The Negative Impact of OTC and Pescription Drugs

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Advil, Aleve, Tylenol, Benadryl, Sudafed, Claritin, Nyquil. The list seems to never end and they all achieve the same purpose. Forget wanting to feel better, America craves a binge drug to provide hope in the oh-so relentless cold that has been affecting them for longer than desired. Of the millions upon millions of people who daily rely on OTC and prescription drugs to suppress their cold, headache, heart burn etc, many do not understand the impact of drug consumerism on a broad scale. What is at stake? Is our need for over the counter drugs and prescriptions becoming customary instead of necessary? Should over the counter and prescription drugs be regulated more strictly? The adaptation of drugs like most staple products is a reliance that may be more intricate than previously acknowledged.
Since the discovery of herbal remedies to treat wounds and other illnesses since the beginning of human existence, adaptation techniques to cure ailments have been crucial to protect the well being and sustenance of physical and mental health. As shown by recordings that suggest the presence of herbal remedies by early humans and then the development of medicine by ancient societies such as the Egyptians and Greeks, the need for gluttonous consumption of inessential medicine has captured the eyes of society. Although vital medicines to treat important diseases and viruses have been used in the continuing of population growth and health efficiently, the foundation for excessive medicinal refinement has ironically caused the production of niche markets for seemingly comforting purposes. Beginning with Romans, who provided sage as medical treatment for emotional purposes as early as 98 AD, claiming that it was a healer for the spirit, providers ...

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...onsumer. If a substitute for marijuana were available, which would not cause impariment, it would be logical to provide a substance that does not adversely affect the judgment of an individual. Similarly, substitutes could be found for other dangerous OTC or prescription drugs with the use of generic products, which would reduce the cost to individuals and taxpayers alike.
Ultimately, our obsession with the medicine industry only serves to diminish our oppurtunity to be healthy and appropriatley assess medical obligations if misuse of drugs continues to occur. Although we are attracted to the notion of bettering ourselves, we are hindering progression at an alarming rate with the continually growing dependence on the industry. However, what is most sinister is that we our decieving ourselves into thinking medication benefits outweigh the drawbacks. Feeling sick yet?

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