Nootropics seem to be a very “trendy” drug lately. These cognitive enhancers are substances that people use to improve functioning in various areas of the brain. They can include over-the-counter medications, prescription medications, and illicit substances. They are said to improve cognitive functions such as concentration, memory, attention, planning, creativity, and inhibition. The first nootropic was discovered back in 1960, named Piracetam. When discovered, it intended to calm patients into sleep, however, it was quickly realized that it did the exact opposite. It led to significant improvement in their memory.
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Do Nootropics Actually Work?
While not all nootropics are considered to be dangerous, there are still some that have some hefty side effects. Some available nootropics have a serious potential for dependence and addiction. This is all the more true because they impact brain function. Nootropics come in a plentiful variety and can range from caffeine to psychedelics, all the way to prescription stimulants and illicit substances.
What Are Nootropics Used For?
Caffeine is the most common form of nootropics in the world is not dangerous to use. It is mostly found in drinks like coffee, soda, and energy drinks. While a physical dependence on caffeine is common, it has a very low potential for abuse. Most people will simply experience a mild headache and a foggy brain when they skip their morning coffee.
For many years people have been using psychedelics such as LSD to boost their creativity. One problem lies in the fact that it is a schedule 1 controlled substance and is illegal to have. It does have a very high potential for abuse and addiction and the other side effects it causes can be very unpredictable from person to person.
Which Are the Most Addictive Nootropics?
The absolute most addictive and dangerous versions of nootropics lie in the categories of prescription stimulants and illicit substances. Prescription stimulants such as Adderall, Ritalin, and Modafinil are often prescribed to treat disorders such as ADHD, narcolepsy, and sleep disorders. They are all very dangerous, especially when used without a prescription or when the prescription is abused. Cocaine is a drug that is often used as a nootropic and it is illegal. It is thought to increase focus and energy but is extremely addictive as well.
It is important to know that none of these forms of nootropics increase cognitive abilities like concentration, memory, attention, planning, creativity, and inhibition. The only time they do have a positive impact on a person is when there is cognitive impairment, like ADHD, to begin with.
Treatment for Addiction to Nootropics
Each kind of nootropic, not just the examples listed, comes with its individual side effects. Just like with any drug, legal or illegal, you should be careful with what you put in your body. The recovery process will also vary a little bit depending on what kind of nootropic you have become addicted to. With most drugs, detox is the recommended first step as it is the step where you cleanse your body of all the drugs you were addicted to. Some forms can leave you with nasty withdrawal symptoms that are better dealt with in the comfort and safety of a detox facility. It is best to follow detox with a combination of the therapy group and individual therapy to get to the bottom of what caused the addiction to begin with and find ways to avoid addiction again in the future.
Our Rehab Program for Chemical Dependency
Addiction treatment requires a multi-layered approach for maximum success. You do not have to face getting off of nootropics on your own. Our admissions counselors and addiction professionals are available around the clock. We are ready to help you or a loved one overcome the disease of addiction. Now is the time to change your life. Let Recreate Life Counseling help you do it!