A cognitive neuroscientist explains why brain-enhancing stimulants should be legal

15 thoughts on “A cognitive neuroscientist explains why brain-enhancing stimulants should be legal

  1. The problem with using stimulants, or "smart drugs" is that what you're really doing is borrowing from the future. All the increased cognition, motivation, energy, concentration etc. you gain has to be paid back at some point- with interest. Sooner or later, there's going to be the inevitable crash, as your body and mind recuperate from the the momentary boost- when the note comes due. While there may in fact be times where it's worth the cost for that short term boost (studying for finals, etc), it's not a long term strategy. In fact, that's what makes it dangerous- too many people convince themselves that they can avoid that crash by continuing to borrow from the future, until they simply burn out and cease to function.

      1. true- the violence and paranoia. that's how speed freaks end up shooting up their house, trying to get the imaginary FBI agents hiding on their roof

        1. Yes. And the blaming their behavior on everyone around them.

          ETA: The Drug Prohibition era totally should end. It should be replaced with laws and programs that effectively address the criminal, civil and public health issues due to drug use and stop this insanity.

  2. Cocaine usually results in everyone congregating in the smallest room of the house, whereupon they all commence to pontificate how they are in fact the smartest, funniest and most interesting person on the planet, and they tell you so in excruciating detail…

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