Veril
Frame Savant
Link to original post: [drupal=1103]Psychopharmacology and Brawl[/drupal]
I've had a few discussions recently about the performance enhancing or reducing effects of mind-altering substances in regards to Brawl. I want to make it actually clear before you read this that I do not encourage, condone, or support in any way the abuse or misuse of any illicit or prescription drug. There are serious possible health complications that may arise. Don't be a dumb***.
That said I have a background in neuroscience and pharmaceuticals, as a former Neuroscience major and current Nursing student, so I decided it was time to put my info out there. If something is inaccurate and you suffer for it, I am not liable for your stupidity. legal stuff...
Where to start...
- Cold/Flu/Alergy medications: probably will make you drowsy, probably bad for your reaction time.
++ Caffeine: as a pretty straightforward legal, unscheduled stimulant, this is the way to go. Soda, coffee, energy drinks, in reasonable amounts will probably help you. If you take enough to become jittery your game will suffer though. Everyone loves caffeine, most viable option by far.
+ Nicotine: another stimulant, this one acting as an acetocholine (nicotinergic) receptor agonist. Its a mixed bag since smoking will reduce your oxygen intake but non-chronic smoking improves your concentration and acts to reduce anxiety. You can smoke outside venues so this is a valid option.
--- Opiate Painkillers: if you've had surgery or a major injury, you might be taking vicodin or whatever. As a major depressant it will reduce your reaction time. Don't abuse these... bad s***.
+-- Benzodiazapines (ie anti-anxiety meds): These are a mixed bag. You might be taking them for panic attacks or OCD. They improve your ability to handle pressure in a competitive setting but again, lower your response time.
++-: Amphetamines (ADD medication / Illegal drugs): There is no doubt that in sane amounts these improve your concentration, reduce fatigue, and improve reaction time. However, there are definite medical issues with their use, without a prescription you WILL be breaking the law, and unless you have a legitimate reason to be taking them, you are cheating. Cheater...
+++: Modafinil (Provigil, narcolepsy medication): A central nervous stimulant that negates the effect of sleep deprivation, it is a known nootropic and has positive effects on memory and mood. It is also much safer than Amphetamines. Again though, its cheating and if you have heart problems it can be dangerous.
---: Alcohol: contrary to popular belief, booze is bad for your game. Depressant, not allowed at tourneys obviously.
--: Antipsychotics: Unless you've become acclimated, any antipsychotic is gonna mess up your game... badly.
--: Sleep aids: duh
-+: THC (pot): lots of disagreement surrounds this one. While improving your capacity for non-linear thought, it also reduces reaction time. Note that some strains have a stimulant effect and others will have a depressing effect. Potency also varies a lot. It can ratchet up anxiety levels, but this isn't universal and happens more in chronic pot smokers.
+---: Cocaine: is f***ing stupid. Don't do it. It will make you really annoying, is really addictive, and very dangerous.
??: Entactogens (MDMA, MDA, MDE): lots of health issues and dangers surround these. The effects are so broad, and I can't come to a conclusion as to what effect it will have. People will know you're on something if you take E. Your cartoon eyes and mushy loveyness are a dead giveaway.
---: Dissociatives (PCP, Ketamine, DXM): No benifit whatsoever, these completely remove your ability to play the game.
---+: hardcore psychedelics (lsd, dmt, psilocyben): Smash will be very strange. Very very strange.
*Seriously, don't do drugs. They're dangerous and will likely mess up your game. If you're smart you won't reply with how awesome pot makes your game. You never know who may be reading this stuff.
I've had a few discussions recently about the performance enhancing or reducing effects of mind-altering substances in regards to Brawl. I want to make it actually clear before you read this that I do not encourage, condone, or support in any way the abuse or misuse of any illicit or prescription drug. There are serious possible health complications that may arise. Don't be a dumb***.
That said I have a background in neuroscience and pharmaceuticals, as a former Neuroscience major and current Nursing student, so I decided it was time to put my info out there. If something is inaccurate and you suffer for it, I am not liable for your stupidity. legal stuff...
Where to start...
- Cold/Flu/Alergy medications: probably will make you drowsy, probably bad for your reaction time.
++ Caffeine: as a pretty straightforward legal, unscheduled stimulant, this is the way to go. Soda, coffee, energy drinks, in reasonable amounts will probably help you. If you take enough to become jittery your game will suffer though. Everyone loves caffeine, most viable option by far.
+ Nicotine: another stimulant, this one acting as an acetocholine (nicotinergic) receptor agonist. Its a mixed bag since smoking will reduce your oxygen intake but non-chronic smoking improves your concentration and acts to reduce anxiety. You can smoke outside venues so this is a valid option.
--- Opiate Painkillers: if you've had surgery or a major injury, you might be taking vicodin or whatever. As a major depressant it will reduce your reaction time. Don't abuse these... bad s***.
+-- Benzodiazapines (ie anti-anxiety meds): These are a mixed bag. You might be taking them for panic attacks or OCD. They improve your ability to handle pressure in a competitive setting but again, lower your response time.
++-: Amphetamines (ADD medication / Illegal drugs): There is no doubt that in sane amounts these improve your concentration, reduce fatigue, and improve reaction time. However, there are definite medical issues with their use, without a prescription you WILL be breaking the law, and unless you have a legitimate reason to be taking them, you are cheating. Cheater...
+++: Modafinil (Provigil, narcolepsy medication): A central nervous stimulant that negates the effect of sleep deprivation, it is a known nootropic and has positive effects on memory and mood. It is also much safer than Amphetamines. Again though, its cheating and if you have heart problems it can be dangerous.
---: Alcohol: contrary to popular belief, booze is bad for your game. Depressant, not allowed at tourneys obviously.
--: Antipsychotics: Unless you've become acclimated, any antipsychotic is gonna mess up your game... badly.
--: Sleep aids: duh
-+: THC (pot): lots of disagreement surrounds this one. While improving your capacity for non-linear thought, it also reduces reaction time. Note that some strains have a stimulant effect and others will have a depressing effect. Potency also varies a lot. It can ratchet up anxiety levels, but this isn't universal and happens more in chronic pot smokers.
+---: Cocaine: is f***ing stupid. Don't do it. It will make you really annoying, is really addictive, and very dangerous.
??: Entactogens (MDMA, MDA, MDE): lots of health issues and dangers surround these. The effects are so broad, and I can't come to a conclusion as to what effect it will have. People will know you're on something if you take E. Your cartoon eyes and mushy loveyness are a dead giveaway.
---: Dissociatives (PCP, Ketamine, DXM): No benifit whatsoever, these completely remove your ability to play the game.
---+: hardcore psychedelics (lsd, dmt, psilocyben): Smash will be very strange. Very very strange.
*Seriously, don't do drugs. They're dangerous and will likely mess up your game. If you're smart you won't reply with how awesome pot makes your game. You never know who may be reading this stuff.
