Medicalization of Contemporary Life: The Culture of Immediate Solutions

Abstract

The history of medication accompanies human evolution, being used to benefit health since its inception. However, over the years, the misuse of medications has been observed, due to various reasons, including lack of access to physicians who provide proper guidance on their use, limited knowledge about the effects of substances, and restricted access to medications (Silva & Alvim, 2020). Thus, this study aims to address the factors that lead to the improper use of medications, analyze the social effects resulting from this practice, and describe the ways in which it occurs. Pressures from the pharmaceutical industry, economic interests, and automated healthcare practices often present medication as the primary, and sometimes exclusive, solution for problems that could be addressed through multidisciplinary approaches (Santos & Faria, 2019). In this way, medicalization is seen as a quick means to achieve desired outcomes, neglecting the consequences of these actions, while easy access to medications also contributes to indiscriminate consumption (Brito & Silva, 2019). In Brazil, some initiatives have shown concrete results in reducing the abusive use of medications, demonstrating that behavioral change is possible when there is planning and integration across sectors. In light of this scenario, the importance of awareness strategies on this topic in society can be identified, highlighting the need for broader dissemination of information through educational programs.