Will Drugs Make You Super-Human? (Adderall, Ritalin & More) - 8-Bit Philosophy

[@Dr.HouseMD]

People tend to forget: Adderall doesn't last forever. Even the XR version. When it wears off, its gone. Sometimes you crash softly, other times you crash really hard. Maybe its because I actually have ADHD (and a legal prescription) that it doesn't make me feel "superhuman." It just makes it *slightly* easier to complete a task without stoping for an ADHD break. (Which is an internet searching tangent or starting a completely different task altogether) I get that there are abusers, but people who take this for its intended purpose legally likely don't enjoy this "superhuman" benefit. Just the temporary joy of being like everyone else who can concentrate unaided for a set period of time.

[@MrMisanthrope_]

+Dr. House you know ADHD drugs affect neurotypical people differently to us. so superhuman they will feel like.

[@noThankyou-g5c]

+Can Sabaner in my experience the current norm in the work place is to be able to focus 4-5 hours uninterrupted, take a 15-30min break, and then continue to work uninterrupted for 4-5 hours uninterrupted again. Even with adderall this is difficult for me and I still find myself sneaking breaks where my coworkers don't. Adderall taken for its intended use shouldn't give you above average concentration. Remember ADHD is often misdiagnosed so you see a lot of ppl who have it but aren't diagnosed and people who don't have it who are diagnosed

[@grandsome1]

I once took a bit too much of the prescribed thing by accident, it was weird. I went over half my introduction course to general relativity in my head while bored at work. I can't imagine what it does to a non-depressed brain, it's probably not very good. Adderall also increase your overall anxiety, make you more sensitive to panic, that thing ain't no Tylenol.

[@Dr.HouseMD]

+OnlyTheWeakNeedHelp if you were missing a leg would you consider yourself superhuman if you received a prosthetic one? Does Someone with poor vision become superhuman when they wear glasses? This is a little more about utilizing your potential and not exclusively for the purpose of surpassing the potential of everyone else. (At least from my standpoint)

[@UndeadFiction]

+Dr. House I understand what you're saying, but I also think it's a bit different. To give some context, I stopped using my prescriptions for OCD and anxiety about 5 years ago. I had used them through most of my teens, and while they helped me quiet that itch that was always in the back of my head and helped me just generally function, they also made me not feel like a watered down version of myself. I could function but it also made it hard to be me. Glasses you just put on and can see better, a prosthetic makes it so you can walk, drugs change you. (This is all from personal experience, if you feel good on your prescriptions keep taking them, I just found that the talking cure worked better for me).

[@angolin9352]

When everyone's super, noone will be.

[@SmileytheSmile]

...not a drug addict.

[@davidmorgan744]

That was an "Incredibles" statement😉👏👏

[@SmileytheSmile]

David Morgan I know it.Just wanted to make a joke.*cough* "Funny." *cough*

[@Mordoras1379]

+David Morgan I was about to write someting like that and then I saw your comment

[@mickeynotmouse]

perfect

[@LividImp]

"Drugs are bad...unless they can make you work more." -Capitalism

[@Ultrox007]

"Drugs a great...unless you think Dr. Who is a shit show." -Socialism

[@mfwhom5214]

+TrueWOPR what ?

[@crisisofdemocracy8940]

What does that even mean?

[@no.7443]

"Drugs are neither good nor bad... unless you yourself are good or bad" Walter Whiteism

[@GeriatricFan1963]

Well, for what it's worth Steven Moffat's run of Dr. Who had some really shit episodes...And it wouldn't surprise me if the reason for that was because Moffat and his team got high and instead of writing intelligent Sci-Fi that explored original concepts and actually challenged it's audience, he just thought: "FUCK IT, DINOSAURS ON A SPACESHIP" and mostly wrote out hackneyed schlock pandering to children.

[@JPMitchell31721]

Well, now I want Adderall. This is an effective commercial for drugs.

[@vantave9946]

Same here .-.

[@SolarCrusader]

just buy amphetamine tablets (the stuff truckers use on long hauls). it's the same shit

[@MichaelMartin-nq7qz]

hey why not get some meth. You can get it at almost every biker bar without a prescription.

[@chesseski7271]

I feel you are missing the point of this video ( if you're not being facetious).

[@casersatz]

It's lovely. Highly recommend. 10/10.

[@MichaelAiyedun]

If I could evolve into a Pokemon because of Adderall I'll be down with that.

[@gamefoun]

magikarp

[@ozymandias5847]

H.Erectini->H. Sapienair->H. Addenite

[@conservaduck7298]

Lapras

[@MrAllenCrown]

This will be top comment to emphasis how done our species is and how most of us welcome the end.

[@tf299]

Then we would put you in a cage, for the world to see (and for the owner to make $).

[@MrAntieMatter]

When everybody is super, no one will be.

[@0fficer47]

Great line! The Incredibles right?

[@ronaldinhoisfat]

+Dan of Deadwood finding nemo dumb shit

[@0fficer47]

+ronaldinhoisfat no need for the fowl language. I'm pretty sure, Syndrome says that line.

[@samtemple1880]

Myahahahaha..HAHAHAHHAHAH (doors close)

[@Unwise-]

When everything is free - we will all be slaves

[@traceymellis4386]

A few weeks ago I was formally diagnosed with ADHD at the age of 29, and was prescribed a low dose of methylphenidate (Ritalin). Prior to this, I had no idea there was so much negative stigma around ADHD medication. I didn't even know I had ADHD, I just knew that I, for some reason, had a much harder time navigating through life compared to everyone around me. I struggled with depression, addiction, low self esteem, chronic underachievement and failure...I am nearly 30 and I don't even have a driver's license because driving was too much of an ordeal for me! It took me 7 YEARS to complete my BSc and the entire time I just thought I was more stupid and incapable than average. Some of my oldest friends gave me the cold shoulder and were acting as if I suddenly had an unfair advantage in society because I was prescribed medication. Nothing could be further from the truth...in reality I spent my entire life trying to adapt to modern human expectations (sit still for long periods, read copious amounts of material, regulate my emotional responses to fit the norms, etc.). Me taking medication was simply my chance to finally level the playing field and progress normally with my life like the rest of my peers. Some of us genuinely need ADHD medication, and although I believe ADHD would have been a useful trait to have evolutionarily (ie you were the first to spot danger, you were the feisty quick thinker of the the tribe, etc.), it is unfortunately maladaptive and hugely disadvantageous in modern human life. It pisses me off when people who don't need ADHD meds abuse them, because they reinforce negative stereotypes and make it much more difficult for those of us who legitimately need meds to access them. People with actual ADHD and take medication for it do not have some magical advantage - it simply makes the system a little more fair and bearable for them. People who DO NOT have ADHD and abuse medication are, I think, essentially cheating, and also fuelling negativity around a serious, real, neurological hinderance.

[@aleisterbroley900]

I know precisely how you feel. I honestly don't know if I've always been somewhat ADD, or if it's something to do with my worsening PTSD as I got into my forties, but I completely lost all ability to focus. I don't want to have to type it all again, so I'll copy and paste my reply to another comment: For myself, I had gotten to the point where I couldn't read a book, could rarely even play video games. My ability to focus and concentrate had deteriorated over several years, until I looked into adult ADHD and asked my doc to try some medication. She gave me Adderall, and I was almost in tears the first day-- I had my mind back. I'd always been a voracious reader; I loved to write, and had an expansive vocabulary, could bang out 1,000 words on any given topic in a few minutes; I was a skilled musician and could spend hours on end learning music theory, writing, or just playing. My focus had become so awful that none of that was possible any more, and I was beyond miserable. I would walk through my bedroom and see my shotgun in the corner, and find myself staring at it with the longing of a starving man staring at a juicy steak... And that is NOT something that was in my nature. All that to say this: for some of us, it's literally a lifesaver. When even leisure activities become impossible to enjoy, these medications can be an absolute godsend!

[@et2746]

I've been a psychonaut for quite some time, I never messed with prescription drugs except Xanax. The question that always ponders my mind when I'm on a drug such as Mescaline, LSD, Shrooms is: Why is this illegal? Of course people will abuse them or just do them just to do it, but something tells me that governments don't want you to think too far outside the box. Even with the health benefits and research trials regarding therapeutic drug use of psychedelics, it's still not allowed.

