With these ideas in mind, the drug does bring utility and a benefit to society, which would agree with the ideas of the Utility Theory. Many experiments and tests that have been published suggesting that indeed memory is improved by the help of these stimulants (Smith). In addition, those who regularly took the smart drugs noticed an increase in consolidation of memories (Smith). Both these outcomes are great news for college students, as they deal with numerous tests, projects, and papers weekly. They need the energy and enhanced brain function to push through studying and homework. If these drugs really do prove to help enhance cognitive performance, why wouldn’t college students want the benefit of the pills? People who lack concentration…show more content… It has become popular among students with ADHD to start sell their medication that they need to students who just want the added benefit of cognitive functions (Schwarz). This is a problem, as it promotes the use of these smart drugs on students who in fact do not need them for medical purposes. If a student is not able to get the pill from a doctor, they can easily access the drug from students on campus who are willing to sell it to them. This act violates the Deontological Theory of Ethics, where Immanuel Kant states that an act is morally correct if it comes from duty. The act is not correct if it comes from self interest. In the case of smart drugs, the students that choose to use them are acting out of self interest, as they want the ability to have an increase in their cognitive functions. They are not thinking about the long term effects and only want to use the drug to be able to cram for an exam or finish homework. Most students who take Adderall are not diagnosed with a condition that requires the pill. They are able to obtain the pill from other college students since there is such an abundance of the drug on college campuses. Any act that comes from self interest violates the Deontological Theory of…show more content… This is because once a student stops taking the drugs, it leads to mood swings, heart problems, exhaustion, and depression (Schwarz). The students continue to use the drugs in order to prevent these effects from occurring. It has even been shown that the relatively harmless smart drugs can become an entry way into the use of other drugs, as the student finds other ways to get that same or even better high (Arria). Some of these drugs include heroin, cocaine, and Percocet. Also, once a student starts studying and doing homework with smart drugs, it is very difficult for them to study again under normal conditions. It has even been found that many college girls use Adderall additionally to help keep their appetite down. They usually take the extended release version of the drug, which helps keep their hunger down all day. Their appetite will start to increase again once they stop taking the drug so in order to stay full, continued use of the drug is necessary. This is dangerous since continued use of Adderall can lead to addiction and substance abuse. Starting the use of drugs at such a young age seems frightening, as it could potentially lead to further, more harmful drug use or drug withdrawal
