Ingesting a pill to enhance the mind has become a widespread epidemic. Heightening intellectual performance is desired by the majority of students. Usage of neuroenhancing drugs has become more frequent with the little effort it takes to access these pills. The benefits of taking neuroenhancing drugs like Adderall, Ritalin, and Modafinil can be profound. Inducing the brain’s capabilities can lead to extreme focus, attention and wakefulness. Even with the prevalence of abuse and addiction, researchers have proven the advantages far outweigh the consequences. Drug laws and regulations of these so called “brain boosters” can complicate the ability to access them.  Legal prescriptions are given only to those with an attention deficit disorder or, in some cases, sleeping disorders.  However, many who do not have these diagnoses seek to use these stimulants. Due to high demand, these drugs are consumed without a prescription regularly, especially by students. I argue that neuroenhancing drugs provide far more advantages than the potential consequences, and thus the ability to create a better version of our own minds should not be overlooked. 

The chemical makeup of the brain under amphetamine intoxication changes. The nerve cells that communicate within the brain are enhanced to activate the targeted organ. A scientific study states, “The symptoms of amphetamine intoxication are the result of overstimulation of the sympathetic and central nervous system” (Kalant 7). The overactivation of the nerve that stimulates the reaction is what produces a very attentive and focused state. Neurotransmitters are chemicals in the brain that trigger a chemical reaction to form. Amphetamines “alter the activity of the neurotransmitter dopamine in the synapses, the junction between neurons. Enhanced dopamine signaling may improve learning by focusing attention and interest on a task” (Stix 52). Once Adderall or other amphetamines are ingested, they enter the presynaptic neuron “through the pumping mechanism,” which causes dopamine “to be displaced into the synaptic cleft, increasing the amount of neurotransmitter available to act on the postsynaptic cell” (Stix 52). The excess dopamine is what creates the beneficial symptoms of using these stimulants. Dopamine is a neurological chemical that plays a major role in motivational behavior. Many pathways exist for dopamine to communicate within the central nervous system (Grinspoon 42). The brain will begin processing the ingested drug to develop a particular reaction, but a chemical reaction must take place first.

Neuroenhancing drugs can have numerous effects on the body, especially when considering the intellectual capabilities. The most common and central effect of these drugs, according to The Amphetamines: Toxicity and Addiction, is “the production of a state of arousal or wakefulness…” (Kalant 5). Once people take these stimulants, their attentiveness is greatly increased and leads to a sharper performance. Symptoms usually “appear between one and two hours after ingestion of the drug and increase in intensity over the next 24 to 48 hours, depending on dose and treatment” (Kalant 7). The body needs time to completely process the substance ingested, but eventually a heightened mental performance is reached. In addition to the benefits of taking these stimulants, there are also negative side effects from the use of amphetamines. For example, there is an inhibition of appetite once the drug has been consumed (Kalant 5). Researchers have also discovered there to be “an increase in blood pressure as a result of an increase in both the heart rate and the peripheral vascular tone…” (Kalant 4). Unfortunately, some symptoms of neuroenhancing drugs can have harmful effects on the body. Without an appetite the body may not get proper nutrients it needs.  An increase in blood pressure can make the heart work harder than it needs to. When used responsibly and carefully, however, neuroenhancing drugs can provide a tremendous cognitive advantage.

More research has been developed on the symptoms of  amphetamine intoxication. “The notion of enhancing mental functions by gulping down a pill that improves attention, memory and planning,” Stix includes in his argument intending to emphasize the expanding studies of these stimulants, “is no longer just a fantasy shared by futurists” (Stix 47). Further research has been developed to create a better suited drug to treat different psychiatric disorders. As explained in Psychopharmacology, “Treatment for ADHD has consisted primarily of psychostimulants, including methylphenidate (Ritalin), d-amphetamine (Dexedrine), and a mixture of amphetamine salts (Adderall)” (Mulligan). Research has shown these drugs have reduced symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder by 70 to 80 percent (Mulligan). These drugs are used in order to reduce psychomotor activity and increase the ability to pay attention. The prescribed stimulants are intended to “Increase cognitive performance on certain tasks under conditions of fatigue; may improve planning and one type of working memory; appear to increase functioning on dull, repetitive tasks,” (Stix 49). Some negative side effects of these drugs include weight loss, inhibition of appetite and insomnia. Some studies have concluded there has been an increase in prescriptions for such disorders that reflect “...a mix of trends, from better diagnosis and higher expectations” (Brown 1647). Doctors have a better idea of how these stimulants affect the body based on recent research and, therefore are better able to make a diagnosis to treat disorders like ADHD.