[@epicfail1526]

I've been diagnosed with ADHD and so I take a less effective, but longer lasting version of Adderall known as Vyvanse. The only time I ever take it is if I have something extremely important to do. it gets me off my ass and puts me to work. However, if I have a day off, and my schedule is clear, I don't take it. There's no need for it if all i'll be doing that day is play video games or talk with friends. I think as long as people find that balance between taking it to accomplish tasks, and taking it to accomplish ANYTHING, then we'll be find. Its a shame that mankind rarely finds that middle ground though. I managed to find a nice, easy balance. Others? Not so much.

[@aleisterbroley900]

For myself, I had gotten to the point where I couldn't read a book, could rarely even play video games. My ability to focus and concentrate had deteriorated over several years, until I looked into adult ADHD and asked my doc to try some medication. She gave me Adderall, and I was almost in tears the first day-- I had my mind back. I'd always been a voracious reader; I loved to write, and had an expansive vocabulary, could bang out 1,000 words on any given topic in a few minutes; I was a skilled musician and could spend hours on end learning music theory, writing, or just playing. My focus had become so awful that none of that was possible any more, and I was beyond miserable. I would walk through my bedroom and see my shotgun in the corner, and find myself staring at it with the longing of a starving man staring at a juicy steak... And that is NOT something that was in my nature. All that to say this: for some of us, it's literally a lifesaver. When even leisure activities become impossible to enjoy, these medications can be an absolute godsend!

[@mileshollis6258]

Like with any drug, once you build a tolerance you will need it just to feel normal again. The boosted effects of caffeine, adderal, etc. can only continue to be obtained if you keep raising the dose, and then you become a slave to it. You'll need to remember to take it with you on a vacation or if you stay at a friends house. Want to take a day long fishing or hiking trip? Better figure out how you're going to get that fix.

[@TulipQ]

Well, then you better keep doing better and better at your job to afford your ever increasing dosage of all these drugs that make you better at your job. I mean, yeah, you will reach a point where this stops working, but come on, humans only have a finite work life anyway! All hail our new chemically enhanced working class. /S in the biggest font possible in case someone thinks I am some kind of coked up libertarian/objectivist.

[@alexruddies1718]

Well, then there's a simple answer to that. Don't take it.

[@balckdeath19]

Actually, caffeine does not produce the same effects, it's not chemically addictable since it doesn't releases dopamine when you use it. If it was, society would have destroyed itself many many years ago.

[@MrBeaner97]

This is false when it comes to caffeine. And even Adderall doesn't produce a pure drug addict need for a "fix". Not like actual meth does.

[@2Cerealbox]

This isn't true for every drug, just some of them. Further, some drugs will always have some effect. There are drugs where you develop tolerance, but not signs of chemical dependence and no "I just don't feel normal without it" like LSD and magic mushrooms, despite the fact that tolerance builds rather quickly (if you've ever tried doing LSD 3 days in a row, you'll find the drug simply doesn't do anything on day 3). There are drugs in which you never develop a tolerance. There are other drugs which have *reverse tolerance*. I'm told (but not through experience) that the more you do Salvia, the stronger it becomes.

[@ZeroAce7]

Wife: "Honey, why'd you lose your job?" Me: "Because I want humanity to continue existing in the same form it currently does."

[@stevenhall8762]

Adds are getting smarter...

[@TheNeilDarby]

my god, they're evolving.

[@Ultrox007]

Ads* They're not preforming addition.

[@stevenhall8762]

Sorry, my bad.It's my second language.

[@dev1458]

south park reference?

[@Ares_gaming_117]

this wasn't pro Adderall. it said itself it strips you of your humanity

[@dietmarkohrs7833]

hmmmm.....Bioshock anyone?

[@IEfromCT]

I NEED MY ADAM

[@hoodiesticks]

"ADAM denies us any excuse for not being beautiful"

[@Ultrox007]

Know what you get when you infuse Methamphetamine with some Nitrogen to stabilize its outer shell? ...you get Adderall.

[@MareCat31]

yep,my bf learned this and so did i AFTER i stopped using adderall after so many years. funny how both meth and adderall key features are "they help you focus". they also have some of the same side effects.

[@easkateman]

yep like Psychosis, hallucinations, Not eating, Staying up for days on end, and even Drug addiction. Used to be a meth addict, started off of Adderall.

[@augustokonrad3572]

Reminds me of Brave New World...

[@Olimatic]

That's exactly what I was thinking!

[@G_Rad_Ski]

I could use some Soma.

[@poloniumfist6059]

looked it up, seems right up my alley

[@AustinTexas6thStreet]

There is a drug on the market in real life that is literally called *Soma*...

[@grantmccarty5640]

This is a Watsky song

[@emanuelzhimrules]

The frustrating part about this is that I dont take adderall but I know a LOT of people that do and they all do better than me because theyre able to focus so much for so long whereas I can't. Its frustrating because Im trying to not have to get those things but when everyone else around me is using them to get ahead I feel pressured to do so. So because of the drugs they do better than I do and it describes exactly what the video mentions. Im looked at as not up to par because of it where in reality I'm doing pretty good in my classes.

[@emanuelzhimrules]

AND it makes me feel like im not up to par because of how well others on them are doing it. Its basically become a situation where if I dont get them then I will be left behind.

[@TheZarkoc]

Don't worry they'll crash pretty hard soon enough. Keep going steady and you'll leave them in the dust soon enough.

[@fctheone]

Persist on not taking it. Your peers will sooner or later become unable to function without the drug, and even then they will not perform better than their current baseline. Any form of hormone or neurotransmitter replacement will always result in this.

[@reececaldwell722]

Well the amount of work u can do shouldn't define your opinion of yourself. I assume u r speaking about school. School (if your situation with your peers doesn't prove it better than anything else) is not a place that judges intelligence. It just measures workload. So while they're all busy frying their brains to feel smarter and do "better" just remember you are a real person, who isn't so caught up in what people think of you, due to the amount of work you do, that you coerce yourself into taking a drug.

[@jconnally0]

Take a ten minute break every hour or thirty minutes. Watch a short video or go for a walk that should help

[@yaroslavsky]

I have been prescribed the stuff for many years, more recently vyvance. If you actually have ADHD, it can take a terrible toll on your well being. Imagine never being able to relax. You feel tired but you can't sleep, if you manage to fall asleep you won't be able to for long. What would be eight hours of rest becomes two hours or less. You're appetite is suppressed, even when you need to eat, so you become lethargic. It dehydrates you causing terrible headaches and drymouth which with use over extended periods of time leads to rampant cavities and huge dentist bills. It makes you focus constantly. You cannot clear your mind. If you are not actively working on something, your focus shifts internally and you begin to worry about things you cannot control at that moment, bills, relationships, etc. That worry becomes anxiety and that anxiety can become depression. Not fun.

[@aliancemd]

Such a good commercial... I searched for this stuff in my country and it seems that a mere mortal can't get this stuff.

[@JuanPablodelaTorre]

Same here. :/

[@MichaelMartin-nq7qz]

yeah good stuff. It gets better though. long term amphetamine use stops the production of endorphins. The lack of endorphins in your brain causes depression. long term amphetamine use also can cause drug induced psychosis. you know seeing shot and hearing shit that isn't there. anger and aggression is another side effect. but hey let's make these pharmaceutical companies some money. to he'll with our health.

[@aliancemd]

Michael Martin I've read enough before searching for this stuff. The bad side-effects come only when using big doses. In small doses continuous use actually was proven scientifically that it is good for your brain. I was planning to use very small doses on wekeends(2 days).

[@flow383]

In other words this dude is saying , No matter the dose , your dopamine is getting used more. You will become dependent at one point. Your brain will crave it .

