Rave Smart: 6 Nootropic Alternatives to MDMA and Alcohol
Partying and especially certain electronic music scenes are synonymous with heavy alcohol consumption and drug abuse.
While almost anything in moderation will not provide much long-term harm or side effects, many consume high quantities of these substances in order to have a good time.
This is especially true of electronic dance music concerts and festivals that include stimulating light and sound.
Preventing overdose and drug abuse
Scenes like this one from the Electric Zoo debacle in New York City are making headlines all too often.
As a lover of electronic dance music, going to the shows sober can still provide satisfaction, but there are healthier nootropic options that can enhance the experience without causing many of the detrimental cognitive problems.
6 Nootropic Stacking Options for Healthy Partying
Just because you would rather abstain from alcohol and other drugs doesn’t mean you cannot have an enhanced experience with a variety of well-tested nootropic substances.
Here are some of the options I utilize on a regular basis for many situations:
1. Caffeine
This is certainly not a new substance and may not even fall into the strict “nootropic” category, but it is a healthy option to improve your partying experience.
Most people are already partying with caffeine sources like Red Bull, but taking a straight caffeine monohydrate capsule or drinking a cup of coffee can do the trick. The increased mood and energy make caffeine a perfect base for any of my partying experiences.
2. L-Theanine
Pairing the L-theanine with caffeine has a multitude of cognitive advantages, but in a party environment the reduced anxiety and ease with social situations can be fantastic.
In a party environment, you will need less L-theanine to have a synergistic effect with the caffeine. Given the high-energy of raves, using a 1 to 1 ratio with caffeine is perfect.
3. Rhodiola Rosea
Enjoy dancing or staying up late? To prevent fatigue, Rhodiola Rosea is a perfect natural option that works well with caffeine.
If using Rhodiola with caffeine and L-theanine, a smaller dose of 200 – 300 mg can make a huge difference in your ability to keep the party going.
4. Eurycoma Longifolia Jack
This is the wild card ingredient of the stack. Often considered a natural aphrodisiac, eurycoma longifolia is also useful for reducing anxiety and providing increased energy.
While there are few studies showing a drastic change in testosterone or stimulatory effects, many people find this compound to be quite useful for purposes of having parties and combining with other nootropic compounds.
5. Bacopa monnieri
Bacopa monnieri is another well-studied herb that has plenty of evidence to support usage.
It is documented as being a performance and memory enhancer, but the mechanism of action is cited as reducing anxiety.
It can be used interchangeably with the eurycoma lonifolia or rhodiola rosea compounds.
6. Lemon balm
In an electronic music show, lemon balm might not be the right nootropic, but there are many times it can help in social situations.
While other people use alcohol to improve GABA in the brain, you can use lemon balm, which inhibits GABA transaminase (which converts GABA into glutamate).
Using Party Stacks
Everyone has different goals when partying so the exact doses and compounds may vary by the person. Some people recommend using compounds like phenibut as stimulatory enhancers for the party experience, but there are plenty of natural options as mentioned above.
In the aftermath of a great party, it might be a particularly good idea to follow this advice from Pure Nootropics, and track your cognitive abilities to see whether substituting nootropics like rhodiola and caffeine for alcohol can have a positive effect on your health.
Compared to your hardcore party compatriots, you will probably feel a lot better anyway.
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