Scrabble: Mind Enhancing Drugs
Mind enhancing drugs have been in the news a lot lately. On April 25, the News Magazine, 60 MINUTES did a feature about some of the current data. They interviewed students and researchers about the fact that a large and growing percentage of students are using drugs to help them focus, especially when they are cramming for finals and/or when they are spending long hours writing papers. The students claimed that they could tell the difference in their ability to focus when they were on the drugs. Research has yet to determine whether there are any long term ill effects for drug users. The cost of the drugs were reported to be relatively small ($3 a pill), It is believed, however, that some individuals run the risk of establishing a dependency and will become addicted.
About 10 years ago, in an attempt to earn some extra income, I fell in with a bunch of people selling supplements under the Rexall label. There were, and are, many companies that sell these products in stores and through various marketing networks. Each of the companies relies on doctors and researchers to provide statements based upon studies to support their claims for the supplements. I attended meetings where I listened to speakers and watch video of people with PhDs and MDs touting these supplements. (Currently the FDA has no jurisdiction over most of these supplements.)
Were these products the real thing? Were they snake oil? Were they legit?
They made me into a believer. (But, I’m easy.) I used several of the supplements regularly. Did they help me? I honestly don’t know. Did they harm me? I don’t think so. Was I monitored by my doctor during that period? No. I did tell my doctor what I was doing and selling. I even tried to interest him in selling the supplements out of his office, to supplement his income. I do know that many doctors and dentists did, and still do, rep products like the ones to which I refer. My doctor declined my offer, but never encouraged me to stop doing what I was doing.
The people at the top of these organizations make BIG BUCK$. Many of these organizations use some form of multi-level marketing. I never made the big bucks. I’m not a pushy salesman type. When a potential customer said NO THANK YOU, I walked away. Some of these other sales reps never leave your house until you write them a check.
I remember that one of the mind enhancers was called MEM-TABS. I tried them for a month or more. When speaking with a prospective customer I probably credited MEM-TABS for my scrabble rating going up. But then again, during that period I was either creating word lists, studying word lists, or playing scrabble as much as 30 hours a week. DUH! That could have more likely been the cause of my success than the MEM-TABS.
Looking back, from the outside, I can see that the organization was a bit ‘CULTISH’. The leaders and members were very accepting, just like going to church or coming to one of my scrabble clubs. Groups like to have new members, especially if you share their same interest. If you are a joiner, as I was, you want to be liked and accepted, so you do whatever they do, speak as they speak, think as they think, sell what they sell. Before you know it you begin to believe as they believe. You never raise a doubt or question anything; you buy the ‘party line’.
Is that what is happening with drug usage among college students? Yes, for some.
Would you be a better scrabble players if you used MEM-TABS or RITALIN? Possibly.
I may not know the value of how drugs might enhance your game, but I do know which tools are both fun and useful to players who use them in accordance with a study plan. To see exactly what I’m talking about, CLICK HERE. If you need help developing your study regimen, call me: (949) 510-1673. I think it’s time for me to take my pills.