People Younger and Younger Turn to Drugs to Boost Brain Power

A recent study discovered by the BBC has revealed that nearly 20% of adults, that's 1 in five for those of you whose brains work the other way, may be using various forms of prescription drugs to enhance their mental acuity.

The study is eye opening for a number of reasons. The first and foremost of which is the types of drugs that are being used. These are not the over the counter natural additive type tablets you can find in the drug store. This is not a sudden rediscovery of caffeine pills.

The drugs being used on a daily basis include Ritalin. Ritalin has historically been used to treat hyperactive children in a unique fashion. Following comprehensive study of these people, particularly younger people, children, it was discovered that hyperactivity is based on a difficulty in focusing. In actuality, the brain is requiring a type of stimulus to increase focus. It would appear on first glance of a hyperactive child that they are more stimulated than necessary. However, that would be an inaccurate description of brain activity.

In fact, the child requiring Ritalin does so because they are having difficulty with concentration. The drugs enable better concentration. At least that is what Ritalin is supposed to do with a child experiencing the difficulties discussed. Now it would appear that an inordinate number of individuals who did not use the drug as children are turning to it for help.

What is causing concern is that the adults who are turning to these drugs to boost their brain power are getting younger and younger. The study showed that approximately 17% of students in American universities admitted to using the drug on one or more occasions for the purpose of enhancing their learning abilities. The drug is being used to stimulate focus, concentration or memory. The construct in which these drugs are being used is new with limited data available on its actual effect on brain power.

Another drug that is being used quite often to achieve the same ends appears to be Provigil. This is a somewhat more powerful drug in that it is often prescribed to people suffering from Narcolepsy, a rare sleep disorder. This condition is not particularly linked to brain power.

Doctors examining this new information are calling for increased reviews of the drug and safety testing since they now appear to be used outside of their intended clinical setting. The big concern is that of addiction. Extended use of the drug would have to be examined on healthy people. This new widespread use is occurring amongst individuals who did not show the classic symptomatic need for the medication and therefore the possibility of abuse is a tremendous concern.

Once further trials are conducted more conclusions can be reached about the drugs' addictive properties and the effect the drug will have on young developing brains. There is never an absolute when it comes to prescription medication. Often a drug prescribed for one purpose can have multiple effects. More importantly, the amount of the drug consumed can result in significantly different outcomes. Unfettered widespread use of medication will have to be more closely regulated in the future or else the consequences, particularly on young people, will be dire.