The Struggle With Drugs
The Struggle With Drugs
How do you manage your feelings when there are no resources available? Aldous Huxley believed the projected path of America would be a place where emotions are concealed. In Brave New World, he demonstrates that emotions create social instability. To eliminate feelings, the government provides society with soma that is easily accessible. Huxley describes the effects in the absence of soma. For instance, he states, “Deprivation of soma appalling thought” (Huxley 210). The government in Brave New World has made society dependent on soma. Instead of allowing emotions, the drug numbs one’s feelings. Likewise, in the U.S., doctors we trust and schools we learn in are failing to teach people the importance of coping skills. The only option available for people is drugs, which leads to their misuse and an increase in mental health disorders. Clearly, the US government dismisses society’s emotions as irrelevant. Mental health is not a priority for the government since society moves at a fast pace. As a result, society is leaning towards drugs due to inadequate medication prescribed by doctors, the stress of the pandemic, and the lack of knowledge on coping strategies. Although people hold basic calming tactics like breathing techniques, they are insufficient because they do not cure mental health disorders and the urge to use drugs. Ultimately, teens and adults are the ones who suffer from these issues in society. They should not resort to harmful outlets to deal with emotional problems.
Schools teach different subjects except how to cope with one’s emotions. Consequently, teens are struggling to care for their mental health because “only about half of all schools said they were able to effectively provide needed services” (Meckler). Schools are conscious that students are struggling mentally, but they can’t help them overcome it. Learning about mental health is not in the curriculum, nor is it a priority in the school system. Most students are stressed because of school, but their feelings are viewed as irrelevant. Important figures such as “Policymakers and educators say that schools must do a better job of addressing the emotional and social needs of high school students” (Piore, “As Teen…”). This is significant because it proves that people are aware of the effects of school, but nothing is done to help struggling students. Instead of cramming students with work, lessons about self-care should be taught to bring awareness to the issue. Furthermore, adding a curriculum about self-awareness proved effective because “the students self-reported a 73% reduction in anxiety, 68% reduction in stress” (Peper, et al). Students will most certainly benefit from being aware of muscle relaxation and skills to prevent anxiety. This could be the key to preventing mental health issues before they develop. All in all, the school system has failed to provide proper care for its students. Students have learned how to solve complex math problems except for their own. Teens are unaware of self-management and crucial coping skills. These skills will help in everyday life and will likely create a stress-free path for students.
Doctors brush off the fact that patients are suffering from mental health issues. Most doctors need to meet a certain number of patients in their workplace. They don’t have time to talk with their patients because “physicians overall still are paid primarily based on volume rather than the quality and value of healthcare services provided” (Mensik). Most doctors depend on a busy schedule to pay for their expenses, so they will not give full attention to their patients. When patients are suffering from depression doctors will prescribe an easy cure, antidepressants. Most clients will explain that “There was no conversation about alternatives, such as psychotherapy, nor a discussion of the drug's side-effects or when to stop taking it” (“The Need for a Clear Head; Drugs for Depression”). Prescribing medication is quick and efficient and allows a doctor to move on to their next patient. Although beneficial for them, it's harmful to the client. When most people realize the medication is doing more good than bad, they will stop taking it. Further introduced, a patient “tried to wean himself off the medication, he suffered panic attacks, sleep disruptions and a depression so debilitating” (Piore, “Antidepressants…”). The medication that was once quick and efficient created a bigger obstacle for them. In addition, listed were some common side effects people experience when they are off the medication. When taking this medication, they’ll most likely experience sleep disturbance and become lethargic. They become dependent on this drug, and it takes a toll on their physical and mental health. These side effects are most likely touched upon but not addressed because it’s easier to convince someone without them being aware of the consequences. Ultimately, most healthcare workers do not have enough time for every patient because they choose quantity over quality. As a result, they will seek a quick and simple solution for their patient. Society trusts in doctors, so they will not question their practice.
At the height of the pandemic, stress levels increased, which caused teens to search for outlets, one of them being drugs. Being isolated from society and limited daily activities takes a toll on your mental health. As explained by Wedenoja, “The stress and isolation associated with COVID-19 mitigation strategies led to some people using drugs more frequently, in greater doses, or more dangerous ways, including taking drugs by themselves”. Consuming drugs can give people a euphoric feeling and help them forget their problems. Although temporary, many believe it is a cure for their mental health. For instance, “Within a few months of the start of the pandemic, more than 40,000 Americans self-reported new or increased substance abuse. It seems people turned to drugs as a way of coping” (MacInnis). Both teens and adults turned to drugs to help alleviate their emotions and feel some sort of happiness. In addition, as the pandemic progressed, people obtained drugs more easily because “the stimulus checks sent out by President Donald Trump in 2020 and President Joe Biden in 2021, unfortunately made it easier to relapse” (MacInnis). It gave them access to money and caused people to yearn for drugs. Thus, reinforcing Huxley’s fear of the government, allowing the public to depend on drugs. In Brave New World, the government provided residents of the World State with soma. They were rewarded with soma after work, and it was handed to them without cost. The U.S. government gave society a free ticket to consume drugs because of stimulus checks. As more people relied on drugs, the consequence in New York was “4,965 overdose deaths in 2020, which is the highest number the state has ever experienced” (Wedenoja). Along with people not being aware of coping skills, they were not informed about the drugs they were taking. They use the drug irresponsibly, and it causes their body to become overwhelmed by the substance. In short, the pandemic took a huge toll on society, and most resorted to drugs for comfort. Locked in the house led to this crisis because many were uninformed about coping skills.
