What the FDA?

???We plow through prescriptions as if we ourselves are doctors and think nothing of the tiny little brightly colored caps we pop for every ache, pain or doubt that we experience. Why wouldn't we, anyway? They look like candy, and after a few good trips, even that bitter pill taste becomes something to look forward to.

???No matter what happens, pills are here to stay, so the FDA is looking for better ways to control certain drugs, most notably Oxycontin and a variety of other synthetic opiates. They also have their eye on diet pills as well, which more often than not have mild amphetamines as ingredients to augment that 'natural extract of papaya' that will supposedly burn those pounds off while you watch the tube.

???Something about the FDA just seems impotent. They police the drug markets but trip on more loopholes in their own laws that allow horribly effective chemicals to end up on our shelves anyway. Currently, the agency is trying to place increased controls over the trafficking of synthetic opiates such as Oxycontin and Methadone, drugs that present a problem because they have the same effect on the brain as heroin and get prescribed like candy for anything from massive trauma injuries to sprained ankles.

???What the FDA would like to see is greater control over the existing supply of these drugs, more education for doctors who might be prescribing the drug (such as understanding when such a drug is necessary), or some undisclosed form of control over the prescription process.

???This is a start, but the truth is that this problem is only going to be solved by a sort of general assumption of responsibility from the ground up. Sure, the GP shouldn't prescribe Oxycontin for a migraine, but the patient also shouldn't go looking for the drug in cases where they could get away with something far less potent.

???But that would require a societal change that, frankly, isn't likely. There is a sense in this country that pills are magic bullets, capable of solving any problem in the physical and emotional realms. Maybe someday medical science will progress to the point where we can live healthy, happy lives just by popping pills, but until then we must live by the wisdom of a wise woman who will remain anonymous:

???"I know I can't stop you from taking drugs, but I want you to promise me you won't take anything if you don't know what it is and who made it, so that you don't get in too far over your head."