A misleading comment
To the Editor:
Christina Domenico's interesting column on cognitive enhancement generally reflected my views accurately, but one part of it may have misled readers.
After a paragraph that reported some ways in which I think cognitive enhancement could be "a bad thing," Domenico wrote, "But if an academic decides to give himself a boost by taking Adderall and consequently produces better research - well, that's a good thing."
That is not my view of "enhancement" uses of Adderall.
Adderall, a prescription drug that is a mix of various amphetamines, poses some real safety and addiction risks. Its use without a proper prescription is also illegal.
Although I believe cognitive enhancement can be appropriate, I do not endorse the unauthorized use Adderall for that purpose.
Hank Greely The author is a professor of law at Stanford Law School
