# Dot-Com Drug Abuse Silicon Valley's Provigil Problem By Marissa Brassfield | Published 2008-09-08 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/silicon-valley-provigil References: [truemors.nowpublic](http://truemors.nowpublic.com/?p=32538) & [physorg](http://www.physorg.com/news139843197.html) In a trend that is as disturbing as it is unsurprising, Silicon Valley's Provigil problem is starting to get noticed. Earlier this summer, [TechCrunch](http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/07/15/how-many-of-our-startup-executives-are-hopped-up-on-provigil/) founder Michael Arrington posted an article that asked how many Silicon Valley executives were hopped up on the drug. While the article prompted a flood of angry comments, there were several users who admitted using the drug to stay focused. Provigil is a prescription drug manufactured by Cephalon. Unlike caffeine or amphetamines, Provigil is said, per the drug's literature, to "...promote wakefulness without causing generalized stimulation in the brain." It is a favorite drug of Silicon Valley executives, who must work long and productive hours and be able to have a [restful sleep](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/personalized-sleep-treatment) at the end of their day. I saw this happen in high school and college, typically around midterms and final exams. The drug my peers chose was typically Ritalin, something they could easily get a prescription for after feigning ADD symptoms. It's a shame that Silicon Valley executives are joining in on this potentially dangerous trend. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.3/10 - Popularity: 28% | Activity: 3% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Tech-enabled Drug Use:** The use of drugs like Provigil by tech professionals to enhance productivity could give rise to tech-enabled drug use. - **Sleep Management Tools:** The need for drugs like Provigil by Silicon Valley executives highlights an opportunity for sleep management tools like wearable devices and smart mattresses. - **Healthy Productivity Boosters:** The trend of using prescription drugs to enhance productivity could lead to a demand for healthy alternatives that boost productivity without harmful side effects. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Pharmaceutical:** Pharmaceutical companies can explore the development of healthier productivity boosters to meet the rising demand for such drugs. - **Wearable Technology:** Wearable technology companies can create devices that monitor and improve sleep, which could help workers avoid using drugs like Provigil. - **Mental Health:** Mental health professionals can educate tech workers and their organizations about the dangers of using drugs like Provigil as productivity enhancers. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [AI-Altering Digital Marketplaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pharmaicy.md) - [Streamlined Medication Locating](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/neuro-tablet-for-adhd.md) - [Superfood Cognitive Supplements](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/graymatter-bright-mind.md) - [Science-Backed Productivity Drinks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/autofocus.md) - [Novel Caffeine-Delivery Formats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/novel-caffeinedelivery-format.md) - [Medication Availability Trackers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fillfinder.md) - [Medication Availability Finders](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/neuro-tablet.md) - [Groundbreaking Caffeine Technology Innovations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/caffeine-technology.md) - [Gamer-Specific Health Supplements](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/madmonq.md)