Smart drugs are as a dangerous model of psychoactive substance use

Abstract

When examining the factors of the use of psychoactive substances (PAS) by young people, recreational consumption has traditionally been studied. The second well-known causal model to examine psychoactive substances was its interpretation as a way of coping with stress for persons with a limited number of adaptation strategies. But data from foreign studies show the development of a new practice of consumption of stimulants, including permitted drugs, in order to improve mental productivity, performance, and improve cognitive function. The pace of life, loads, complex tasks that have to be solved in adolescence are increasing. In conjunction with the models of social behavior influencing the modern young persons, with the cult of success, achievements, perfectionist attitudes, this creates the motivation for self-improvement. And unless ways of improving the body have repeatedly become the topic of scientific researches and publications, the desire to improve the one's own brain function stays in the shadows, it has not yet attracted attention of Russian specialists and needs to be studied. The article analyzes the data of empirical studies that indicate an increase in the consumption of nootropics and other stimulants by students to achieve academic success.