Nootropics are the New Addiction
Nootropics, the smart drugs and cognitive enhancers that claim to improve cognitive function, particularly executive functions, memory, creativity, or motivation, in healthy individuals are the latest cause of concern in the addiction realm. An attempt to enhance and improve mental and cognitive abilities in humans via chemically augmenting the human brain is the basis of nootropic brain enhancement supplements. Nootropic agents in the supplement drugs may alter, enhance, or augment cognitive performance skills, mainly through the stimulation or inhibition of certain neurotransmitters in the human brain. Nootropics are the new addictive substances that are capable of leading users to unwanted serious adverse psychiatric effects. They are the new “buzz without the booze”.
Time Magazine says, “The idea that a pill can supersize human intelligence is decidedly science fiction. But plenty of real-world researchers and drug-makers are working to develop nootropics: pills, supplements and other substances designed to improve various aspects of cognition.”
The soaring demand for work productivity and rise in the desire to increase brain power seem to be correlated in a sense. Several insights into why nootropics are popular make it evident that current gen employees can sustain only with a supercharged brain. A brain that works like a machine taking on unrealistic work levels. This well explains the reason why nootropic industry is ever-expanding. But researchers are afraid that increasing the power of specific parts of the brain, such as areas responsible for learning and focusing, would likely deprive other parts of the brain of equal amount of nourishment. They believe that despite the urge and demand for a super-brain, a better goal is to still maintain a balanced brain and lifestyle. Though this has not been previously reported in the formal medical literature, researchers started pointing out the adverse effects it may have on the psyche of the users.
Nootropic Abuse Potential
“The dose makes the poison” —Paracelsus
A standard for a compound to be considered a nootropic is that the compound should have no risk of addiction when used in right doses. Unfortunately, certain nootropics do not meet this criterion. Examples of such nootropics that are risky, especially if the users have a history of substance abuse, are Modafinil, Phenibut, caffeine, and Tianepeptine. The amount of risk you expose yourself to is entirely dependent on which nootropics you use, and most of all, how you use them.
As a general class, nootropics are not usually addiction-forming but prolonged use may cause dependency in the users. While some reports suggest nootropic users experiencing brain fog after discontinuation, these side effects are not considered to be akin to withdrawal effects of addiction-forming drugs. however, some users sulbutiamine, of the synthetic B-vitamin-derived nootropics family have reported that the supplement has addictive qualities. For instance, users who consumed sulbutiamine for 10 consecutive days said to have experienced withdrawal for two to five days. There are also increased risks when sibutramine is taken with antipsychotic medications. [The concern of addiction here lies in more of a psychological impact than physiological. Some users are concerned that when they discontinue the use of nootropics, they will experience less than normal level of cognitive functioning; However, this argument has no supporting evidence, especially regarding nootropics in the racetam class. This going to be a bigger menace in future as many are finding nootropics as an attraction to assist with mental and physical health needs.
Are you effected by the use of nootropics and looking for help? Worry not, addiction in any form can be completely cured under guided treatment programs at rehab centres. The early the discovery of addiction, the earlier could be the recovery. Contact Phoenix Rehab for any addiction related queries.
