FOR THE LAST STAGE

Ellesmere Guardian, Volume LIX, Issue 86, 28 October 1938, Page 7

FOR THE LAST STAGE

CONFIDENCE-GIVING DRUG

GROWING USE BY STUDENTS

(From The Guardian's London

Correspondent)

LONDON, Sept. 24

The decision to place benzedrine on the poison list of drugs as from January 1 next, is welcomed by university professors and many others in Britain who are alarmed at the alleged extent to which this "confidence" drug is used by students before examinations, so that the whole examination system is said to be in jeopardy. An exceptional number of first-class honours have been awarded this year and there is evidence that certain successful students have secretly taken benzedrine before entering the examination hail.

Benzedrine, a recent drug discovery, has the temporary effect of keeping the mind alert, preventing fatigue, speeding-up the mental processes and giving confidence. At the same time, it has been shown to have harmful effects on health if used indiscriminately. Although the drug is not harmful in itself, it prevents sleep, allowing the user to overwork himself. By taking frequent doses, it is possible to work for hours on end without feeling the necessity for sleep. The majority of American college students use it regularly, with the result that they are physically and mentally overworked at an age when sleep and relaxation are most important.