when taken outside of the recommended usage and dosage, side effects can potentially be much worse.
During my time in Bristol, a student claimed that they knew of students taking Ritalin at the recommended dosage due to suffering from ADD - but, come exam time, they would double their intake in order to achieve the similar advantages their colleagues (who were unaffected by disorders such as ADD) experienced from abusing the drug.
The most common side effects of abusing these 'smart drugs' include, but are by no means limited to, elevated anxiety, high blood pressure, insomnia and loss of appetite.
"One friend, a world-class procrastinator, could be found swearing at anybody who interrupted his work flow, walking away from conversations mid-sentence. When I put it to another that using brain-enhancing drugs amounted to cheating, he turned on me, accusing me of wanting to ban revision. He apologised the next day. He said it was the drugs talking."
Of course, even after being made aware of these risks, 92% of students who have tried these 'smart drugs' claim they would do so again. Therefore, the next question that is raised in the 'smart drugs' debate is...should you take them?
The ethical element plays a huge role in this issue, as the consumption of cognitive enhancers by students could, arguably, be construed as cheating. If students with inferior capabilities and work ethic can achieve the same results as their more diligent and intelligent counterparts, what would be the point in working hard or, indeed, sitting exams at all?
An increased capacity to concentrate, take in and recall information beyond one's natural level does not reflect their true capabilities. We must remember that the purpose of university is, in addition to the enrichment (ideally) from your course's content, to demonstrate your ability to work diligently, to a high standard and to solve problems independently - qualities that are desirable to employers and will cultivate you into a functioning member of the workplace.
Logically, therefore, the standard of your degree should reflect that...otherwise, what is the point?
If a 10% improvement in memory can mean the difference between a 2:1 and a First, then does this truly demonstrate the capabilities of the student? After all, you're only as good as the number of pills in your pocket.
Conversely, some students argue that taking 'smart drugs' is no different to paying for extra tutoring in order to prepare for your exams and boost your grade. They could be construed as simply another tool available to us through human invention in order to improve our abilities and should be available to everyone without restriction.
From my point of view, there are countless dangers implicit with such a stance. To what extent could this be taken to before one must draw the line? Could, for example, a person suffering from acute depression demand drugs such as ecstasy on prescription because it brings temporary benefits of pleasure and happiness? Should a student be able to take Ritalin because they're easily distracted and have their degree finals in a month?
Click here to read the case made by Dr Paul Cooper against the use of smart drugs for more information,
Does the government need to produce a policy on the use of 'smart drugs' in order to protect students?
What do you think? Would you take a 'smart drug' or wouldn't you?
Comment below and share your thoughts on this debate.
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