There are individuals in today’s society who are so quick to judge others when it comes to our outer appearance. In this instance, I don’t mean the way we judge others by what we wear or how we look, which is what some do on a daily basis. I want to discuss how we view each other based on physical appearances and body language. Someone walking the street may look sedated, and many might assume them to be a drug abuser. Someone might smell marijuana on an individual and immediately draw the conclusion that the person is using it solely for recreational purposes. There are also those individuals that are prescribed drugs, but then sell their own prescription drugs to others. Even if these people are not drug dealers in the traditional sense, wouldn’t that one-time transaction deem them a drug dealer based on the law and society's standards? Who’s to blame for our society’s dependence on prescription pills. Was it that one visit to the hospital? Was it that one friend or family member that says “I’ll sell you my prescription pills for money?” Maybe it’s that doctor who, instead of running the proper battery of tests, says you’re depressed and provides antidepressants to calm you down. Who’s really to blame?

I recently hurt my back to the point that I now have a bulging disk sticking out. I now have to use muscle relaxers and Norco for the pain, and ibuprofen for the inflammation. For someone who is very active and always on the go, I don’t want to be dependent on pills to get me feeling good, and to only end the night feeling worse than when I woke up. I had to go to the emergency room because my back incident happened over the weekend; the doctor gave me a tramadol shot, Norco, Valium and hydrocodone all at once. It's no wonder people go to the emergency room; they will give you anything and everything.

We don't always know someone’s story, we can't. But somehow, we decided it’s better to judge than to ask. Not many individuals talk about their medical history or problems because they often times don't feel comfortable sharing that information. Sometimes, people don’t want to talk about their condition because it leads them to feel left out, useless or hopeless. You might have to cancel on events, or even miss work, and because nobody really knows your condition, they judge you. Trust me, I know that feeling, because when you have to call out for work or cancel on friends or family, sometimes their response is “Oh.” It’s not what some of us would like it to be; the “OMG, what happened? Are you going to be okay?" That "Oh” could mean that the person you told truly wants to make sure you’re okay. On the other hand, the "Oh” could be a denial of your reality and an indifference toward your personal struggle. I know that “Oh” all too well.

Deep down, you probably want to scream and cry out about how much pain you are in, but for fear of sounding too dramatic, you smile and say you're fine. You might even encounter individuals you haven’t seen in awhile and they'll constantly tell you how different you seem, more energized and alert, and you look at them with the “I pop pills all day long to take away my pain" face. It is no wonder some of us in society are so messed up. It’s because, at one point, someone thought that maybe you were lying about your struggles and instead of giving you the attention or comfort that you need, you are subjected to pills to make you feel better, potentially leading to a slew of psychological problems.

This article is not to disparage anyone who those who may enjoy the high that they receive from drugs; but then again, who’s to blame for their use? Even though it may have been their choice, at one point they were confronted with the idea from someone or something else. I am talking about those individuals who hurt on a daily basis and who are burdened with the necessity to take prescription pills. I am discussing those individuals who were active and now feel like something in their life is gone or changed. To all battling addiction and their dependency on these pills, please don’t let the pills consume your life, and keep you from living it to the fullest. I write this article because in the one week I’ve been confined to rest and pain pills for my bulging disk, I’ve learned that pity and understanding only go so far. The invites to hang out stop coming and sooner or later, your text conversations or phone calls become shorter. In the midst of your pain, all that is left may be the memories of a life before the pills. You think about what you used to do and what you cannot do now, but don’t worry. You can always find new and exciting ways to enjoy and experience life. Stay strong and maybe write a blog you always wanted to write, read those books you always wanted to read or watch those movies you wanted to watch, because now you have the time to relax and do all the things that you have been putting off.