There’s a new legal study drug that doesn’t need a prescription

The tremendous pressure and monstrous workload that today’s college students face is nothing short of overwhelming, and because of this unmanageable stress many students over the years have turned to alternative, or man-made, means of stimulation. Taking many forms across American college campuses, this particular man-made motivator is none other than Adderall. Widely known as the ADHD medication, Adderall has also become widely regarded as a college student’s miracle drug. Meant to help with prolonged concentration, the rationalizations for using Adderall are all the same – “It gets me through an all-nighter”. However, the side effects of repeatedly taking this artificial energizer are dangerous. But, unlike Adderall, Nootropics – the new safer and legal ‘smart drug’ that is taking over college campuses has virtually no negative side effects.

Nootropics are substances that enhance your general cognition, focus, memory, and overall brain function. If this sounds like something out of the movie Limitless, that’s because it’s the first step in becoming that super drug.

Made from naturally occurring chemicals in our body, nootropics come in either a pill or powder form and have different effects depending on the blend. Consider it like a multivitamin that does more than just please your general physician when you take them. Some nootropics are made from mixtures of flaxseed oil, while others include natural relaxing chemicals that are found in green tea. All of these blends work with the natural receptors in your brain to improve your overall cognitive ability.

Rutgers senior Steven Riesenberg is a double major in Neuroscience and Psychology and has been taking nootropics for the least three years.

He said, “Most of the nootropics I take are specific to learning and memory. So I don’t feel an instantaneous effect nor does the nootropic I take force me to want to learn an immense amount. Instead, it gives me the capacity to do so.”

Though they have similar effects, this drug is vastly different from Adderall. Adderall is prescribed to those suffering from attention and behavioral disorders. And it’s no secret that in recent years, it’s usage on college campuses has risen, especially during exam periods. Without a proper prescription, Adderall is considered a narcotic, making it highly illegal to buy or sell. Nootropics, on the other hand, are legally sold online because of their natural ingredients. Plus, the side effects of Adderall can lead to loss of appetite, lack of sleep, and intense feelings of anxiety. By comparison, when taken properly, nootropics have been found to have little to no negative side effects.

Riesenberg also said that he first learned about nootropics through his courses in neuropsychopharmacology, and after doing a good amount of his own research, he says he’s found his perfect blend.

Explaining his use of nootropics Riesenberg noted, “I haven’t experienced any negative side effects. But that’s due to my own research in finding the right Nootropics for me that don’t induce tolerance or create cellular stress.”

While most researchers will regard them as safe, nootropics are still a very new drug and long-term effects have yet to be proven.

And just like any drug, nootropics can easily be abused if dosed incorrectly, so be sure to take everything in moderation.

But, before hopping on Amazon to order your first batch, remember that it’s important to research the ins and outs of this new ‘smart drug’ to find what will work best for you. And if supplements aren’t for you, get some extra sleep, exercise, or brew up a cup of good ole’ fashioned caffeinated coffee.