Why are so many Americans medicated on prescription drugs?

Question

Why don't more people use the power of their mind to fix themselves rather than relying on anit-depressants,ritalin, anit-anxiety drugs, and diet pills to name a few? It is fairly sad to see that people need a drug to cope with life, rather than using the internal powerhouse we all possess,the mind.

Answer 1

your right, too many people take drugs for just about everything. my psychology professor once said (of depression) "if you can think yourself into it, you can think yourself out of it" and he is right. however some people cannot, and since somethings are uncontrollable, such as regulation of hormones, blood pressure, to name a few, drugs can in fact be beneficial and sometimes is the only way to get the body back to normal. as far as depression, that too is often beyond a persons control, no matter how hard they try to think themselves out of it. and severe depression can be devastating, so antidepressants may be necessary

Answer 2

One word: MONEY. Pharmaceuticals are a
$ 20 BILLION a year industry. Drug companies, in conjuction with the medical industry, have a vested interest in keeping all of us sick and dependent on them for our healthcare. Why do you think one out of four TV commercials are for drugs? Not only are doctors handsomely compensated by pharmaceutical companies for prescribing their product, but commercials now condition us to beg our doctors for drugs by convincing all of us we have diseases that can only be cured by pills.

We also live in an age of instant gratification. Why exercise, eat healthy and maintain a positive mindset when drugs can "fix" all of the resultant pain from abusing/neglecting our minds and bodies?

Granted, there are cases where medications may be the only answer for someone with disease or painful conditions. But, drugs, surgery and other radical approaches should be a last choice after all other other simpler options have been exhausted, not the first and only approach. All too often the mindset is to "fix" the symptoms without trying to determine, and correct, the cause of the problem.

The mind is a powerful tool. Much can be overcome by using it. The problem is, many people have little interest in using their mind for anything constructive, especially toward their own health. So, they delegate the "chore" of maintaining their health and make it someone else's responsibilty, namely their doctor's or XYZ drug company. If you don't believe me, just look at the "Health" forum here- virtually every pain or health question begins with, "what drug should I take for....?", or ", should I get surgery for...?". That's the first and only choice most people make.

Answer 3

If you had epilepsy and needed meds to control the seizures, wouldn't you take this medication? With depression, anxiety, OCD and all the other mental illnesses, it comes down to brain chemistry, lack of serotonin, too much dopamine etc. It is usually a biological issue where the chemicals in your brain are off. Millions of people get great relief from these medications. Don't be judgmental, mental illness is like any other illness and people need medication to treat these issues. What about a schizophrenic? Would you deny someone the ability to function semi-normally because they should be able to deal with the illness through their "internal powerhouse?" Give me a break!

Answer 4

People seem to want a quick fix hence the use of prescription medications. I agree people need to learn to cope, but if after a significant period of time the problem still exists, I do think medication is a good choice.

You cannot judge someone since you have not walked in their shoes. Yes, everyone has depression or anxiety here and there. But there are people who have it daily and those symptoms debilitate them and interfere in their everyday ability to work and enjoy life. Internal power does not work for everyone nor for every problem.

Answer 5

Many Americans are on Rx because we have the financial wherewithal to be, and are graced by the ingenuity of our people who strive for the betterment of mankind. I agree the power of the mind is a valuable tool in managing your health, and further propose taking advantage of what other greater minds of science can discover to enhance our existence.

Answer 6

Era of the quick fix. Everyone wants instant gratification rather than working through problems. Why do you think "miracle diets" sell so well, even after having been proven exceedingly bad for your overall health?

Answer 7

Probably because if they are depressed, anxious, or can't control their eating, their minds haven't been doing such a great job of keeping them well and is not in any condition to do so. Instead of waiting to see if they'll become depressed enough to kill themselves, anxious enough to stress their immune systems into weakening and causing greater health problems, or to get so obese they damage their hearts, joints, and circulatory system, their doctor prescribe medication.

Answer 8

Power of the mind? Hello....obviously, some have no power of the mind, that is why they medicate. However, the power of the Lord to heal and console is the best medicine....but so many of us have no faith. Faith is the "Eternal " Powerhouse!! Faith is flexing the muscle of our mind.

Answer 9

It's the era of the quick fix

I agree it is too much but there are genuine cases that need medication.

Answer 10

some people can't...trust me. myself more than anybody i did not want to go on medication...i'm taking Zoloft and you wouldn't believe the difference it made...everyone in my life can tell a difference...sometimes people just need the medication...now i agree there are some people that just make tihngs up to get attention and stuff and they certainly don't need it...but those of us who really do, are grateful for it...