Aldous Huxley’s 1930’s book Brave New World shines a light on recognizable problems for the future, especially with its use of soma as a hallucinogenic drug. In both our society and his written culture, drugs should never be considered as an answer, with their false sense of security, and overlooked negative consequences.
In Brave New World, soma was taken for numerous reasons, and was usually resorted to when any negative feelings or emotion came apparent. “ One cubic centimeter cures ten gloomy sentiments.” (page 46) Today’s purposes for drug use are similar- many abuse drugs to escape a problem in reality, to relax, or to simply fit in. For instance, many people in the United States resort to food as a way to feel right. People suffering from a food addiction may feel the same pleasure as a cocaine addict during a high, thanks to the release of dopamine from the brain (“Food addiction signs, n.d”). Some scientist believe food addictions may be a cause of the over-weight and obesity rates in the US (over 30% of the American population are in this weight class (“Food addiction signs, n.d” )). In both of these worlds, it appears people prefer to be happy and have fun, rather than mend any issues, or deal with mental problems.
One of the highlights being said about soma is the lack of terrible side effects. Its users will feel no hangovers, embarrassment, or regret. “ Take a holiday from reality whenever you like, and come back without so much as a headache or mythology.” ( page 46) Though by taking the hallucinogen, citizens are accepting to live a displeasing life and consenting the government’s control. In comparison to today, alcohol and other commonly abused drugs may become addictions, and are no longer used to have fun, but to forget difficulties. In both situations the lives of the users is not up to personal standard, and continuing a miserable life may be one of the worst side effects available for users.
After taking a look at Brave New World, and thinking about the concepts of drug use throughout the novel, its clear how similar our own society is to Huxley’s futuristic and totalitarian culture. Soma and our commonly abused substances give each user a sense of artificial security and people are allowing to have any side effects overlooked. Instead of turning to substances for relief, every person should address their issues, or seek help when a problem is recognized.
References
Huxley, A. (2007). Brave new world. (p. 46). Toronto, Ontario: Vintage Canada.
Food addiction signs and treatment. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/mental-health-food-addiction
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