Drug Me

According to the American Journal of Psychiatry, a new drug named Paxil (paroxetine) alters the personalities of people, making them more "easy-going and cooperative".

Psychopharmaceuticals is what they call them.

Specific serotonin reuptake inhibitors.

Don't like your personality? It can be fixed. But remember, we are against drug abuse.

This drug is now available to doctors everywhere. They will probably be receiving colorful brochures advertising its virtues shortly. Maybe they will receive an invitation to take a free cruise to Latin America where the excellent effects of the drug can be described in luxurious detail. They will be given free samples of the drug to "try out" on patients. The drug will be expensive to prescribe. But that's okay. Don't worry-- be happy: the American Psychological Association will be pressured to include it in DSM VI or VII or VIII or whatever, as a recommended treatment for "unhappiness". That way, it will be covered by the real pimps of our drug culture: health insurance plans.

How far are we really from the idea that we should drug everyone in our society into placid, carefree submission? How long before we officially acknowledge that our dope laws are really concerned with stamping out competition, and not with eradicating "bad" behaviours?

It all stinks.

February 1, 1999