The Guardian
Don’t take drugs, kids – that’s the message ground into us from an early age at school and on Grange Hill.
In my experience, however, the focus was always on recreational drugs. As a result, the drug-busters seem to have left a number of gaps in their net – namely in the shape of medical drugs to boost performance.
According to the British Medical Association, more and more students are using drugs such as Ritalin (a mild form of amphetamine) and modafinil, both of which are traditionally prescribed to sufferers of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), to stimulate cognitive functions during periods of increased academic pressure such as examinations.
There’s no right or wrong answer on this issue. Some say it’s no better than sports competitors taking performance-enhancing drugs, and should be penalized, while others suggest it’s no different from downing a pack of caffeine pills or five cans of Red Bull.
It’ll be interesting to see where this trend heads.
Not in the papers
As with most of my wacky university experiences, it occurred after a night-out.
Last week one of our group thought it would be a good idea to climb into Winter Wonderland. Two security guards appeared (I assume they live in the Ferris wheel, as I saw no other hut – or should that be igloo?) Suffice to say, said member of our group made a hasty exit and the usual repartee ensued.
Them: ‘Wot do you fuckin’ think your playin’ at?’ Us: Drunken jeering. ‘Great job, working as security at Winter Wonderland, mate.’
Suddenly we found ourselves in a showdown. I say, showdown. It was actually one security guard pushing one of our group, and through bared teeth, informing us he had a degree – in finance – and in any case, if he ever saw my mate again, he’d “kill him”. Completely proportionate reaction, really.
We’re planning our next trip to Winter Wonderland with anticipation, though I’m slightly concerned about the ‘security’s’ access to all those sharp blades on the ice skates…
