Prevalence of Legal, Prescription, and Illegal Drugs Aiming at Cognitive Enhancement across Sociodemographic Groups in Germany

Abstract

ABSTRACT There has been speculation about a growing demand for substances used without medical need for cognitive enhancement (CE). Thus, the prevalence rates and the identification of sociodemographic groups at risk of this behavior need further description and constant monitoring. We conducted a nationwide web-based representative sample (N = 22,101) (regarding sex, age, education, and federal state) of the general adult population in Germany. Results show a high past twelve months prevalence of consuming caffeinated drinks for CE (62.4% of respondents), followed by food supplements and home remedies (31.4%), and caffeine tablets (2.5%). The twelve-month prevalence of CE with prescription drugs was 3.7% (lifetime: 5.5%), of whom 29.1% reported using them 40 or more times; 40.5% of all respondents indicated some future intake willingness. Cannabis was the most frequently reported illegal drug for CE (past twelve months: 4.0%; lifetime: 10.7%), followed by the category amphetamine and methamphetamine (past twelve months: 1.0%; lifetime: 2.4%), and cocaine (past twelve months: 0.9; lifetime: 2.4%). We also show variation in the prevalence across multiple ascribed and achieved sociodemographic characteristics. These results can inform public policy and prevention strategies regarding the continued monitoring of the prevalence of CE and the identification of groups at risk of drug misuse.