Senior Spectrum
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Sept 2007
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Geriatric Psychiatry
Just Say No To Drugs
(And Drug Reps)
It is not enough that senior citizens use more pharmaceuticals than any other age group. It is not enough that older adults often take medications that are not only unnecessary, but detrimental to health. It is not enough that to boost billions of dollars per year in sales the pharmaceutical industry has targeted the elderly.
The pharmaceutical industry has contributed greatly to health and longevity. There is, however, much exploitation. Too many medications are on the market for the express purpose of corporate profit. To sell these medications, our emotions of hope and fear are being played upon.
Pharmaceutical representatives (a.k.a. drug reps) are deployed throughout the country. They have infiltrated doctors’ offices and health clinics. They represent the strongest lobbyists in government today. The pharmaceutical industry molds our state and national laws, significantly influencing regulation agencies and the education systems. But it is not enough. So, children are being targeted too.
We were raised to say “no” to drugs. We raised our children to say “no” to drugs. We teach that it is wrong to drink alcohol excessively, or to use drugs purchased off the streets. ‘Drugs are dangerous,’ we tell them.
The marketing campaigns and the drug reps tell us differently. Very potent psychoactive drugs are now being routinely prescribed to children, many age five and under. The pharmaceutical industry has powered an entire generation of over-diagnosed and over-prescribed youth, conveniently and wrongfully labeled as mentally unhealthy. School children are swallowing stimulants and sedatives dispensed to them by grownups.
We are facing an epidemic crisis of the next generation being severely distorted by psychiatric pharmaceuticals. Already we are seeing the increase in birth defects, obesity and violence. We confuse children by teaching them to say “no” to drugs, unless of course they are endorsed as legal by prescription.
Why should this matter to senior citizens? It is because private and government financial resources are being depleted. It is not just that the elderly or children are often exposed to excessive, expensive and unhealthy medications. When exorbitant amounts of money are spent unnecessarily on medications, there is not enough money available for other vital services.
Another thing to remember: The kids who are being targeted and medicated are your grandchildren. Older adults are becoming
Older adults are becoming one of the largest and strongest lobby and marketing powers in the country. It is the responsibility of elders to join together and become a voice against the legal doping of our offspring. It is the job of seniors to say “no” to drugs that are not healthy, and “no” to the ‘drug reps’ who push.
Steven Rubin MD
Adult & Gerolescent Psychiatry
geroldoc@hotmail.com