[@YM-zf8mt]

i use it (supposed to use it) 2 pills a day and now i have stopped for 3 month and i don't feel any kind of withdrawal effect i just become more sleepy just like back then when i didn't took it

[@poloniumfist6059]

Serious line of thought. I'm a huge sci-fi fan. My favorite part about the representation of humanity in a galactic community of hundreds of different species in a lot of sci-fi media is that usually humanity's greatest strength is our undying devotion to each other. Humans are represented as very diverse in comparison, many themes revolve around that but the relevant one here is that there are natural and practiced extraordinary humans, there are good, evil, many conflicting opinions.... Yet through all of that the big theme is that the leaders, the athletes, the soldiers, the caretakers, the charismatic actors -- they're all in it together, they are there for each other to complement each other's strengths and make up for each others' weaknesses. Now we don't know if this representation would be true on a galactic scale with other intelligent species. We do however have archaeological evidence that having "abnormalities" and diversity is advantageous. One of Humanity's ancestors: the cro-magnons coexisted with the neanderthals. Neanderthals were smarter (more brain:mass ratio), larger, stronger, faster. But as far as anthropologists and paleontologists can tell, they never left their corner of the world. Cro-magnons however branched out -- their curiosity led to exploration and the population increased and spread (mostly) across the globe. Their descendants eventually became quite distinct from each other. Today we call these distinct humans caucasian, asian, african, anglo-saxon, nordic, arabic, etc. But neanderthals are not around. They went extinct a long time ago despite their "superior" attributes compared to their "weaker" primal counter-parts. I hope humanity is not going down the path of "curing defects" but whether it does or not I hope it goes better than all the previous attempts: the Turkish massacre of Armenians during World War I; Hitler's "Final Solution" and Nazi annihilation of some six million European Jews; the forced displacement and mass killings carried out in the former Yugoslavia and the African country of Rwanda, just to name a few. If we are heading down that path I fear we may lose what makes us human. We would become something else, for better or for worse. Personally I think this "something else" would have its own problems to replace its bygone "defects." Problems I could only speculate on.

[@babybobo1231]

No, its because we will lose all sense of morality, ethics, and decent behavior. Adderall is an amphetamine, just like meth. Any amphetamine stimulant should never be taken lightly, nor any drug that drastically alters ability or personality and thought.

[@poloniumfist6059]

+Why Humans have always both feared and been fascinated by the unknown. Back to my sci-fi point, humans are oft represented as selfish. If you think about it, we're just as selfish as the most mindless beasts that cohabit our planet, if not more selfish. Eventually humanity's expansion and hunger for knowledge will accelerate so quickly we might run out of ways to advance ourselves. Homogenizing society I think would make that harder. We find a lot of motivation to advance in each other -- inequality, poverty, creating megacorporations, and so on inspire progress. If the US weren't in competition with the USSR it would've never gone to the moon. If we were all the same what would be the point of idols, celebrities, social justice... I'm not saying ethnic homogeneity would be inferior, I can't know that. I do know however attempts to do so have been in vain, they've been ineffective, and I believe they will continue to fail because humans are stubborn.

[@babybobo1231]

The human species is made up individuals and the tribalistic groups they belong to. It is conflict and cooperation that lead humanity to achieve great things, the idea of bettering ourselves. For most of mankind, they need an outside competitor to inspire them, rather than finding the need to better themselves from within, though some make it a personal point. Humanity wants its quick fixes and tools of betterment, but moral restraint and ethical behavior are just as important of tools as the inventions and creations we make.

[@jonathanbrown2981]

That is a very valid point, but in a dystopian society where morality no longer exists, there is no good, bad, pleasure, or pain. As long as pleasure and pain exist, morality will exist. If morality and the ability to justify ourselves and actions is what determines our humanity, then if given the choice, why stay human? Wouldn't a world where it is literally impossible to feel pain be equivalent to "heaven", the epitome of "good"?

[@poloniumfist6059]

Why I prefer the idea of Val Halla myself ;)

[@stateofthenihil8352]

I'll never use Adderall (probably). Not for any moral reason, but I find that dependency on any sort of external thing to be a bad thing. I have also applied this to things like caffeine. I don't drink coffee because there are literally people out there who depend on coffee to get through the day. Dependency is bad. I see it as a sort of weakness, really.

[@swill128]

I feel exactly the same way. Would you like to be friends with me?

[@stateofthenihil8352]

swill128: No.

[@2kool4rock]

+StateoftheNihil should have taken 5 hour energy before answering that!

[@Ultrox007]

5 hour energy tastes like crap.

[@stateofthenihil8352]

*****: Well, I will definitely say that you are far less weak than most other people, if at all. I'd probably have to experience it for myself before I gave a definitive answer. My stance is based on the general trend today. Most people don't have that hard of a life.

[@misterprickly]

Anyone up for "The Sameness"? Just one little pill everyday for the rest of your life and you'll be just like everyone else. Everyone else that takes it, that is. "The Sameness"... It's all yours for the low LOW cost of your individuality.

[@jonathanbrown2981]

Depending on exactly what the pill does... I'd be more than willing to give up my individuality to live more "efficiently"

[@davemarx7856]

🎵 everything is awesome 🎵 🎵everything is cool when you're part of a team 🎵 🎵EVERYTHING IS AWESOOOME🎵

[@miguelinop]

I do think it will end up something like Coffee.

[@misterprickly]

Why It's called "The Sameness". It makes you the same as everyone else. Everyone else that takes it, that is.

[@stefdillinger9374]

+Why Sheep

[@AlchemicalForge91]

don't take that shit.. my ex gf took it so long she literally can't do anything without it.

[@Leviathon672015]

She took it wrong; in moderation, with tight control over scheduling for necessary tasks of life and responsibilities, drugs like Adderall are extremely useful. I'm guessing she took so much she became dependent on it for everyday tasks, forming an addiction where use was required to reach a baseline level of productivity.

[@wayne7055]

+Leviathon672015 Yeah, thanks, that's literally how all addiction works. Problem is that people don't know what moderation is.

[@MrGamelover23]

I have adhd and, while I font take adderal, I take other drugs and need them.

[@MrGamelover23]

+An O'Nymous but it's a controlled substance, you cant just get it willy-nilly.

[@miguelinop]

Just like Coffee people.

[@madcat789]

I wonder now, where I could get some adderal.

[@Leviathon672015]

Same...

[@moose_talk]

Just order it online.

[@madcat789]

You can do that?

[@madcat789]

I've never bought weed either. Could I just look on craigslist for Adderal then?

[@FreakingGeorge]

It's a trap

[@tshred666]

The problem with amphetamines is not that they dull your personality it's that they make you more aggressive, agitated, and they damage your cardiovascular system all while creating the risk of physical dependence and for some users potentially triggering psychosis and schizophrenia.

[@tshred666]

Not to mention long term use yields diminished returns.

[@TheBluMeeny]

+

[@SamuraiJACsr]

I would say less aggressive

[@tshred666]

+Andy Crowley Sr. Everyone I know who has ever taken any type of amphetamine, especially those who were addicted to crystal meth, says it made them more aggressive. I've only ever done adderall twice but I can still attest to the fact that both times I became a raging dickweed during the comedown

[@dddmemaybe]

People dying early is technically good for the economy... is likely a mindset some high level business players assume.

[@alexletzt]

One of you better videos have now watched this several time. Thanks again wisecrack keep up with the great videos.

[@thesquishedelf1301]

Well that's a terrifying concept. I do worry that this may have already been slowly progressing over the past few decades... especially since the happy pills of the '50s. Here's to a future where such insane workloads are considered immoral.

[@barrettsmith8957]

I use to take ADHD drugs in college, and it helped me focus. I agree with the sentiment that it makes you someone who is willing to do anything to get the job done. Being off it for a few years, I can commit to the same level of intensity, however, only on things I want to. I do miss the focus, but I don't miss the $200 bottles, the aggressive behavior, and being uncomfortably energetic.

[@rfouR_4]

As someone with ADD and fatigue issues who really needs the drug, guys, please stop abusing it. It's a tool for me people like me able to be a decently productive member of society not for people without any issues to chase their Tony Montana like dreams. The world isn't yours, and you're making it a hundred times harder for someone who legitimately needs it every time you guys get caught. stahp

[@Jaqen-HGhar]

Exactly that's the problem, drugs have synergistic properties for people who need them. Which means that they don't typically get the "recreational" type benefits that you tend to see in healthy individuals taking them or what they are talking about in this video. It's the same as with opioids and it's why being a chronic pain patient is such a pain in the ass (no pun intended) since you don't get high at all but everyone thinks that's what you're seeking. I don't think I could have any less respect for those who abuse these medications and in turn make it harder for those who actually need them. Then again I don't think I could have any less respect for doctors who choose to punish the many for the actions of a few. "Oh you might be a junky but more than likely really need this? Well best play it safe and make you suffer just in case."

[@skaterdude7277]

People wouldn't get caught if doctors didn't hand it out like candy and other people who claim they need it sold it.

