Many Parents and Private Academy Teachers Recommend ADHD Medication
Academic Achievement Is Society's Top Priority
"Don Spike Also Progressed from ADHD Medication to Methamphetamine"
"I Have No Intention of Returning to Politics"
Nam Kyungpil, head of the drug prevention and treatment organization 'Eungu'. Nam Kyungpil Inoma YouTube
Nam Kyungpil, head of the drug prevention and treatment organization 'Eungu', identified the use of ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) medication as a cause of the increase in drug use among teenagers. He explained that some teachers at private academies and certain parents recommend ADHD medication to improve concentration, but since these medications contain small amounts of narcotic substances, excessive use can lead to drug addiction.
On the 16th, Nam Kyungpil appeared on MBC Morning Today and said, "The increase in drug use among teenagers in our country is extremely serious. The growth rate among teenagers has reached as high as 50%, and if we do not stop this trend, we could face situations similar to the zombie streets in the United States." He explained this as his motivation for running a drug prevention YouTube channel.
Nam stated, "The supply and demand for drugs are increasing, and it is easy to obtain them. However, the fundamental reason is the social atmosphere that prioritizes academic achievement, which leads some parents or private academy teachers to recommend ADHD medication. These medications contain narcotic substances. Although doctors prescribe them, they are intended for children with significantly impaired attention and should be used in very limited cases, but they are being abused," he said.
He also introduced the case of composer Don Spike (real name Kim Minsoo), who was recently released after serving a two-year prison sentence for methamphetamine use. In response to the question "How did you start using drugs?", he explained that addiction to ADHD medication led to increased dosages, which eventually resulted in methamphetamine use.
He said, "Parents these days are recommending ADHD medication to their children, and this is essentially the same as recommending drugs. In addition, many young women are currently taking a diet pill called 'Nabi-yak' in large quantities. This pill also contains narcotic substances, and continued use can lead to addiction and eventually to more serious drugs," he stated.
Meanwhile, Nam Kyungpil also shared that his eldest son is struggling with drug addiction. The name of the drug prevention and treatment foundation he established, 'Eungu', was inspired by 'Never Give Up'. During his eldest son's final statement in court, rather than asking for leniency, he said, "I am grateful that my family and father never gave up on me until the end. I will also come out and participate in the drug recovery movement."
Nam Kyungpil, who served as a member of the 15th to 19th National Assembly and as Governor of Gyeonggi Province, said, "I have no intention of returning to politics. Right now, I want to focus on saving and helping individuals overcome addiction. This work makes me much happier," he said.
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