The production and sale of cognitive enhancing drugs such as Ritalin, have increased by 300 percent in the last decade.  And more than seven percent to a quarter of college students are using these drugs to improve brain function.  They are used for a variety of reasons, including the fact that people want to get high.  In the United States, stimulant medications are widely used.  Even medications for narcolepsy are being abused.  I'm hearing mixed reviews about this topic.  Many scientists believe that this is something that isn't going to go away, and to just let them.  Some argue that the use of drugs in healthy adults is a legitimate way of improving brain power.  What do you think?

This might seem like a good idea for a college student, maybe during finals weeks to be able to cram for hours.  But in the long run this isn't something that will benefit anyone.  We don't exactly know the long term effects of taking stimulus drugs, especially when they're not exactly needed.  And students regularly snort them, which isn't a healthy way of taking drugs.  And if someone is pulled over with a drug that they don't have a prescription for, then they could risk getting arrested and charged with a controlled substance.

I guess they could be used for people who want to use them. Energy drinks are not healthy, and we do not know the long term effects for them however people still drink them. I know I do right before tests, I feel like I function better. So they could probably use them for that too. but if officials believe they could benefit rather than have negative effects then I'm sure they'll make them over the counter and not illegal to obtain.

The fact is that over time we become more and more dependent on the chemicals that we put in our bodies.  Eventually we need more and more to feel the same effects.  Fortunately there are still other things to do in order to maximize brain power.  Regular cardio activity, i.e. exercise has been proven to increase energy.  Also reading is a major brain stimulus.  It improves language/grammar, imagination, and a better understanding about many topics.  Also taking the time to dedicate yourself and study is the best way to get good grades.  Taking drugs and cramming for hours isn't really benefiting you in the long run.

I usually cram so much before a test. I study study study, and wake up really early and study study some more. Somehow last week I didn't know we had a test. I studied throughout the weekend but I didn't cram, I just studied to go over and I did better on the test that I didn't know about then the all the others that I did and crammed for. I also had a final yesterday, a history final. I find history so boring! So imagine how bored I was cramming in everything between 1865 till 2005 for 6 hours straight! I got to class and I knew all the answers but I was so bored of cramming for so long that I had no patience and couldn't even answer the questions properly. I think spaced out studying is best. Better than your body with drugs to do better, or drinking energy drinks to concentrate better. Just study in a healthy timely matter, like a whole week before the test, everyday. And just review the last day. You do better, and your not cheating with drugs :)

I disagree with the use of drugs like Ritalin when taking tests.  If you're not prescribed it, then you shouldn't be taking them.  They actually hurt your memory skills.  They tend to make you focus too much. You might understand it, but your brain will have a harder time retrieving the information when it's time for the test.  Memory techniques and spaced out studying is the best way to do well on tests and in school.  The information you're learning about in college, particularly for classes pertaining to your major is information you should be understanding and using, not just cramming and forgetting about.  College isn't all about passing tests, it's getting you ready for your career.