Smart drugs improve cognitive function and performance. Who doesn’t want that? They are accessible and often downplayed as harmless. However, they can be incredibly damaging.
Nootropics, also known as smart drugs, are supplements that claim to improve cognitive function and help with creativity, memory, and motivation. Two well-known nootropics are Adderall and Ritalin, stimulants that are both used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
One smart drug called Modafinil treats excessive daytime sleepiness and is prescribed for people with narcolepsy. But it is also advertised as suitable for people who work night shifts, and it is known as a study drug. Taking Modafinil to improve performance seems tempting in our busy, high-stress lifestyles. But are the risks worth it?
Some people consider nootropics to be as harmless as the caffeine in a cup of coffee. Creatine, for example, is a nootropic favored by athletes to improve performance. For many people, nootropics are safe when used correctly.
But it is important to know that nootropics are addictive and misuse is easy. It might not be smart to take them, especially if you are at risk of substance abuse disorder (SUD). They come with side effects and risk of overdose, like with all drugs.
You might be considering using smart drugs. Their use is on the rise, and they are reported favorably in the press as a miracle brain-boosting solution without highlighting the risks.
If you are liable to suffer from a substance abuse disorder, proceed with extreme caution. Remember that smart drugs are still drugs and not to be taken lightly. Reports have found that they have a potential for addiction.
Before you try nootropic stimulants, ask yourself if there are alternative solutions to your problem first. For example, if you want to try a nootropic for tiredness, consider working on why you are tired in the first place. Are you getting a good night's sleep? If not, why?
Sleep and rest are necessary for a healthy mind and body. A good diet can help with energy levels. Simple solutions like upping your vitamin D levels can help to reduce fatigue and lethargy.
Exercise can help you fall asleep quicker and for longer. It can also reduce stress, which is another reason people struggle to fall asleep. Mindful meditation is good for stress and anxiety. It will also help to clear your mind so as to function better for things like work and study. Listen to your body and give it everything it needs before resorting to smart drugs. It is not advised to treat them as a miracle solution.
You need to be mindful that smart drugs can lead to addiction. Ask yourself if recreational use is worth it. Even if you are healthy and have no reason to suspect developing a substance abuse disorder, you could still be at risk.
Addiction can happen to anyone. People who develop substance abuse disorders do not seek out an addiction. As tolerance to the dosage builds, misuse occurs, which leads to dependency. Addiction goes unnoticed until it is seriously affecting a person's health and quality of life. By then, it is far too late and requires proper treatment.
Smart drugs are legal stimulants that offer short-term temporary solutions to problems that there are already answers to. They are a hidden danger hiding under good press. If you are likely to develop an addiction, stay cautious and consider the risks. They can still be highly addictive, despite being legal.
