1. Role of Media
1.1. Internet
1.1.1. Some people may use the internet to learn more about their medical conditions or may learn how to misuse Rx drugs or use illegal substances which might help promote self-medicating behaviors and drug-seeking behaviors
1.2. Direct To Consumer Pharmaceutical Advertising
1.2.1. There are a lot of ads about medications that may underestimate the risks of medications and may promote drug-seeking behaviors. There needs to be a regulation of these advertisements in order to decrease the negative outcomes.
2. Social Norms
2.1. Fast Paced Society
2.1.1. Because we live in this society, we often turn to medicine for instant gratification. If someone has a headache, they are likely to take an Advil rather than take some rest or drink more water.
2.2. Community
2.2.1. We believe helping others is a good thing and will give our friend's medicine without thinking twice. We need to educate society to understand that over-medicating IS a thing and that we need to do our best to help ourselves and others.
3. Human Behaviors
3.1. Self Medicating
3.1.1. Many people choose to self medicate rather than get physician's advice. It is important to reduce this behavior in order to decrease our drug culture.
3.2. Self Care
3.2.1. We should encourage people to seek out behaviors that promote self care that do not involve medicine. For example, for pain, one can turn to yoga rather than pain medications.
4. Commonly Held Beliefs About Healthcare
4.1. Inherent Trust in Physicians
4.1.1. Many people believe anything a physician prescribes is safe. However, we know that there is an excess of prescriptions for antibiotics and opiates that have created negatives in our society.
4.2. Believing Doctors Can 'Fix' You
4.2.1. Believing doctors can 'fix' you takes a person's responsibility away which can hurt them in the long run. For example, if someone thinks that a doctor can fix them, then they may be more inclined to participate in reckless behavior or even continue to eat poorly.