"Better living through chemistry"

[PokerGoblin]

What do people mean when they use this phrase? Is it a reference to antidepressants or recreational use of prescription narcotics or something else?

Just curious.

PG

[jokerthief]

Either, or both.

[PokerGoblin]

So realistically, pot or alcohol could also fit that description, although the 'Better living' part is debateable.

[miajag81]

I think generally it refers to prescription drugs like Paxil, Ritalin, etc., but I'm sure people use it when talking about "street drug" use too.

[ohnonotthat]

company slogan/motto for DuPont and referred to any product that enhanced one's life - plastics, synthetic garments, OTC meds, etc.

- Uh-huh, polyester was once considered a major advance for mankind.



Used in the vernacular I agree with the either or both answer above.

If the person who says it is grinning (or talking to the flying elephant) when he says it assume he's referring to recreational drugs; if he or she seems serious assume the alternative.

[captZEEbo1]

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B000003RZ0.01._SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg

me likee this album

[OtisTheMarsupial]

[ QUOTE ]
So realistically, pot or alcohol could also fit that description, although the 'Better living' part is debateable.

[/ QUOTE ]

Uh, yeah, the "better" living part is debateable for antidepresants too.
There is a lot of evidence showing that those drugs dull the senses and do actual brain damage.

[whiskeytown]

great article in salon.com (http://www.salon.com/mwt/feature/2005/11/25/adult_add/index.html) about how we're becoming a medicated society and how the lines between recreational and medical drug use are getting really blurry.

you may need to go thru an ad or two to read the article, but it's very informative.

RB

[jokerthief]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
So realistically, pot or alcohol could also fit that description, although the 'Better living' part is debateable.

[/ QUOTE ]

Uh, yeah, the "better" living part is debateable for antidepresants too.
There is a lot of evidence showing that those drugs dull the senses and do actual brain damage.

[/ QUOTE ]

Link? This it too Tom Cruiseish not to back it up with some references.

[craig r]

I can't believe this drug thread has been here for over 3 hours and I haven't commented. I don't even know where to start or even if I should. I thought I saw something in one of the above threads about Ritalin. Haven't they done studies comparing that to cocaine and it has some of the same effects (I am asking because I really want to know. I am being serious unlike in my other threads)?

[LBJ]

http://www.vegasexposure.com/Pictures/body_english_11_13_05/IMG_7480.jpg

Heh.

[fluxrad]

It's a sarcastic jab at our now drug-addled society wher everyone needs a prescription and a quick fix.

Edit: Aparently this was originally from DuPont, "Better things for better living...through chemistry." back in 1939. pure link goodness (http://heritage.dupont.com/touchpoints/tp_1939/overview.shtml).