The United Opiates of America

We are an overly-medicated generation. Doctors and psychiatrists nowadays prescribe children at an alarming frequency and the halls, more then ever, have orange white-capped bottles flowing through them. Instead of revamping how America educates its students, pupils are subjected to the tedious curriculum which has been in place for the last century. Perhaps the solution to boredom isn't a medical one but a reformative one. Also, not only the intended clients are using these chemicals. Over 20% of high school students admit to abusing prescription drugs illegally. These drugs are holding back the potential of today's youth and we're slowly becoming a zombified populace and the negative effects that can arise from these chemicals are many. Instead of doping up teens and shoving amphetamines downs their throats (pardon my hyperbole) the system should demand their attention through captivating  lessons. Either way, mass medicating needs to be deeply reconsidered.