OUR VIEW: Prescription drug use and local culture

Pressure to perform, high demands on children and teens to uphold values not consistent with the world around them, and living in a culture that makes it hard for people struggling with inner demons to confide in those close to them are all conditions that contribute to a growing trend in Utah concerning prescription drug use.

Whether an individual’s doctor writes their prescriptions or they acquire their pills through illegal means, more and more Utahns are popping elaborate cocktails of medication, such as antidepressants, anxiolytics, pain killers and attention deficit drugs, like ritalin or adderall.

Many wonder what it is that led to Utah’s exceptional pharmaceutical philia phenomenon, and really, the popularity of pill-popping spans across multiple demographics. Others question the legitimacy of certain doctors’ discretion when it comes to writing and signing prescriptions – skeptics argue some patients are just as addicted and just as guilty of overusing or abusing drugs as common heroin or methamphetamine addicts.

Of course there are plenty of people out there who are legitimately suffering from chronic pain, psychosis, bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, erectile dysfunction, high blood pressure or attention deficit hyperactive disorder. So how can we tell the difference between who needs the pills and who needs help that doesn’t come in a tiny orange bottle? Is it really our job to challenge the prognoses made by doctors who have dedicated decades to residencies, clinical voluntarism, practitioning and expensive schooling?

What is it that has people so on edge about the increase in prescription drug use? We’re not convinced the religion is the problem; in fact, we know it’s not. Utah culture, however, probably is. Unfortunately, it’s safe to say the culture that has risen out of such a high concentration of Latter-day Saints living in close proximity with one another has led to a spiral of silence.

In other words, the pressure and accountability that so many Mormons experience by being members of a religion centered on repentance and forgiveness have ironically given way to an increasing amount of members feeling as though they can’t go to anyone for help if they have a problem. Those who don’t feel they can be open with their bishops may feel more at ease asking a doctor for help – hence the growing numbers of LDS Utah County mothers taking antidepressants and anxiety medications.

Prayer or prescriptions – we’re not sure which Utahns use more. Our diagnosis: The culture has made it hard for people to ask for help; and feeling like a hopeless, worthless sinner can lead to deep depression or anxiety. Our prescription: Keep your heads up and if you need help, ask for it.