Both the New York Observer and New York Times investigate the rise of the use of “cognitive enhancement” and energy-increasing psychiatric drugs among stressed workers and ambitious executives.
“For the modern mad men and wolves of Wall Street, gone are the days of widespread day drinking and functional cocaine use,” reports the Observer. “Instead, in this age of efficiency above all else, corporate climbers sometimes seek a simple brain boost, something to help them to get the job done without manic jitters or a nasty crash. For that, they are turning to nootropics… chemical supplements that claim to improve cognitive function, increase alertness and strengthen memory and recall.”
“(I)n interviews, dozens of people in a wide spectrum of professions said they and co-workers misused stimulants like Adderall, Vyvanse and Concerta to improve work performance,” reports the Times. “Most spoke on the condition of anonymity for fear of losing their jobs or access to the medication.”
Nootropic Brain Drugs Rise in Popularity for Todayâs Cutthroat Corporate Climbers (New York Observer, April 14, 2015)
Workers Seeking Productivity in a Pill Are Abusing A.D.H.D. Drugs (New York Times, April 19, 2015)