The outcome of the pandemic is mental health issues. During this time, people could not get mental help, so they were bottling their emotions. Before the pandemic, people had regular routines, and once Covid-19 hit, this was cut off. Furthermore, Alexandra Benisek, in her “COVID-19 and Depression” article states that “In the U.S., 32.8% of adults had elevated depressive symptoms in 2021, compared to 27.8% of adults in the early months of 2020 and 8.5% before the pandemic.” This is significant because it’s clear the pandemic elevated mental health issues. In addition, the stress and “The mental health impact of social distancing, COVID-19 quarantine, and financial crises due to loss of employment were associated risk factors with suicide and/or suicidal attempts during the COVID-19 pandemic” ( Pathirathna). The pandemic became unbearable for some people, which is why there was an increase in suicide and suicidal attempts. After Covid-19, individuals had long-term effects, and some experienced PTSD. For example, “Survivors of COVID-19 are reporting trauma-related symptoms, especially those individuals who had complicated and prolonged hospitalizations”. People hospitalized at the height of the pandemic saw the reality of COVID-19. Hospitals were overfilled, and nurses were being overworked. In addition, many had to deal with the loss of a loved one during a period of isolation. Ultimately, during and after the pandemic, people were dealing with mental health issues. PTSD, depression, and suicide attempts were all outcomes of COVID-19. The experience of COVID-19 was intolerable for many.
In summary, America is down the road to drug use. Although many would like to succeed in life they are unaware of the importance of mental health. Techniques such as meditation and relaxation techniques are not taught. Some would argue that people willingly take drugs and they are at fault, but this doesn’t justify the limited resources. Clearly, Huxley’s fears of society not treating their mental health is coming to life. More and more people would rather take drugs instead of handling their emotions. Once again, life without coping skills will lead to an increase in drug use and cause people to feel numb all the time. Resources for people to deal with their emotions are limited, but drugs are easily accessible.
Works Cited
“Coping with PTSD from the COVID-19 Pandemic.” Weill Cornell Medicine, NewYork-Presbyterian, 4 Jan. 2022, https://weillcornell.org/news/coping-with-ptsd-from-the-covid-19-pandemic. Accessed 20 Dec. 2022.
“Covid-19: The Depression Connection.” WebMD, NewYork-Presbyterian , 2021, https://www.webmd.com/covid/covid-19-depression. Accessed 20 Dec. 2022.
Huxley, Aldous. Brave New World. Harper Perennial, 2006.
MacInnis, Adam. "Pandemic Worsened Isolation of Addiction: Recovery ministries struggle to help as overdose deaths pass 100,000 per year." Christianity Today, vol. 66, no. 4, May-June 2022, pp. 25+. Gale General OneFile, link-gale-w9ba.orc.scoolaid.net/apps/doc/A703906199/ITOF?u=nysl_li_harb&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=47e80460. Accessed 14 Dec. 2022.
Meckler, Laura. "Schools are struggling to meet rising mental health needs, data shows." Washington Post, 31 May 2022, p. NA. Gale General OneFile, link-gale-w9ba.orc.scoolaid.net/apps/doc/A705529686/ITOF?u=nysl_li_harb&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=0d6e7344. Accessed 14 Dec. 2022.
Mensik, Hailey. “Most Doctors Are Compensated for Volume, Not Value of Care, Research Finds.” Healthcare Dive, 28 Jan. 2022, https://www.healthcaredive.com/news/doctors-paid-for-volume-not-value-based-care-RAND-JAMA-physician-compensation/617911/. Accessed 14 Dec. 2022.
Pathirathna, M.L., Nandasena, H.M.R.K.G., Atapattu, A.M.M.P. et al. Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on suicidal attempts and death rates: a systematic review. BMC Psychiatry 22, 506 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-022-04158-w. Accessed 20 Dec. 2022.
Peper, Erik, et al. "Reduce Anxiety (1)." Townsend Letter, no. 471, Oct. 2022, pp. 42+. Gale General OneFile, link-gale-w9ba.orc.scoolaid.net/apps/doc/A726740888/ITOF?u=nysl_li_harb&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=bad3acba. Accessed 19 Dec. 2022.
Piore, Adam. "Antidepressants Work Better Than Sugar Pills Only 15 Percent of the Time; Popular meds work no better than a placebo for depression and can come with severe withdrawal symptoms. Why do doctors prescribe them to 43 million Americans?" Newsweek, vol. 179, no. 11, 30 Sept. 2022, p. NA. Gale General OneFile, link-gale-w9ba.orc.scoolaid.net/apps/doc/A719721749/ITOF?u=nysl_li_harb&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=aebd703f. Accessed 12 Dec. 2022.
Piore, Adam. "As Teen Loneliness Rates Soar, Schools May Be Making It Worse, Scientists Say; Loneliness among teens has reached crisis levels, experts say, but overly rigid schools and the culture wars aren't helping." Newsweek, vol. 179, no. 18, 18 Nov. 2022, p. NA. Gale General OneFile, link-gale-w9ba.orc.scoolaid.net/apps/doc/A726564427/ITOF?u=nysl_li_harb&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=9a9055ea. Accessed 14 Dec. 2022.
"The need for a clear head; Drugs for depression." The Economist, 22 Oct. 2022, p. 68(US). Gale General OneFile, link-gale-w9ba.orc.scoolaid.net/apps/doc/A723438097/ITOF?u=nysl_li_harb&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=cc17575d. Accessed 4 Nov. 2022.
Wedenoja, Leigh. "Pandemic Worsens Overdose Crisis: 'The stress and isolation associated with COVID-19 mitigation strategies led to some people using drugs more frequently, in greater doses, or in more dangerous ways....'." USA Today, vol. 150, no. 2924, May 2022, pp. 30+. Gale General OneFile, link-gale-w9ba.orc.scoolaid.net/apps/doc/A706537200/ITOF?u=nysl_li_harb&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=6c929aa9. Accessed 14 Dec. 2022.