Joshua Shenk's attempt to group illicit drugs with psychotropic drugs - because both alter the mind and body - is harmful in its simplicity and contributes to the already existing stigma suffered by the clinically depressed. The purpose of illicit drugs is to produce a good feeling, a high. The purpose of antidepressants is to restore to "normal," or at least to acceptable, one's ability to function.

The desire for sleep and appetite, and energy and concentration enough to make it through the day, is not the same as the desire to get high on alcohol or cocaine.

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