[@rfouR_4]

+skaterdude7277 Well they're obliged to help people in need. It's part of their oath, I will, according to my ability and judgment, prescribe a regimen for the health of the sick; but I will utterly reject harm. The issue is it's easy for someone to fake what I have during a short doctors appointment, because it's not a broken bone, it's not a sprained ankle, yet it's hard as fuck to live with *actually* having it *every* day. Opioids I understand are an issue, because you can trace pain to something causing it, and if there is nothing you shouldn't hand them out like candy until there is a reason to give it.

[@nosehairmcsmarty]

Chronic pain sufferer here, couldn't have put it better myself. I hate feeling like a criminal for something I need. Luckily I have a good doctor who sticks up for me, but regulations keep getting more extreme and I risk losing the drug that lets me live a somewhat normal life.

[@Ultrox007]

But do you _really_ have ADD? Or did you just listen to a snake-oil salesman?

[@pwnage844]

If everyone starts taking it, it would help no one, because bosses would just increase the work load, and you would end up wearing out your organism much faster.

[@chase_h.01]

Did you take your Joy?

[@christopherpayne8776]

not enough people know that game...

[@red_isopat]

let's beat some downers matey

[@Donnyvoon]

Yes they do

[@christopherpayne8776]

I just mean it's not as big as undertale. It needs an annoying fanbase.

[@Donnyvoon]

That Guy it's an early access game they might just take the money and run

[@Olimatic]

As someone who had a difficult time in grade school, both socially and in academics, and being kicked out of two colleges because I found everything too boring and wasn't able to focus at the task at hand, adderall has certainly changed my life for the better. I don't think it makes me a superhero, it just makes me normal or at least what I consider normal to be. it calms me down, takes away my anxiety, I don't snap at my family or soldiers anymore, it allows me to think logically. it has helped me out so far, how ever I would still not recommended it for everyone, taking adderall was a last resort for me that took nearly 30 years.

[@Finbars9]

Accepting human limitations is important for life. We can't just say that an inability to focus is wrong and alter that, because then what is life? When does it become that all we do is work, with drugs or genetic engineering replacing entertainment and rest? If we do reach that point, then what's the point in living, since there's no more enjoyment only work. Life is changing and exciting, occasionally boring or sad, but those moments only make the happiness better. Imperfections define things, define each person. This video uses 8-bit graphics, which could be considered imperfect since we have surpassed that graphical style, yet that's its charm. Let's not try and make the "perfect" well-functioning human, and instead embrace the differences of people and society, since those only enhance each person

[@Dwolfknight]

We need people like you, today society believes that being sad or angry is wrong and we must fix theses defects, when in reality it's just part of being alive, being happy/effective/joyfull all the time isn't normal, knowing someone who takes antidepressants on a daily basis, that person feels off and when she isn't taking it she just goes down like you wouldn't expect, crying on the slightest of sadness, whe should live our lifes fighting to improve ourselfs but not throught something that momentary put's us there just to bring us farther down

[@logictruth1]

So what if we add a happy pill that makes everything you do seem like the most enjoyable activity you could ever do? Why do we have to earn happiness by going through horrible experiences?

[@Dwolfknight]

Kazuya Mishima When everything you do is the most enjoyable experience ever, nothing is, it becomes the normal experience, we as humas always need balance, we adapt to quickly to change, being happy all the time doesn't make you happy it just changes what you should expect to be normal.

[@logictruth1]

Dwolf Knight Have you ever read "Brave New World"? I was talking about something like SOMA. No real side effects (besides dependence but lets just say it doesn't do that either) but does what it's supposed to every time. What if you found a way to NOT get used to it? What if you felt genuin joy every time you took it and your body wouldn't collaps on itself?

[@Dwolfknight]

Kazuya Mishima Yeah but that's fiction, the real world doesn't work like that, there is no such thing as a no side effects drug.

[@remsensor]

Ever since I remember hearing about (and using) adderall almost 15 years ago what has surprised me is societies refusal to take it for what it is, speed. Sure they also prescribe Desoxyn (prescription methamphetamine) for ADHD as well but my point is I often times did both methamphetamine, and ADHD drugs interchangeably. People illegally do prescription amphetamine, that is literally what the generic for Adderall is called, and it's seen as fine in society. Yet at the same time if someone is using meth to get through their work day or exams then it's this evil horrid drug. From my experience both drugs are just as detrimental to ones health. I suppose one could also argue the same analogy in the prescription painkiller industry. Like how doctors freely gave out opiates far stronger than heroin like fentanyl, while also "unknowingly" resurrecting an opiate addiction epidemic all while the media still continued to demonize heroin but not the other prescription painkillers. That is until the damage had already been done.

[@Nap712]

Perfect example would be Elliot's Adderall binge in Mr. Robot Season 2. You think life is gonna be so perfect for a week but then you crash and everything is terrible

[@zaifodbeebelbrox8430]

I have ADHD, and I've been on addedrall since I was ten years old. Let me tell you, I hate the stuff. I need it, because I can't function in the modern world without it, but I hate it none the less. I feel less human when I take it; I seem dead inside. I've considered stopping altogether and damn the consequences. It isn't a wonder drug.

[@johannbach5105]

If you feel compelled after this video to take Adderall, you should be encouraged not to. Becoming dependent on a substance is very tempting as it presents a momentary advantage, but I argue that a truly rational reason for working is a much more stable solution, and provides the incentive to become a finer person rather than dedicating it to amphetamines.. Think of a society where everybody takes Adderall. One would be encouraged to make the rational decision while on it, but without the drug one would be a total mess (speaking from personal & anecdotal evidence.) Now if we have mankind acting like this, the repercussions would be horrible and full of contradictions to their earlier actions while on the drug. You cannot simply take a substance like Adderall, and have zero crash afterwards, though it would be amazing if our brains could recover so quickly. With enough self-control, one could become much more stable 24/7 and achieve more they inherently desire consequently become happier.

[@Pikminiman]

I can often be found in the Wisecrack comment sections lamenting the lack of new 8-Bit Philosophy episodes, but this show's so worth the wait. The animation is brilliant.

[@SushiPizza42]

"And when everyones super, no one will be"

[@FishGuts92]

This blew my mind. I really love this channel.

[@jst56strong]

As someone with ADD I need Adderall to function like a normal human.

[@rvnwy7261]

yep

[@jenvas]

you mean it allows you to function like human classic, while we without ADD take it and become human+. too bad for you i guess.

[@kouroshi.4061]

A person with ADD/ADHD may need Adderall to normalize the negative effects of ADD/ADHD. But what the video is focusing on is everyday people taking it to get an edge on work/school/whatever which is the worrying thing. It's one thing if someone who needs a boost to take Adderall, it's another when everyone depends on it to the point the normal can't keep up with the normal + Adderall.

[@dansmart3182]

Vyvanse but same here. I understand the Brave New World concerns, however it bothers me when people don't appreciate the real world challenges that come with ADD and ADHD.

[@zedek_]

And some people will still function at a higher level than you. Too bad for you I guess.

[@MrSupertrooper1]

This was an Excellent Episode.

[@kayeffty]

Adderal has lots of benefits. Increased focus, increased reaction time, ability to beat Mang0...

[@babybobo1231]

And its meth light, so have fun losing your sense of decency and becoming dependent on a drug that you didnt need if you just put in time to practice and study and train.

[@Aleph-Noll]

also has lots of negatives to its use

[@LRAStartFox]

Westballs my addy daddy

[@eyecan789]

can you elaborate? in regular long term use or excessive binge use?

[@babybobo1231]

Both. Adderall is meant for those who have ADHD and only for those who do not respond to behavioral therapy. Drug use is supposed to be last resort for those who suffer ADHD. What do you think it does to the brains of perfectly healthy people? Besides this, the efficacy of Adderall and Ridilin are over exaggerated in those who have not been prescribed for its use. Esentially, it makes you feel really focused, while just making you extremely hyper and manic, not necessarily making you do good work, just fast and focused work. It doesn't make you a genius nor does it even guarantee that your work will make sense.

