Monday, February 19, 2007

Dysphoric Social Attention Consumption Deficit Anxiety Disorder Discombobulates Consumers

An Australian artist has created a fake drug ironically called "Havidol" to treat Dysphoric Social Attention Consumption Deficit Anxiety Disorder (DSACDAD) as a satire of pharmaceutical ad campaigns, and consumers seem to believe it's a real product for a real illness! The artist, Justine Cooper, was going for a subtle spoof to draw people in and it looks like it worked. You have to wonder though about medication that is available in both tablet and suppository form...


I especially like the disclaimer:

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Problems can be avoided if you take HAVIDOL only when you are able to immediately benefit from its effects. To fully benefit from HAVIDOL patients are encouraged to engage in activities requiring exceptional mental, motor, and consumptive coordination. HAVIDOL is not for you if you have abruptly stopped using alcohol or sedatives. Havidol should be taken indefinitely. Side effects may include mood changes, muscle strain, extraordinary thinking, dermal gloss, impulsivity induced consumption, excessive salivation, hair growth, markedly delayed sexual climax, inter-species communication, taste perversion, terminal smile, and oral inflammation. Very rarely users may experience a need to change physicians.
Talk to your doctor about HAVIDOL


I think it says something about our culture when we believe a pill can provide something intangible and inherently spiritual. Do we really believe the right chemical combination in our brains can give us fulfillment?

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