        There has been an increased demand for amphetamines among those who do not have a prescription, especially students.  Stimulants are used by those without a disorder in order to increase their ability to stay awake and focus for a longer period of time. Adderall or Ritalin will cognitively enhance their brains temporarily, and allow them to accelerate in the task at hand. Although stimulants are used as a treatment for biologically based mental disorders “...there has been increased interest in the use of drugs to enhance performance in healthy individuals” (Mulligan). Students have the perception that there are only benefits to taking amphetamines, while ignoring the negative consequences. Most mainly focus on the ability to improve their intellectual capabilities. As some research states, “Based on government data gathered in 2007, more than 1.6 million people in the U.S. had used prescription stimulants non medically during the previous 12 months. Legal medicines in this category include methylphenidate (Ritalin), the amphetamine Adderall, and modafinil” (Stix 48). A need for improved concentration is the main reason students seek to take amphetamines. Another study conducted by students at the University of Oregon concluded that, “an estimated 34% of students have used Adderall non-medically to help them study” (Williams). Stimulants are sold by students who have a prescription to their peers looking for a boost. These drugs are more accessible to these students because of the increased number of individuals who have a prescription. Due to the benefits of these neuroenhancers most students do not hesitate to use them without a prescription.

Students without a diagnosis to use these drugs rarely think about the potential dangers that may arise. Eventually the brain can become dependent on the amphetamine that is being used, which can ultimately lead to abuse. As stated in Adolescents and Drug Use, “...the body becomes accustomed to the effect of a drug,” so in order to achieve the initial reaction, “often the drug amount will need to be increased…” (Trinkoff). The brain becomes physically dependent on the drug so when an abrupt discontinuation occurs the body will go through withdrawal. “Withdrawal symptoms, are usually preceded by another physiological reaction: acquired tolerance. This is a kind of adaptation of the body to the drug, so that to achieve the same effects it becomes necessary to increase the dose,” as the brain no longer has the access to the amphetamine (Grinspoon 153).  A certain tolerance to the original dosage is acquired, and in order to obtain the mental state desired, a greater amount of the drug is needed. A problem may occur because “...these drugs can be taken for long periods of time without producing either any appreciable toxic effect…” (Kalanta 32). Without realizing it, the brain slowly adapts to the consumption and often begins to rely on the regular dosage of the stimulant. As the drug amount is increased, the potential risk of addiction also increases. Too much reliance on neuroenhancing drugs can be detrimental to the natural body state.

As a result of the negative side effects of stimulants, doctors are expected to take extra caution when they prescribe them to children. Prescribing medications to children diagnosed with ADHD or other psychiatric disorders can be dangerous because their bodies have not yet fully developed.  Children may react differently to stimulant prescriptions than adults.  “Still, doctors are prescribing psychiatric drugs to children at ever-increasing rates. According to recent estimates, 3 million to 4 million Americans under 18 take psychiatric drugs - at least double the number a decade ago” states a source on child medicine (Brown 1648). Overwhelming data supports the overuse of these drugs by children. Parents must “...weigh the risks of side effects against the benefits of treatment (Mulligan). The more parents are informed of stimulant ramifications, the more able they are to make an educated decision for their child’s treatment plan. Due to the “...little pediatric information on a drug, doctors often estimate the starting dose for children based on adult studies,” which can lead to an over evaluation of the diagnosis (Brown 1648). Recent studies funded by NIMH (National Institute of Medical Herbalists)  and the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development are enrolling thousands of children in trials in order to acquire insight on the different treatment and condition of psychiatric conditions, including ADHD. These trials will be conducted on children in preschool as well as adolescents. With more information, doctors will be able to use the safest and most effective medical treatment. If a parent is uncomfortable with the analysis, “All physicians are obligated to respect the doctrine of informed consent, which states that patients are entitled to refuse any medical treatment, even against advice (Flanigan 584). All patients have the right to refuse a suggested treatment. Being advised of possible side effects can prevent the overuse of stimulants in children.  Parents who decide that Neuroenhancing drugs can be beneficial for their children should still proceed with caution.  

Many students, however, still seek to obtain these stimulants to increase their intellectual capabilities without regard to the potential harm. Positive symptoms of these drugs include a spark in attention, a greater focus and an extreme sense of wakefulness. Even so, there are also negative side effects include insomnia, suppressed appetite and overstimulated nervous system. Perhaps the benefits to taking these drugs outweigh their consequences.  Those who are diagnosed with psychiatric disorders are often prescribed amphetamines such as Adderall, Ritalin and Modafinil. The number of patients who are diagnosed has steadily increased over the past decade and is expected to continue to increase for years to come. Neuroenhancing drugs have become more frequently used than ever before due to their abundance of cognitive advantages.

 