[2025 Good Brain] CEO Nam Kyungpil: "Even Legally Prescribed Medications Pose Addiction Risks"

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"Medications for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) should be used for those who truly need them, but if misused by individuals who are not patients, they can serve as a gateway to drug abuse."

Nam Kyungpil, CEO of the nonprofit organization Eungu and former governor of Gyeonggi Province, attended the "2025 Good Brain Conference" hosted by Asia Economy at the Westin Chosun Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul, on the 3rd. He gave a lecture titled "Drugs Intruding into Daily Life, The End of Addiction." 2025.9.3 Photo by Jo Yongjun

Nam Kyungpil, CEO of the nonprofit organization NGU and former governor of Gyeonggi Province, argued that when prescribing psychotropic medications such as ADHD treatments and appetite suppressants, it is essential to fully inform patients or their guardians in advance about the associated risks. He also emphasized the need to institutionalize specific diagnostic criteria and medication guidelines for physicians.

Nam made these remarks during his lecture titled "Legal Addiction Entering Daily Life, Collapsed Boundaries" at the "2025 Good Brain Conference" held at the Westin Chosun Hotel in Sogong-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul, on September 3, 2025.

He particularly pointed out the sharp increase in drug-related crimes among Korean adolescents. Since the 2000s, the number of drug offenders in their twenties has increased by 4.5 times, while among teenagers, it has surged by about 50 times, indicating a lowering age for drug crimes and a significant rise in the proportion of female adolescents involved.

Nam stated, "Our society’s obsession with academic credentials and appearance has transformed ADHD medications into so-called study drugs, and illegal activities such as group purchases and sharing of diet pills (commonly known as 'butterfly pills') with ingredients similar to methamphetamine are occurring." He warned, "If we do not stop these trends, areas like the 'zombie streets' in Mexico or the United States-where people who have overdosed on drugs wander like zombies-could appear in Korea as well."

Nam further added, "ADHD medications are intended to be prescribed very selectively by doctors for children with significant attention deficits, yet they are currently being abused. Parents, often unaware, condone or overlook their use, but continued intake can lead to addiction."

Nam Kyungpil, CEO of the nonprofit organization Eungu and former governor of Gyeonggi Province, attended the "2025 Good Brain Conference" hosted by Asia Economy at the Westin Chosun Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul, on the 3rd. He gave a lecture on the topic "Drugs Infiltrated into Daily Life, The End of Addiction." 2025.9.3 Photo by Cho Yongjun

The same applies to drugs such as propofol and midazolam, which are commonly used during endoscopic examinations. In the United States, as the number of deaths from fentanyl abuse surpassed 75,000 per year, the Donald Trump administration began to strictly regulate the import and distribution of fentanyl. Concerns have been raised that the fentanyl-related industry, having lost its footing in the United States, may soon seek new markets in countries like Japan and Korea.

Nam pointed out, "We are now in an era where ADHD and diet medications are being shared and distributed among adolescents. In the future, we will have to fight not only illegal drugs but also those disguised as legal prescriptions."

He also emphasized, "Most people who turn to drugs are actually trying to fill unmet needs, and tend to seek satisfaction through various addictions such as gaming, drugs, or sex. However, this only leads to fleeting, false satisfaction that never truly fulfills them and only increases their cravings. True satisfaction and the ability to break free from addiction come when those needs are met through faith or familial love."