Search Engine Why'd I take speed for twenty years? (Part 1)
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Oct 27, 2023 
Nicholas Rasmussen, a historian and author of "On Speed," dives into his personal journey with ADHD and prescription stimulants like dexedrine. He analyzes how amphetamines evolved from a medical breakthrough to a common treatment. The podcast highlights their role in WWII and the complexities surrounding their use for mental health. Rasmussen reflects on societal perceptions, marketing influences, and the normalization of stimulants, ultimately questioning how such drugs became integral to American life.
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Drug Looking for a Disease
- Amphetamine's medical use originated from a search for applications, not a specific disease.
- This "drug looking for a disease" phenomenon highlights how some drugs are developed.
Redefining Depression
- Abraham Meyerson redefined depression to include lack of drive, influencing amphetamine's use as an antidepressant.
- This shift broadened depression's definition beyond just fatigue, impacting future diagnoses.
WWII and Amphetamines
- During WWII, both Allied and Axis forces used amphetamines and methamphetamines.
- These were given to soldiers to combat fatigue and boost confidence, not enhance performance.