I get that it's considered a controlled substance and all, which is why pharmacies can't do automatic refills, but has anyone who makes these policies stopped to think that people who need ADHD medication are not going to remember on their own to call their doctor to ask them for another month's prescription before they run out of meds on a weekend and can't do anything about it until Monday?
Just wondering.... for reasons....
@meganpaasch I'm guessing from the date format in your bio you're in US.
In UK there's a major chain pharmacy with an app. It prompts to take meds and when to reorder, then links to Dr to request on your behalf. Few days later they arrive by post.
Anything similar available in US?
@ceruleanbagel Hmm...I did actually just download our pharmacy's app the other day but haven't explored it much. It might do that. I will check and see. Thanks!
@ceruleanbagel Oh, and yup, I'm in the US. :)
@ceruleanbagel It does! I just needed to see it up! Ahh! Thank you!
@meganpaasch super. Really glad you've got a way forward. 👍
@meganpaasch Most people don't know the real reason why we have controlled substances in the first place... you might, but just in case:
It all stems back to the 1950s and 1960s, when governments collectively decided they needed a way to suppress the people. Drug prohibition was a way to do that: it provided an excuse for arbitrary arrest that was hard to disprove (they can just plant drugs on people after arrest, and that's only if the arrestees didn't have any to begin with).
@meganpaasch The War on Drugs was an extension born of that - taking it to an extreme level to suppress the antiwar movement (hippies) and the civil rights movement (racial minorities) by associating them with the (now illegal) drugs to sabotage public opinion, "justifying" putting vast amounts of money into enforcement, expanding police powers, and putting ever-more-strict sentencing in place for even the most minor of drug offenses.
It was never ABOUT *the drugs*. It was about *control*.
@meganpaasch Former Nixon administration advisors (among others) have spoken up about this / blown the whistle on it...
Well, and if you look at the difference in punishment between crack and powder cocaine - same chemical mind you - it's clear.
Drug prohibition is a tool of authoritarianism, nothing more, nothing less.
It doesn't even work very well! It creates a massive revenue stream for organized crime and DRIVES UP use rates among youth (because guess what? drug dealers don't check ID!).
@IrelandTorin, Completely agree that the "war on drugs" was racist. but ADHD meds, like pain killers, are often abused in ways that are truly dangerous. It's not like weed. Many are methamphetamines. So while I'm against most of the policies that came out of the "war on drugs," having some precautions in place around this one makes sense to me. It's just frustrating, is all, that when you have an actual prescription, you have to jump through extra hoops to get it refilled.
@IrelandTorin Anyway...I was just stating my frustration about forgetting to call in for a refill before the weekend. Wasn't really looking for a history lesson. I already have a degree in that.
@meganpaasch LOL aight! I'm really, really bad for that... for what it's worth, I do it to _everyone_.
Long-winded exposition is kinda my thing, hehe.
You'll notice I started it off w/ "most people don't know [...] you might, but just in case:" because I recognized I didn't know your areas of expertise and might very well be telling you things you already know :P
Turned out, I was! Happens sometimes. Sorry 'bout that!
@IrelandTorin I appreciate the apology, but maybe ask first if someone's aware of the history next time instead of jumping in to mansplain? And as for your reply about alcoholism vs meth usage...my father was a severe alcoholic who chose to end his life by suicide because he couldn't quit. So I'm also WELL AWARE of all of that, too, thank you very much. Anyway, so much for my relaxing Saturday morning with my coffee. God.
@meganpaasch Ah for Pete's sake, I'm not "mansplaining": I was literally born wired differently; part of that is I'm incredibly verbose / overexplain everything to LITERALLY everyone.
For perspective, it used to drive my dad & my grandfather absolutely up the wall, because I'd explain every little detail behind everything I said.
I try to keep it to a dull roar, but it's hard. It's sorta compulsive.
Sorry for the trigger.
Try not to assume someone's gender-profiling you when they aren't pls.
@IrelandTorin Ok, well nice chat. I'm blocking you now.
@meganpaasch Studies and surveys by experts have suggested that amphetamine abusers are actually less harmful/dangerous to others than alcohol abusers. Look it up :P
When they take it to extremes, yes, it's not pretty... but the same can be said for alcohol. Ever heard of Korsakoff Syndrome or the fact that alcohol withdrawal can literally kill?
Legalization and regulation are still the answer. Just that, y'know, passing a safety/harm reduction course 1st should be required to purchase.
This is to say, this morning's coffee has actual caffeine in it, which is a poor substitute for Vyvanse, but will have to do. Will I get anything done this weekend? Or will I spend the next two days constantly thinking of the million things I should be doing while staring at my phone and doing none of them?