Drugs and poker

[Farfenugen]

Last January I was prescribed Adderall because I have (legit) ADD. I found that my poker playing skills increased remarkably when I took Adderall before playing poker. I not only recieved benefits from the primary effect of the drug, increased focus, but also in near elimination of fatigue during long sessions and an increase in aggression. Tough decisions tha would normally have me very nervous have now become very simple and easy. I now take adderall before I play cards. Adderall is a strong amphetamine.

I have heard of pros taking uppers for long tournaments but I had never really given it much thought until now. I believe taking uppers gives an advantage in poke that increases the longer the session goes on(assuming everyone else is there as long as the player).

Does anyone have any experience with this?

I think it also brings up an issue of ethics. Uppers give poker players an advantage but they can also be dangerous in the long and short run, much like steroids. I compare this wth steroids because from my experience Adderall gives me a very profound advantage at the table much like steroids would to an athlete.

Should there be drug testing before tournaments?

I realize this would be near impossible for very large tournaments like the WSOP ME but it could be feasable for smaller tournaments like the WPT.

I am curious about how people feel about this.