[@EmilioReyes_97]

As someone's who prescribed on the stuff, I really do need it when to comes to stuff like school and lowering anxiety. I wouldn't say it enhances, more like fill the gaps the a wasn't born very strong enabling. There are limits though.Like the need to constantly be busy. Fast passed think I can handle pretty well. The loss of appetite ( which does help with weights, but you gotta maintain a good weight or else your of the stuff). Not being able to sleep when needed. And the crash is pretty relevant when it wears off. I know some people just get head aches and dizziness just from taking it.

[@binifarmer4045]

Alright, who else here wants Wisecrack to get back to actual philosophy? As intriguing as this is, I would like them to actually get back to the great thinkers of the past.

[@alexruddies1718]

Well, it is philosophy. Just not about academia's philosophy, but also the philosophy of everyday living and the modern world. Remember, philosophy shouldn't be relegated to the works of the past. Instead, we should strive to write new philosophies everyday to come to terms with an ever changing world. But then again, we could get into the whole post-post-modern society debate. But who has time for that?

[@alexruddies1718]

Sweederland Johnson While I agree with you wholeheartedly, that wasn't necessarily the point I was trying to make. Instead I was trying to make a point that while the classics are still relevant on some level, the important thing is to create new philosophies in the modern world that takes into account our actions as a human species. And we, as living breathing humans, develop a common philosophy that is just as relevant to academia as is it to the common person. This is why I love the internet. But, as for what you were talking about, I can go on for hours about that subject (I.E. the oppression of the "fun and happy" work environment, the culture of product worship, the overly simplified climate of politics in the twenty first century, the illusion of power and money, the acceptance of an economic system that breaks down every decade or so, just to name a few.) And still it would only scratch the surface of the ideas that float around.

[@poloniumfist6059]

I just posted this comment on the video. If you don't think this is thought-provoking... maybe you need to think at it from another angle, or maybe this topic just doesn't speak to you. Not everyone has thoughts on everything, that's why we have each other. The aforementioned comment: " I'm a huge sci-fi fan. My favorite part about the representation of humanity in a galactic community of hundreds of different species in a lot of sci-fi media is that usually humanity's greatest strength is our undying devotion to each other. Humans are represented as very diverse in comparison, many themes revolve around that but the relevant one here is that there are natural and practiced extraordinary humans, there are good, evil, many conflicting opinions.... Yet through all of that the big theme is that the leaders, the athletes, the soldiers, the caretakers, the charismatic actors -- they're all in it together, they are there for each other to complement each other's strengths and make up for each others' weaknesses. Now we don't know if this representation would be true on a galactic scale with other intelligent species. We do however have archaeological evidence that having "abnormalities" and diversity is advantageous. One of Humanity's ancestors: the cro-magnons coexisted with the neanderthals. Neanderthals were smarter (more brain:mass ratio), larger, stronger, faster. But as far as anthropologists and paleontologists can tell, they never left their corner of the world. Cro-magnons however branched out -- their curiosity led to exploration and the population increased and spread (mostly) across the globe. Their descendants eventually became quite distinct from each other. Today we call these distinct humans caucasian, asian, african, anglo-saxon, nordic, arabic, etc. But neanderthals are not around. They went extinct a long time ago despite their "superior" attributes compared to their "weaker" primal counter-parts. I hope humanity is not going down the path of "curing defects" but whether it does or not I hope it goes better than all the previous attempts: the Turkish massacre of Armenians during World War I; Hitler's "Final Solution" and Nazi annihilation of some six million European Jews; the forced displacement and mass killings carried out in the former Yugoslavia and the African country of Rwanda, just to name a few. If we are heading down that path I fear we may lose what makes us human. We would become something else, for better or for worse. Personally I think this "something else" would have its own problems to replace its bygone "defects." Problems I could only speculate on. "

[@crazyeddy98]

+An O'Nymous Karl Marx said that too... And then communism happened.

[@alexruddies1718]

***** Well, your statement is not accurate. Philosophies through out history has guided civilizations throughout history. You have ethics, economics, social and personal philosophies that have driven nations and groups of people to alter history. The main difference today is that we're in a transitional period where individual groups of people are slowly merging into one single unified world. This is through globalization (not just economic globalization, but globalization through communications, I.E. the internet, globalization of ethics, and other factors). There's a good book on the subject by Peter Singer. It's call the One World: Ethics Of Globalization. I mean, without philosophy, you'd probably still have child labor, slavery, unsafe work places, and a plethora of other situations that we today wouldn't bare to have in our country. But, I can see why you would say philosophy hasn't delivered. We're in the early stages of a global revolution (not violent, more evolutionary revolution) where we step away from national and ethnic centrism, towards a more unified world. And what better example as to what we are using at this current moment: the internet.

[@uniquesensitivesnowflake7366]

I kind of agree with this. We should do things as relaxing as possible.

[@EpicLuigi24]

Something about this feels.......wrong, but I can't put my finger on exactly what.

[@serendipitydoctorxqy6122]

Adderall is an amphetamine. This is a weird 5 minute video about how amphetamines alter our selves and can be bad. Duh. The strange part is that I don't think that the creator of the video understands the link to Amphetamines.

[@uncreativename9936]

it all sounds very Deus Ex-esque

[@verdatum]

How about the fact that it is lacking anything beyond a single source, who isn't an actual scientist or even a philosopher, and that all of the claims are lacking in proof or evidence? The animation was pretty though.

[@uncreativename9936]

Although he didn't specify a source their is literature on the subject of biopower, basically gov't or corporate control over people's physical bodies. Can't think of the books or philosophers off hand though.

[@Geneaux]

You're misunderstanding the point here. The chemical composition is irrelevant. It's the drug's effect on individuals within society and the implications it could have on the near future. The point of Adderall and Ritalin is to temporarily curb attention deficits so that people with ADHD and narcolepsy can be on-par with normal people. Difference here is that these particular "enhancing" drugs have the same effect on normal people, and as such, those people will abuse it to their own endeavors.

[@hrnekbezucha]

Yeeey, 8 bit philosophy is back!!

[@bigjake360t]

One must never become overly reliant on pharmaceuticals.

[@MisterCK124]

I am going to start an (honours) summer-course on human enhancement and trans-humanism in three weeks. Last year they focused on Ritalin (this year I believe we'll mostly discuss genetic enhancement using CRISPR). I am also a pharmaceutical science major. I think this video covered the main points fairly well. I would however like to stress that this is an (over)simplification (which is inherent to the -6 minute entertainment format, so not really their fault). What I think the video failed to fully explain is why drugs like Ritalin are so much more dangerous than coffee. Which is (I think), because caffeine mostly works by blocking adenosine receptors. Adenosine is the core of adenosinetriphosphate (ATP, the carrier of energy in the body). When your body uses ATP, it breaks the highly energetic bonds between the phosphate groups and the Adenosine core, thereby releasing energy. and creating ADP, AMP and eventually Adenosine. This increase in Adenosine (and ADP and AMP) tells your body that your tired. Caffeine blocks the adenosine receptors and thereby decreases the feeling of drowsiness (source, wiki:caffeine). Ritalin doesn't block these receptors, but instead blocks the reuptake of Noradrenaline and dopamine, this mechanism is similar to cocaine (not to sound too alarmist ;P). in people with ADHD these systems are already off-balance and the aim is to restore that balance, if you should want this is an entirely different argument and i.m.o. ultimately up to the patient (also worth remembering that 19 out of the 20 biggest pharma companies spend more on marketing that on research and development (source: LastWeekTonight), so check your sources carefully). In people who don't have ADHD you are willfully messing up a delicate chemical balance in your brain to alter your performance and that is why it is really dangerous and you should think twice before taking it. Lastly, I also think our current education system places to large of an emphasis on knowledge over the development of critical thinking skills, since most of my exams are multiple choice. This further encourages students to take "study-drugs" that help them memorise and get high grades. Ritalin would be much less useful if students were graded on long oral discussions and papers and if grades were viewed as less important in general. I hope this is somewhat comprehensible (English is not my first language, I live in the Netherlands ;P), if you have any questions or corrections, feel free to say so. After all, I am only a college student, and I wrote this, in part, just to get my thoughts in order before starting that summer course.

[@Kackbratze56]

Well, I disagree Coffee and adderall are for me all the same performance-enhancing drugs

[@serendipitydoctorxqy6122]

Adderall is an amphetamine.

[@Kackbratze56]

Serendipity DoctorXqY yes

[@Ultrox007]

Though, it is considered a preformance enhancing drug and can get you banned from esports. xD

[@leoelliondeux]

+Kackbratze56 meaning it acts comoletely differently in the brain, neurologically speaking. People taking adderall are at a much higher risk of becoming addicted as opposed to caffeine.

[@Kackbratze56]

Leo Leon I doubt that. Try a Coffein-Prohibition and people would lose their minds i tell you what

[@angryduck5]

this was one of the most interesting 8 bit philosophy videos yet.

[@intothekey]

I was told I had ADD at an early age. I think if your a introvert your labeled with ADD and if your extroverted your labeled with ADHD. Lucky my parents refused to medicate me. I never felt like something was wrong with me. My Brother who actually has a disorder, Severe ADHD refuses to take meds. He has so much energy and can multitask insanely well. Thou it does hurt him socially. I guess what I'm getting at is if we narrow human traits, then awesome unique people like my brother won't exist. We need diversify. If we're all the same we'll get stuck on the same problems.

[@intothekey]

btw My brothers reasons for not taking them is he said he hated how it made him feel.

[@aram00001]

good for you.

[@medaminebouajaj992]

"We need diversify. If we're all the same we'll get stuck on the same problems." noope not everyone accept the fact that's life is unfair , and it's time to change that

[@intothekey]

I really have a hard time why that fact is so hard on people. Life is unfair and existence is suffering, you can sit back and be a victim or you can try to be the best version that you can be, and maybe even help others. With the comment I wasn't saying that everyone has equal ability obviously that's not true, but being able to sit still for 8 hours learning garbage isn't much of a talent and isn't a good indicator of merit.

[@dreamingdead13]

well it depends how your add effects you. for me it cause anxiety, a lot because i thinking so much. i though i was multi tasking, but i would never finished. i would get distracted by everything. i was disorganized. i would beat my self - how upset i would get about not being able to focus one thing, not being able to find anything , not being able to miss appointment - even though i was trying so hard. when i was diagnoses and put medication - finally felt calm. and able to slow down and stop and think . it stop the buzzing i felt in my head.

[@michaelmiranda2885]

welcome back 8 bit style, I missed you.

[@greasysteve4707]

Adderall just makes me feel like shit. The side effects aren't worth it.

[@crazyeddy98]

Not everybody gets the side effects, but I feel you. When I first started taking Vyvanse, I lost 20 pounds over summer and barely ate at all.

[@nicknovak5514]

I am prescribed methylphenidate (ritalin/concerta) and my doctor started me off on a very small dose and scaled up until it felt right. The only side effect I had ever was dry mouth, which rarely happens anymore. If you're still on adderall and don't like it talk to your doc about it. There are a handful of different medications that may work better for you.

[@Razmik121]

Still take Vyvanse, I know that feel all too well

[@alessiocasciato6786]

Razmik Degoian I know exactly what you are saying.

[@Extriipator]

A good story that gets into this kind of territory is 'Flowers for Algernon'. You can find a pdf of the short story pretty easily on google and I recommend if anyone wants to read a thought experiment on this subject to look it up.

[@felixucoff]

What happens when you "crash" after using a drug like Adderall?

[@AIWARAS619]

+Mm Ss Here in East Europe we call that feeling you describing"life"...

[@tuckerstewart5138]

I take it daily. When I 'crash' I just get hungry and tired. If you take to much you'll end up with a headache and not being able to sleep. it's a lot like caffeine. I take breaks from taking it for about 4 days at a time a few times a month and see no side effects when I go off it either.

[@yeah280]

you literally want to slap ur mum for asking stupid questions and u don't feel like talking to anyone. you want to kill the next person who says "hey how was ur day, mate" and u can't sleep. sometimes you experience major headaches and you think maybe it'll go away if u eat something, but you're really not hungry. u start going through ur old text messages with ur crush and start crying a storm cuz she isn't urs...

[@xXAkirhaXx]

Don't take this as normal, but I just get really tired. Then fall asleep and have the best sleep of my life. It's fucking great really.

[@dirtypure2023]

An uncontrollable urge to sleep for up to a week, then you start getting back to normal. And at that point, normal feels wonderful. That's the worst I've personally experienced.

[@okigottopee3154]

Another great video guys

[@Marleau_Seneca]

Where can I get adderall?!

[@aram00001]

don't

[@Marleau_Seneca]

+De Rojo Manos - Des I'm genuinely sorry to hear about your loss. I never meant to be insensitive towards anyone. I recently weaned off of Lexapro and am 15 days sober from alcohol.

[@Ultrox007]

Know what happens when a Jew infuses Methamphetamine with some Nitrogen to stabilize its outer shell, then tries to sell it to parents to give to their children to treat a made up disease they never had? ...you get Adderall treating ADHD. Know what happens when a Catholic takes failing drain cleaner, adds flavoring, and tells people to wash their mouths out with it twice a day every day to treat a made up disease they never had? ...you get Listerine treating Halitosis.

[@aram00001]

De Rojo Manos - Des sorry to hear but thanks for sharing

[@MistyLunaLotus]

+TrueWOPR ADHD is a real disease.

[@flapjackmcbud4611]

I just started taking vyvanse, and all I can say is I see how it could make you more compliant and efficient because you really don't care what is happening or where you are, its just a little more interesting, even the mundane you can be present for, that combined with a concept of success would allow you to work yourself into the ground without too much fuss. really it's just a tool like anything else, but, right means in the wrong hands....

[@hellwispLV]

If it makes me more productive with no sideeffects, I would take adderall any time.

[@Fluxxdog]

Except, of course, that is the side effect since you'd be changing your very nature by taking it. It'd be akin to personality suicide... or at least coma while on it.

[@asdg199]

also is illegal, in case you dont know and no one reminds you becus america land of dug addiks fuk u

[@PepsimVideos]

certain people will react to Adderall by not being able to sleep for days

[@hellwispLV]

+Fluxxdog I've listened to some people's adderall experience on youtube.. it seems they're aware of all that's happening during the effect.

[@SolarCrusader]

it has pretty serious side effects that can lead to chemical dependency. adderall is amphetamine salts.

[@computerguy1372]

I took Adderall and Vyvance for two years. I excelled at work in the computer tech industry. But I quickly became tolerant and needed more and more to feel the same motivation. As a result I started taking and obtaining more than what was legal; I was arrested and spent a month in jail for "trafficking". Fortunately I will not be given that charge, but my life became a whole lot more complicated because of it. I'm not saying these drugs don't have short term benefits, but I realize now some of my best ideas come from having a clean mind that is aloud to wander outside the box.

[@djayjp]

0:55 "Although many benefit from such treatments..." based on what research, exactly? Who is this "many"? Those with genuine ADD/ADHD are clearly the few, not the "many". Wow, Wisecrack, you've totally lost my respect. How about mentioning how addictive it is? While hyping the benefits of amphetamine drugs, you completely and utterly failed to mention the fact that it causes dependence and chemical tolerance, so that soon enough, there is no boost to energy or concentration, and you need it just to feel normal (though in more of an unstable rollercoaster, peaks and valleys, way).... Not to mention the crash you experience if you don't keep dosing. It is inversely proportional (more so, actually). There is no free lunch. Really disappointed, Wisecrack. And, much like research which determined the quality of bipolar patients' work while in a manic phase declines, I'm highly skeptical that the quality of work doesn't decline while on such amphetamines, even before tolerance kicks in. Or how about mentioning that learning to cultivate the skill of patience and focus is the path to true self-actualization and enlightenment? How about mentioning the side effects, which include: *nervousness, restlessness, dizziness, headache, fear, anxiety, agitation, tremor, weakness, blurred vision, sleep problems (insomnia), dry mouth or unpleasant taste in the mouth, diarrhea, constipation, stomach pain nausea, vomiting, fever, hair loss, loss of appetite*? This, just like that book, is like an advertisement for the drug.... Good job creating hundreds or thousands of new addicts.

[@LRAStartFox]

I think wisecrack may be talking about people with adhd

[@Galaron100]

Not saying this because I don't like the channel because I do (especially the entertaining bits), but there are lots of poorly researched Wisecrack videos. I don't know if I find them more at their philosophy videos because I study more philosophy or if they are just poor in this regard (although I hope it's the former, or else I've been digesting wrong stuff). There are a lot of biases and simply wrong information or sometimes they limit something to one point of view without addressing the issue fully (and sometimes worse: not even intending to). I would very much like if they spoke with more specialized people before making the videos when they talk about stuff they aren't specialized in, it would produce much richer content. At least someone with more knowledge in philosophy, at least, because it honestly hurts to hear some of their stuff. The fact that they treat Aderall as a proof of pharmaceutical miracles is only one of the ridiculous stuff that pop up around here.

