Do intelligence pills exist?

In recent years, the field of neuroscience has experienced more than notable advances. This has allowed us to investigate and increasingly understand the mechanisms underlying basic psychological processes, such as attention or memory.

Currently, learning and all the cellular, molecular and synaptic changes that are related to it are no longer totally unknown. Thus, technological means and the information they allow to obtain have favored a very broad level of knowledge. Thanks to this, it has been possible to design drugs that alter certain brain processes and mechanisms, which serve as a treatment for different pathologies associated with the nervous system.

Although a priori these advances are clearly positive, the truth is that the use of these drugs is not always that for which they were designed. There are those who resort to certain medications without suffering from any pathology, looking for some type of secondary benefit in them.

In recent years people have begun to talk about so-called intelligence pills. This nickname is used to name medications that, used without a prescription, can interfere with brain processes and increase people’s ability to concentrate and retain information.

In this article we will talk in detail about these substances, what effects they produce and what risks are associated with their use.

What are intelligence pills?

First of all, we will focus on defining what exactly intelligence pills are. These refer to substances commonly used by students and people who need to retain large amounts of information in short periods of time. In some groups, its use is very widespread at critical moments such as times of exams, oppositions or project submissions.

These pills work by improving people’s mental abilities. This implies greater ease in integrating new information, drawing correct conclusions or remembering specific details and data. That is why those students who cannot retain all the information they want end up turning to these pills. Added to all of the above, these are drugs that reduce the feeling of fatigue and stress, allowing those who consume them to have a boost of mental energy.

The truth is that these drugs were not designed with this function. In reality, they were manufactured in order to provide treatment to people with different disorders related to the nervous system, such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The two best-selling varieties of these drugs are those that contain amphetamines and methylphenidates.

Students who resort to this type of pills usually obtain them through contacts or family members who suffer from some type of disorder.

How do intelligence pills work?

When a person consumes this type of pills, the substances they contain have an immediate effect on the nerve cells of the brain. With this, messages are sent to neurotransmitters, substances that regulate the functioning of the nervous system. These are medications with a stimulating effect, which alters and distorts the natural functioning of the body. 

The normal secretion of neurotransmitters is affected, resulting in a forced increase in attention and concentration. However, once these effects fade, the person can fall into the opposite pole and see their brain activity reduced. In this way, she can appear lethargic, unmotivated and even depressed.

During the time that its effects last, the person sees their level of alertness increase, feels more energy and increases their heart and breathing rates. Although the possibility of increasing our cognitive abilities with just one pill is very attractive, the reality is that this resource can put our health at risk, not to mention all the ethical dilemmas that arise from the “informal” use of these drugs.

Risks and dilemmas surrounding the use of intelligence pills

As we have been commenting, the danger of so-called intelligence pills is more than relevant. On a physical level, these drugs can put health at risk when used without the existence of a pathology that requires them. Using stimulant substances can temporarily enhance cognitive ability, but also damage our brain and the processes that take place in it. In the most serious cases, these substances can reactivate the person’s traumatic memories or reduce their cognitive capacity in the medium and long term.

Beyond the dangers they pose to health, there is no doubt that the use of these substances to improve performance is more than questionable. As this is a recent phenomenon, there is still no clear regulatory framework that sets limits on this practice. However, a great debate is being raised in which the possibility of requiring legal supervision of these medications is put on the table. It is also discussed whether the use of these substances can be considered deception or cheating on tests and exams. 

It is even considered whether in the future many professionals with long work shifts may be forced to resort to these drugs due to the pressure of their environment. If colleagues or competitors start from a higher cognitive functioning, it is expected that the rest will want to catch up and not be left behind.

 

There are several professions in which it seems that resorting to these pills is an increasingly widespread practice. An example of this is the military, who in their combat operations require staying active and awake for long periods of time. Health professionals, such as doctors and nurses, are also not far behind, who also must deal with endless and demanding shifts. Even airplane pilots or academics may be tempted to resolve their difficulties with this type of drug. 

According to a study conducted by neuropsychology researcher Barbara Sahakian, from the University of Cambridge, around 17% of students at American universities resort to the stimulant methylphenidate (designed for the treatment of children with ADHD) to deal with their studies with an amplified cognitive capacity.

Therefore, it is evident that this is a dangerous phenomenon that is increasing and can have serious consequences if not managed appropriately.

In other times, drugs already existed and were consumed as they are now. However, most people’s goal was to escape, get away from everyday life, pressures, obligations, etc. However, today it seems that drugs are serving many people for just the opposite: being able to focus more than ever on everything they need to do. 

This growing trend tells us a lot about how today’s society works. We are obsessed with inflating our ego, receiving applause and praise from others, impressing and demonstrating. We disconnect from who we are and what we would like to be and focus on fitting into those expectations that we were told we should meet.

Conclusion 

The conclusion we can draw from this article is that, indeed, intelligence pills exist. They are not designed to make us more intelligent or capable, but rather to treat diseases and disorders associated with the nervous system. These are stimulating substances that interfere with normal brain processes and the secretion of our neurotransmitters. Its use outside medical guidelines has become increasingly popular, ignoring all the risks, dangers and dilemmas linked to it. There are many professions in which intelligence pills seem to be gaining popularity, especially those in which it is necessary to face long and exhausting shifts, with critical physical conditions and a need for extreme concentration.

The use of these drugs is at least attractive, since with a pill it is possible to see cognitive capacity amplified. However, there are many health risks if they are not consumed under medical prescription. Subsequently, these substances can depress the nervous system, impairing cognitive function and altering memory processes. Added to all these side effects, there is no doubt that the use of these substances raises numerous ethical questions. Students who use them start from an advantageous situation, making a difference in key tests such as exams and competitive examinations. It is also possible that over time many professionals may feel pressured to use them, simply to equate their performance with that of their other colleagues.