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Routine Urine Tests for Exam Students of the Future?
A noted psychologist from the University of Sydney warned about the dangers of “academic
doping” in the October 1, 2009, issue of the Journal of Medical Ethics. Dr. Vince
Cakic in the Department of Psychology posited about whether star students might
someday face drug tests in the same manner as today’s athletes (Journal of Medical
Ethics).
The increasing use of “nootropics” or smart drugs to boost academic performance
draws several parallels with doping in competitive sports. According to Cakic, “[i]t
is apparent that the failures and inconsistencies inherent in anti-doping policy
in sport will be mirrored in academia unless a reasonable and realistic approach
to the issue of nootropics is adopted.”
While the original design of nootropics
was to help people with cognitive problems such as dementia or attention deficit
disorder, a significant number of students have turned to these drugs to compensate
for increased workloads and looming deadlines. Several common nootropics and smart
drugs used to boost academic performance or memory retention include modafinil (Provigil),
methylphenidate (Ritalin), amphetamine (Dexedrine), donepezil (Aricept), and selegiline
(Deprenyl). Cakic noted that the non-medical use of methylphenidate and amphetamine
climbs as high as 25% at some US colleges, especially at those with more competitive
admissions criteria.
Cakic contends that urine testing of exam students represents
one possible method for curbing abuse of these drugs, although parallels to the
current system of sports drug testing shows that enforcement will present significant
challenges. He also suggests that long-term safety concerns of nootropic use in
healthy people may provide a good reason for attempting to restrict their use.
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