[@djayjp]

***** Re-read my initial comment.

[@djayjp]

***** Did they state such though? See, this is the problem-- they are careless with what they state and present them as simple facts or without presenting the counterarguments. Unlike some philosophy video, this can have very real effects (i.e., creating addicts due to such poor information).

[@skaterdude7277]

Well why don't you just make a philosophy video and we can all gain 100% backed and correct info? It's just supposed to open a dialogue and get you thinking, plus the videos are short and can't cover everything.

[@sahirpatel7777]

I like how they took the 9th and played an altered and accelerated (dehumanised) version of it! Genius as always :*

[@funkwizardband]

I have an Adderall prescription, and know from experience that it doesn't make one "superhuman". It increases the ability to focus, yes, but does not necessarily boost performance. If I missed several meals, or got very little sleep, Adderall won't erase those effects or compensate for them, it simply makes them less noticeable. Furthermore, if taken in large doses (required to be "superhuman") for periods of 3-7 days, depending on the person, it stops being effective entirely. This isn't primarily due to tolerance buildup, but because of they way that psycho-stimulants work. They cause neurons to release higher than normal levels of neurotransmitter chemicals, primarily norepinephrine and dopamine. In people with ADD, this causes the levels of these two chemicals to on par with, if not slightly better than the levels of an average person, essentially a short term solution to the problem being treated. Regardless of the user, if psychostimulants such as Adderall, Ritalin, or even cocaine are used at high doses consistently, the neurons can't keep up production of these chemicals, and basically run out, impairing brain and physical function for a period proportionate to the length of time the drug was abused. A society could not become "superhuman" all the time without some other way to keep the crashes from happening, and at that point, if levels of neurotransmitters could be directly influenced or replaced, Adderall and similar drugs would no longer be needed.

[@timedebtor]

I really appreciate this video

[@kuroidragon100]

Finally, someone putting words to what I've been feeling for a long time. But I think the problem persists regardless of whether the drugs exist or not. We have to decide, as a society, what we are going to reward. Are we going to look up to the person who looks perfect on paper and is able to be a productivity machine or will we reward a balanced life? Will we help people who aren't able to be as productive to find their best way to contribute to society? Or will we allow our own successes to be used as an instrument to oppress those who are not able to achieve the same level of utility? These are not easy questions to answer.

[@ianng4633]

1.) Same actually applies for painkillers: pain and displeasure is as human/animalistic as it gets, if you can moderate/do away with pain you are unhuman, hence all surgeries are unhuman because anesthetics. 2.) Adderall doesn't allow you to do things that you are not capable of doing when you are off it, it just moderates your pace so you have more endurance. i.e. you can't get very far if you can only sprint or sit still, adderall gives you the choice to walk rather than sprint so you get farther over the course of a day. It can't, however, make you sprint faster than your actual physical/mental capabilities.

[@MegumiMary]

I used to take Concerta (time release Ritalin) and not only did i abuse it so bad I asked my doctor to take me off it, but in hindsight I don't like the way it made me feel. When the medicine worked I felt compelled to a single task, and when it wore off I felt horrible. I felt so horrible that I began to abuse the Concerta to make that feeling go away. After being off of it for a few years I'm glad i had my doctor take me off of it! I can still focus on a task (it requires a lot of will power) and now I don't have to worry about feeling like complete shit half the time! I cannot stress enough how the negatives out weigh the positives....

[@01Sunshine234]

this video needs to become more popular

[@dreamingdead13]

i take adderall for ADHD, it just makes me calm and be able to finally focus and not have 10 thought in a time. i don't get the super speed people get. but this medication has change my life to able to complete a simple task. my inability to be organize and complete stuff was horrible.

[@TDrudley]

Well this was deeper and more interesting than expected.

[@YM-zf8mt]

i take ritalin for an ADHD and it doesn't make that big of difference you are thirsty and your heartbeat is of the roof but if you don't have your mind to work it won't make it suddenly so, what it does on the other hand is that you can enter some kind of "work frenzy" when you are on it but again the exact same thing happen when you aren't on it if what you do interest you so it's not a limitless like drug and it definetly won't change who we humans are because if you don't take it you are not "super" and if you take it when you don't need it you'll become addicted (and as we know every addiction is a good thing) and also unhappy because you'll constantly be high on dopamine, if you are constantly high on dopamine it will become normal if it becomes normal if you stop taking the ritalin it will become less than normal --> unhappy drug addict don't work very well

[@MrManlyBeardyMan]

Wow. The effects of drugs play in to society much more than we thought. This scares me

[@richardstone3037]

yeah, I'm ADHD and I'm prescribed adderall. Stimulants like amphetamines have little effect on me. I sometimes take large doses of my medication to get stuff done but more often then not I will get stuck doing something repetitive and pointless, or watching youtube videos like now. On the other hand "downers" like opiates, muscle relaxers, alcohol, etc... send me into overdrive. On those substances I'm ready to run a marathon. I clean the house, catch up on everything I'm behind on, etc... It blows alot of peoples minds. Like in college if I had to stay up all night researching and writing a paper I would take massive amounts of opiates (4-8 perc. 30mg and 1-3 opana 40mg. on average) I would then proceed to study and write 40 page papers... later after I would sober up I would read and edit the paper down to 10 pages (I would have to cut out all the "off the wall" Ideas/concepts, and ADHD tangents.) I would always get at least 90% grades on those papers, and told my papers were creative. That was super human to me.

[@taldru6]

The undertale reference was awesome!

[@pyrofful]

My doc said to help with concentration for a short period drink a can of soda or coffee. The caffeine will act like the pill does....maybe less intense but it did help during school. For people who can't afford ADHD meds for them or there kids give them soda about 45 mins or so before they need the extra concentration. My family didn't have the extra money at the time and this was much better than nothing. As long as your already not taking a stimulant or have health problems it might help you to but *ask your doc first since I'm NOT a DOCTOR and this is not medical advise* For me though it really did help and to this day I use coffee the same way and am not in any adhd meds. Just coffee when I need it

[@somerandomnesspoo8467]

Honestly it's not the abuse of Adderall that is to worry about, if it becomes too big, action would be taken, so it's more of a symptom than a cause. When it comes to "correcting" ADHD, that's because others make it a problem rather than trying to find a way around it. My problems didn't come from ADHD directly, more from because people just thought I was misbehaving, about 90% of my childhood problems came from my parents believing that I was misbehaving, rather than being my nature. Almost all of the problems I have today emotionally come from believing that I was just bad since I believed that I was normal. I only take it now (finding out about it as an adult) since I can control my ADHD without Adderall, but I only take Adderall in small amounts so I don't have to try to stay focused, so things are easy.

[@davemarx7856]

A while back I decided to listen to the audiobook versions of novels that we're turned into movies. "BladeRunner" was derived from the book "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?" At the beginning of the book, the main character and his wife wake up to start their respective days. In the world presented, one could literally schedule emotions. The main character scheduled emotions that would make it easier to begin his day - happiness, energetic, focused... But his wife abused this tool. She would schedule lethargy, sadness, hopelessness and depression. I remember being a bit worried by this concept. I was worried because of how close we actually are to having this. When we wake up we essentially do the same thing. The only real difference is that we have to choose at that moment whether we would have a coffee and get going or smoke some marijuana and go right back to sleep. In their world, it's scheduled. In our world, it's a constant decision. 😃 or 😩 😭 or 😠

[@archbishopmactasty76]

A problem I see a lot is people wrongly being told that they have adhd or some other thing and because they are told that they have this thing they actually start to believe it. For example I was diagnosed with adhd and bipolar disorder when I was six. As o grew up I accepted the fact that I had those disorders but then I met one of good friends Joey and i realized that this whole adhd business was complete and utter bull shot. Seeing him get kicked out of class repeatedly because he do isn't sit still, getting sent to detention and getting suspended because he couldn't make himself sit still. One of the teachers had the idea to let him tire himself out in the back of the class and he sat there for an 3 hours jumping up in down in the same spot. Then I met kids who never considered to have adhd and I realized that everyone's attention span is pretty shitty and labeling people with these terms set them down a rode of not understanding that everyone has problems with things

[@archbishopmactasty76]

My point being that in a society were things that are considered abnormal can be cured then you give children the idea that if they are not standard they are broken.

