Can a drug make you smarter?

On this blog we normally talk about things you should do to become a better student. This post is an exception. We’re sharing this video that talks about something you should not do, and that is using artificial means to help you succeed.

The Today Show reports on a dangerous trend taking place in some college campuses across America: the use of Adderall as an “academic enhancement” drug. This is what a student shared with the reporters about her use of the drug:

“When I’m on Adderall and I’m looking at the textbook I can forget about everything else around me,” she told NBC News’ Amy Robach, in a report aired on TODAY. “I figured if everyone else is doing it, why shouldn’t I get the advantage?”

Perhaps this is why she shouldn’t:

“It’s a highly addictive substance and when you play with addictive substances, you ultimately get burned,” Stephen Odom, a drug abuse counselor at Sober Living by the Sea, told Robach. “For all intents and purposes, Adderall is speed. You’re putting something in your body that’s gonna make you think you’re OK when you’re not. And the next thing you know, you’re gonna be spinning out of control.”

Take a look at the video; is short and worth watching it: