Psychostimulant Use for Neuroenhancement (Smart Drugs) among College Students in Brazil

Abstract

Background: College students are susceptible to using cognitive enhancement drugs, also known as smart drugs. Objectives: estimate the prevalence of smart drug use and investigate the factors related to access and use among undergraduate students. Methods: cross-sectional study performed among all students who entered the university in 2017 using an anonymous, self-administered questionnaire. Smart drug usage was defined as taking methylphenidate, modafinil or piracetam at any point in life and in the preceding 12 months. We characterized the means of obtaining smart drugs, reasons for using and students’ residential situation. We asked students who did not use any medication if they were interested in taking it and the reasons for not using. Results: Out of 1865 respondents, 4.2% had used smart drugs in the last 12 months, and the prevalence among law students reached 14.3%. The most commonly used smart drug was methylphenidate. Among the students who did not present ADD diagnosis, the drug was obtained mostly through a friend. More than 300 students reported a desire to use some smart drug, but they did not, mainly due to the fear of side effects. Conclusions: The current study has found a variety of frequency of smart drug use among college students and has also showed that many students are willing to take some kind of cognitive enhancement drug. Therefore, it is important to discuss this issue from a public health perspective.

Keywords:

• Methylphenidate
• prescription drug misuse
• off-label use
• student health
• central nervous system stimulants

Acknowledgements

Education about the misuse of drugs and ways of better control to inhibit obtaining it by illegal means can be measures aimed at reducing the use of smart drugs by university students. Nevertheless, we understand that any action should cover the individual and context. In addition, the university plays an important role to value and promote student health and come up with strategies to make the university environment healthier and appropriate for learning.

Declaration of interest statement

The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Programa de Excelência Acadêmica (PROEX, CAPES)– Brasil under Grant number 0185/2017/ 23038.000288/2017-47.