[@wavymoney9326]

@@archbishopmactasty76 true

[@Snakeyes244]

This was a great video

[@edwardoropeza7333]

What a great Argument.

[@6538h]

You should check out Gattaca.. It explores concept as well

[@charliecole4430]

It is dangerous for other reasons when your on the medicine is that you can't turn your brain off. So some used to be harmless thoughts become extremely dangerous like getting mad at a person becomes kill the person. It also amplify's weariness causing hallucinations. the extreme focus removes the want/need to communicate and want of relationships. It tones down every thing in the pursuit of focus.

[@charliecole4430]

in bigger doses witch is what the video talks about.

[@rehmsmeyer]

Loved the *Undertale* reference @ 3:20.

[@juanenfermobastardo337]

Okay, Wisecrack, since y'all made this video, I suggest you folks do a movie review of THX1138.

[@davm97]

When I was in school i had Adderall because of my adhd, I was a kid but I do remember my grades increasing, but I wasnt the first of the class or even near... I remember I stopped taking it because It altered my mood, so things that made me laugh or cry, or exite me stopped doing that for me. For people who plan in take it, its a long term "treatment" so it would work after a few months, maybe more, and you have take a pill every day (or maybe half a pill)

[@mrinventorsir]

He says that coffee, alcohol, and workout supplements do not threaten the idea of 'normal.' But consider whether is is now normal to be able to ask out strangers and whether shyness and anxiety in doing so is considered a social ill. If this were the Victorian era, would you feel the same? Or would you, perhaps, think that it is bizarre for you to be expected to go out with so many people? As for coffee: In our Victorian pre-coffee era, would it be normal for students to simply decide to stay up and work on a thesis for 72 consecutive hours? Or would that be considered an extreme for only true savants? the average IQ in 1900 was 67 by comparison to our 100 today and we see illiteracy as a serious sign of incompetence. Does that mean we are no longer human by their standards? Freud says that all tools are merely extensions and improvements of the human body and of functions we already have. I suggest that we stop being human when we start internalizing things that are not tools in the Freudian sense. That is, when I can sense electric fields, emit light or flames, or alter my appearance, I cease to be 'perfecting' my humanity and start becoming something else.

[@EriK8520]

I find it ironic that this video was released today when We Happy Few was released on Steam(into early access, that is)(look it up).

[@TheChadlama]

I have Adderall to thank for getting through Statistics in college, which allowed me to graduate on time. I was fledgling in the class, and I really needed to kill it on the final in order to pass. During an all-night study session my girlfriend at the time gave me Adderall, which was not super common at the time. The effects were, simply put, fucking incredible. Just like the video says, I was hyper focused, efficient and I could somehow absorb vasts amounts of complex equations that previously baffled me. I managed to get a A- on the final (and had only managed to get C's and D's on every exam before that), and I passed the class. However, contrary to how I'm praising it, I can't imagine taking it on a daily basis. Something with such amazing properties is surely bad for you in the long run.

[@katsa5]

I took adderall for ADD way back in college. It relieved my symptoms effectively with no crash. But it had one side effect: within minutes of taking it, I became so paranoid that I was convinced everyone wanted to kill me. Got rid of the prescription quickly. As you can see, I'm amused when others about me see this drug as the go-to for studying/work trouble solutions. Different patients/different needs. As for me, I'll stick with one espresso and additional non pharmaceutical remedies.

[@Paintbait]

I have adderall because I am on extremely high doses of...a cocktail of drugs lets say...for PTSD and a brain injury. Adderall is a drug that has kept me functioning as an adult, and I do not even have the indicated condition. Side effects include: music sounds more awesome, I can focus on something for hours without even noticing the passage of time or the level of productivity (or lack thereof if I've found myself on a tangent like right now), and having hope that tomorrow won't be worse than yesterday.

[@jasonfarmer7672]

It doesn't threaten our humanity, at least not for adults. The great thing about drugs is that it's not permanent. Most of us barring a small amount of people who are predisposed to addiction can stop, and only use the drug when we want.

[@hootie017]

Here's what no one talks about - everything every drug gives you it either takes back or leaves with you longer than you'd like. Extra happy and social with alcohol? Enjoy your hangover laying in bed by yourself. High on adderall or caffeine? Enjoy your crash. The key to life is learning to work your best within the world as it exists, mostly honestly and selfishly because crashes suck and you shouldn't let supply of a drug dictate your life

[@Lyozar589]

I have ADHD and take Adderall XR for it and let me tell you something this is somewhat true. Now I work at Pizza Hut with my role being food production and I'm exemplary at my job and not just making orders I'll answer phones, dealing with customers, and was dishes really well and that's because when your on Adderall XR your ability to focus is increased by alot but also if your on it and have nothing to focus on you will feel horrible that is why Adderall is so good it drives you too want to work otherwise you'll feel like there is a hell in your head

[@nedkuczmynda3782]

Absolutely terrifying.

[@verdatum]

Don't worry. It's unsupported hype, relying on a book written by a political scientist, who has all sorts of other quack things to say if you're willing to listen. This video didn't bother addressing the counterarguments.

[@Lazypackmule]

What counterarguments?

[@verdatum]

Like, psychiatrists aren't particularly worried about this, and it's their job to study it; unlike this guy, who was writing a book focused on apologizing for his previous quack claims. Or like the questions of humanity and identity have been well explored by philosophers, but haven't been explored in this video. Or how the people who are prescribed adderall would more often than not rather not take the stuff because the side effects are miserable. Or how it has diminishing returns unless you really take the time to recharge at the end of the day; else you burn the candle at both ends. Or all the people who have been on stimulant therapy with no particular long term effects. or how the NFL does indeed test for Adderall, as do pretty much all pro-sports. Or like, even bothering to consult a single professional to get some input on this 14 year old book with "meh" sales and mediocre reviews; a book that isn't particularly referenced by any peer reviewed papers or anything like that... There's lots of stuff to think about.

[@nedkuczmynda3782]

No, yeah, i know its really no big deal. It just makes you think, know what I mean?

[@Lazypackmule]

The guy they talked about in this video wasn't talking about adderall, only drugs in general Your problem is with this video, not the guy whose ideas they used to drive the idea behind it And even still, they weren't making the case that adderall would be good for humanity in the first place

[@JElman1987]

Kinda goes back to the Ship of Theseus; If you replace all the boards and all the mechanisms of a ship one-by-one over time, is it still the same ship when you've finally replaced it all? In the same way, if you alter the human conscience over time, when are we still human? It's all Identity conundrums. Personally I think we are always changing how we see ourselves and our outlook, I don't see how there's anything wrong with it.

[@MrFeyerwire]

I have taken it daily for years and yes it definitely curbed my impulsive nature. The thing is though, that was indeed the worse and yet the best of me. It was my humanity and without it I tend to feel as if I have been tranquilized. I have found ways to be my own self again, but they are different than before. In the end I take the medication because without it I struggle mightily to fit in to a society that seldom forgives the side effects of untreated ADD, especially in adults.

[@JaggerIsBurritos]

I take perscribed Adderall. I treat it as a means of getting things I needed done that I normally couldn't without it (thus the reason for the perscription). I avoid it whenever possible mainly because I feel dull and much less social when I'm under it's influence, and I don't like the feeling of needing to rely on it in order to be more productive.

[@delilahpierre5610]

Wow. I'm horrified. Thanks, philosophy(I'll never stop watching his channel though.)

[@iammorek]

Dear Wisecrack, I really love your videos, specially 8-bit philosophy, but the latest videos of the series have disappointed me because of the lackluster graphical material. I understand these videos are more about content than pretty images. But at least to me, the 8-bit elaborated animations were something really engaging and amusing. I don't know if 8-bit graphics team changed or if they just became too busy. But I needed to point out that your most recent videos are way below the bar you set in the past, and I don't think that is the way to go. Thanks for the attention. Best regards.

[@cdawgforeal372]

I have ADHD and take Vyvance and I can definitely say it does make you feel super. like in limitless, I can focus and understand What's being told and work twice as hard. it's amazing but I also crave it.