I have come to observe a somewhat unhealthy intrigue with prescription medication in the United States. Individuals seem to be walking encyclopedias of drug-related information, which in my eyes is a position that seems more suited to a Doctor than a student. In the USA individuals tend to view drugs as devices through which human experiences can be enhanced, rather than as tools to aid in recovery from sickness or injury. They have the same connotations as a minor plastic surgery, that is, they simply allow for an inflated sense of individual confidence.
Yet, I cannot simply discount the worth of these drugs. Perhaps there is merit within the notion of bettering oneself through synthetic means. Could it not be said that the reliance upon a calculator to complete complex mathematics holds parallels to a reliance upon adderall to complete large amounts of work? Perhaps the link is weak, however, the point is there: modern scientific advances do include methods through which all manners of human endeavor can be enhanced and improved. In an age of increasingly complex technologies, economies and socio-political cultures, are these advances so unwelcome?
Thus, a dilemma is formed. One can take prescription drugs and improve productivity, however, this would then open the door to insomnia, depression, and particularly, dependence. Or, one can choose not to take prescription drugs and not perform as effectively as an individual on a performance enhancing drug, yet, this individual will remain in greater health and may even be able to work a longer, more fruitful career.
In my opinion, it is an issue that must only be judged by context. If an individual needs to complete an abnormally large amount of work within a small amount of time, and does not often take drugs such as Adderall, then this is acceptable. If an individual chooses to take an Adderall to stay awake for longer at a party, this is pure stupidity. Perhaps the FDA should relax their stance on drugs such as Adderall: What do you think?
1 comment:
This is an issue to argue about in the current papers. How can people achieve their potential, be their most creative and productive? According to Csikszentmihalyi, this would involve making good choices about goals and tasks, not putting yourself in an overwhelmed position. He talks in "Changing the Patterns of Life" (pp. 106-108) about setting priorities too. But still, there comes a time when the tasks seem insurmountable and if a pill can help you get the job done, what do you have to say about the cost-benefit ratio, everybody?
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