The consumption of smart drinks and "smart drugs" began in the early 1980s when
baby boomers started using because they believed these products would improve
job performance and give them a competitive edge in the workplace. The popularity of smart drinks peaked during the early 1990s, as all-night
techno and
house music parties took place, events of the underground dance culture at the time, known as "
raves". Rave enthusiasts preferred drugs such as
ecstasy,
methamphetamine,
ketamine, or "
poppers" to alcohol. Instead of drinking
alcoholic beverages at raves, the dancers would drink smart drinks. Smart drinks not only held a novelty factor for the vibrant social
subculture, but they also helped rave promoters by eliminating the need to secure alcohol sales permits and therefore allowed raves to be held outside of the traditional nightclub, bar or pub scene. Smart drink ingredients often include substances such as
DL-phenylalanine or L-
phenylalanine, L-
tyrosine,
choline (trimethylaminoethanol),
pyroglutamic acid,
B vitamins,
glucuronolactone, and
DMAE (dimethylaminoethanol). These amino acids were claimed to have positive or enhanced effects on alertness, stress resistance and energy levels. Some of the acids, then considered "foods" and
nutritional supplements by government agencies like the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), changed in status and have since been removed from store shelves. Others are still available when
prescribed by a doctor. ==External links==