Advancements in technology and developments in psychiatry have improved, upgraded, and enhanced our lives in so many ways. We'd be remiss, however, if we didn't examine the associated risks. As we become increasingly used to whatever works most quickly (and with the least effort) our ability to "put in the work" and actually resolve what life throws our way organically, not just cover it with a band-aid, may be progressively dwindling. Many people prefer certain psychiatric medications (or related quick fixes) over learning how to cope with and overcome a problem naturally through psychotherapy or learning long-term changes in behavior. They often rationalize that they "don't have time." This may seem to work for some in the short term, but in the long term I argue that it risks creating more issues.

(Note: I am not referring in this post to people who need to be medicated, such as those with mood or psychotic disorders, but to those who may choose medication only, when the issue is likely better addressed behaviorally, either in therapy, or at least in therapy in conjunction with a medication secondarily.)

As we increasingly expect and grow accustomed to immediate relief from whatever challenges or ails us, our ability to cope with and grow from difficulties may be diminishing. Predictably, this makes us increasingly susceptible to developing addictions. And, like an addiction, what starts as a temporary solution may itself become another problem, often worsening the original concern. Below, I'll elaborate on the potential drawbacks of prioritizing quick fixes and certain psychotropic medications (I refer mainly to benzodiazepines in this post) in the context of emotional and relational healing, problem-solving, and personal growth. For the record, I am not........

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