This Is Your Brain On ...

OK. First, we had performance enhancing drugs hit the world of professional athletes. And judging from all the hoopla and controversy (e.g., Roger Clemens, Floyd Landis, and Marion Jones, just to name a few), people seem to genuinely feel that it's no laughing matter. Then came the TV commercials for Southwest Airlines in which an office worker was accused of using "productivity enhancers." Ha ha. Funny, right? Now, here comes a slightly more serious story. According to an online poll, 20 Percent of Scientists Admit Using Brain-Enhancing Drugs (source Wired.com). And we're not talking about caffeine. A majority of the respondents are using Ritalin and Provigil to boost their brain performance. A smaller group has admitted that they take beta blockers like propranolol. What kind of sick society are we living in when people have gone beyond vitamins and minerals and good diet and have turned to pharmaceuticals to get an edge in their careers? Yes, I imbibe coffee once or twice a day. I also take vitamins because, frankly, I know this society's mega-manufactured food supply is lacking in many regards. But I cannot bring myself to see brain and blood doping as anything but tragic. It speaks to the serious disconnect our society has from natural cycles and our bodies. Comments? [Oh, and yes, this post's title is a blatant steal from the old "This is your brain on drugs" commercials.]