Counterpoint: I have found that stimulants (caffeine is about as strong as I get these days) work for short periods of time, then become a net negative. Over th

Counterpoint: I have found that stimulants (caffeine is about as strong as I get these days) work for short periods of time, then become a net negative. Over the course of a week I'd get more done by having absolutely no stimulants, not even caffeine. Even for short-term work crunches they can be detrimental because they increase stress levels, which can lead to mental paralysis.