for psychological problems. In difficult and stressful times, it is easy for individuals to turn
towards a medication that will make them feel better and free them of their problems. When
looking at the birth of prescription benzodiazepines in America, history tends to inexorably
repeat itself. Beginning in the 1960s, doctors began to prescribe Valium in extremely high
quantities. The same goes for more recent drugs such as Ritalin and Oxycontin. Instead of
tracing a problem to its origin, it is evident that many people have relied on prescription drugs
such as Valium, Ritalin, and Oxycontin to temporarily relieve them of their symptoms.
American life …show more content…
Although this
opened many doors for women in history, it also created many psychological problems for them
as well. Women started to feel isolated, useless, and disrespected by their families. Many of the
women started to turn to prescription drugs to help lower their anxiety and reduce stress. Known
as ‘mother’s little helper’ in 1963, the drug Diazepam was introduced to the American society.
This drug, most commonly referred to as Valium, changed the relationship between patients and
doctors. Instead of seeking a mental health specialist, women would visit their family doctors in
search of tranquilizers that would temporarily cure them of their symptoms. Doctors overly
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prescribed this drug to housewives that were looking for a sedative that would, “minister to a
mind diseased, Pluck from the memory a rooted sorrow, Raze out the written troubles of the
brain,” and help soothe the anxiety that the women were facing (Shakespeare 892).
Unfortunately, people still find ways to temporarily treat their symptoms by taking
specific medications rather than addressing the root of the problem. Attention Deficit Disorder …show more content…
Although the medication is effective, children should be getting other
types of treatment such as therapy. The lack of counseling is due to the high costs of treatment in
comparison to the low and more affordable rates of medication. Rather than covering up the
symptoms with medications, it is beneficial for the individual to address the root of the problem
and “minister to himself” with the help of health professionals (Shakespeare 892).
Americans have also made a habit of using high amounts of narcotic painkillers, such as
Oxycontin, when in need of pain relief. Although the federal recommended dosage limit for
Oxycontin is three days, most doctors exceed the limit by an extraordinary amount. There is a
high risk that doctors take when prescribing dangerous amounts of oxycontin for their patients.
Painkillers are highly addictive, and they account for more deaths than Heroin and Cocaine
combined. Although doctors have good intentions for their patients, it is important that doctors
and patients are well educated, so that pain is treated effectively and carefully. When using
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narcotic painkillers, men and women should be aware of the dosage that they are consuming