The average American individual now derives most of his self-worth from his ability to outperform others. We are ceaselessly encouraged to “have it all”: perfect body, perfect grades/career, perfect social life. It, therefore, comes as no surprise that psycho-stimulant medications are gaining popularity amongst all sectors of the American public trying to maximize their productivity. Amphetamines are now being abused by everyone, from students cramming for their next exam to NFL players and overachieving housewives.
Amphetamines were originally sold as a prescription medication to clear sinuses in the 1930s. Yet, it was abused by people who recognized its performance-enhancing capabilities even back then (Klayman). Until the 1970s, it could be easily requested from a family practitioner and freely used by Beat writers, jazz musicians, and even JFK. After decades of abuse and public backlash against the “speed” epidemic, it became a controlled substance, and production was strictly limited (Klayman). Today, it is available as prescription medicine for children and adults diagnosed with ADHD. Amphetamines improve the ability to concentrate and restrain impulsivity but may cause issues with sleep, sociability, appetite, and addiction. There is a thriving black market for stimulants among students and white-collar workers. Adderall is so ubiquitous on campuses that most students forget it is even illegal.
I believe that amphetamine abuse is only a symptom of the productivity cult currently gripping our country. People are obsessed with results and attaining faux machine-like productivity to impress others, effacing the significance of inner transformation and meaningful human experiences. College is meant to cultivate discipline and dedication — what exactly is the purpose of writing 2000-word essays if you had to take a psycho-stimulant to do it? The point is to overcome procrastination, commit and do the work. However, Americans are using chemicals to hijack their brains and attain the results of hard work without actually putting in the effort. The most effective way to prevent abuse is not criminalizing amphetamines but facing the hypercompetitive cultural environment that causes it.
Works Cited
Klayman, A. (Director). (2018). Take Your Pills [Video file]. Web.