Are prescription drugs helpful or harmful?
On One Hand: Prescription Drugs Can Be EffectivePrescription drugs are approved by the Food and Drugs Administration, prescribed by doctors and purchased at pharmacies. They can be useful in relieving the symptoms of a variety of psychological disorders, such as depression or attention deficit disorder, as well as physical ailments, such as acne and heart disease.On the Other: Side Effects and AbuseThe use of prescription drugs will often bring about undesired side effects that are not related to the condition being treated. These effects can be both short or long term. Also, many types of prescription drugs are potentially addictive and prone to being abused or misused.Bottom LinePrescription drugs can be helpful and harmful. According to a 2004 study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly half of Americans use at least one type of prescription drug annually. Prescription drugs are widely used because they can be highly effective in treating a variety of conditions.
