“In a world where mental function can be tweaked with a pill, will our notion of ‘normal intelligence’ be changed forever?” (Philip 184).
Upon reading this passage, one may recall a film produced a few years back, titled Limitless. The story involves a writer who has lost the zest for life. He lacks a muse, his relationship has fallen apart due to his lack of motivation, and his home is far from livable. One day he comes across a pill called NZT48
, a non-FDA approved drug with the ability to bring extreme focus to the user. After some hesitation, he takes the pill and for the duration of its effects (no more than a day), he is able to vastly improve his life and accomplish writing an entire book. With such amazing results, he grows addicted to its benefits, and even manages to find his way into the world of Wall Street, advising finance tycoons. However, the side effects catch up with him when he runs out of the drug. He meets several old acquaintances who are suffering the post-life of NZT48. He realizes the only way to survive is to stay forever on the drug. The ending of the film is unclear; it ends with him becoming the next president of the United States, yet the audience does not fully understand whether he has managed to wean off the drug or not.
One may also be reminded of their student days as an undergraduate or graduate student while reading this article, as was I. The reason why I chose this reading to write about was because this was the one that most resonated with me. Why? Because, unfortunately, many close friends and peers sought prescription drugs, particularly Adderall, to make it through midterms and finals. It was so accessible that friends would offer it to me, claiming I am stupid for not taking it. Adderall is a combination drug containing amphetamines and enantiomers which affect the central nervous system. It is used in the treatment of ADHD and narcolepsy. However, many abuse its use to help them better focus on their studies. One particular friend managed to stay awake for 72 hours straight, with no sleep, during finals week thanks to the effects of Adderall. It is at this point where one should question whether schools (high schools and higher education institutions) are over-demanding in their workload. Before one questions schools, they must first find out about the student’s time management skills and diligence in school. However, the abnormal rate at which students opt to take chemicals simply to perform well on exams and assignments should remain alarming.
It intrigued me that the research quoted in this reading is from the institution where I completed my undergraduate studies: the University of California, Irvine. Could this have anything to do with the widespread availability of Adderall?
The reading, in addition to mentioning the use of “smart” drugs to help in the performance of school work, makes reference to the fact that pilots, military members, and individuals working graveyard shifts also use these drugs to aid in staying awake and alert.
Should it not be of concern that those in the labor force require drugs to perform what is expected of them? That our military troops are functioning because of chemicals? Is our society becoming so capitalistic that mere human ability is no longer sufficient? What happens if schools’ academic demands begin exceeding human ability? Given all the competition to get into certain schools, how can students keep up without the help of drugs? What happens to those students who choose not to “cheat” or enhance their brains? Do they fall behind? Should they be rewarded for staying above the influence? Should schools drug test students before exams or standardized tests?
These claims, of course, do not apply to individuals who need the drug for mental health purposes.
As the end of the chapter suggests, it may be useful to bring this up with students and have them debate issues such as: Is it fair? Should it be regulated? Do the benefits outweigh the consequences?