A drug to erase memory of a sexual assault

[ShyGuyInChicago]

I saw on the show Boston Legal where a psychologist wanted to give his daughter a drug that would erase her memory of being sexually assaulted, but he was sued by his wife, the girl's mother to stop it. The main issue was that the girl would be at a disadvantage if she were to lose this memory.

But if a person experiences a trauma such as a sexual assault and they take a drug that will erase the memory is that really a bad thing. Is it just as bad or even worse than being sexually victimized? Will forgetting such things put people at a disadvantage and cause them lose a part of themselves.

I think it could be bad thing because many people have been through all sorts of trauma, but they did not let it stop them from living life and they used their experiences to do good in the world and to become a stronger person. But on the other hand in some cases it might do some good.

[ShatteredWings]

You won't have consious memory of it, but it'll have still happened, and it'll still effect you.

This doesn't seem any different from repression of memories, which they always come back.

[The Joker]

There is no way to wipe certain thoughts out. If there were a drug like this, there is no way you could program it or whatever to only take out certain thoughts. It's likely it would attack your entire memory, or just certain irrelevant bits.

[Clawhammer]

I do see the point in it, but I question its logic. It's all personal choice. I personally would keep it and learn from it.

[deadpie]

Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind time.

You want to erase a memory, then realize how important it really is to you - positive or negative. I would never want the memories of what happened to me as a kid erased. I would just be tossing every little thing that I've learned from it away. Living through it makes you a stronger person. It might change your mindset on things, but it seems like the people that have gone through it are the ones who can see different point of views most people can't.

[Sith Lord 13]

Even assuming it could properly target, no. Every event shapes who we are. Removing any memory makes us a different person.

[Korashk]

I've seen that episode (Boston Legal is one of my favorite shows) and drugs like that do exist. When I broke my wrist in 6th grade instead of using anesthetics to dull the pain of setting it he gave me the "forgetting medicine" and I lost memory of the entire process. I'm told that I screamed really loudly.

Anyways, if a person wants the drug they should have the right to take it regasrdless.

[Peace God]

When I broke my wrist in 6th grade instead of using anesthetics to dull the pain of setting it he gave me the "forgetting medicine" and I lost memory of the entire process. I'm told that I screamed really loudly.

What? they seriously give that shit to kids? wow

[Awesome Sauce]

I saw on the show Boston Legal where a psychologist wanted to give his daughter a drug that would erase her memory of being sexually assaulted, but he was sued by his wife, the girl's mother to stop it. The main issue was that the girl would be at a disadvantage if she were to lose this memory.

But if a person experiences a trauma such as a sexual assault and they take a drug that will erase the memory is that really a bad thing. Is it just as bad or even worse than being sexually victimized? Will forgetting such things put people at a disadvantage and cause them lose a part of themselves.

I think it could be bad thing because many people have been through all sorts of trauma, but they did not let it stop them from living life and they used their experiences to do good in the world and to become a stronger person. But on the other hand in some cases it might do some good.
What mother would want her child to experience that kind of trauma?...


And to remember it? There are some seriously F'd up people in this world.


I, very honestly think this drug would be a great discovery. All the trauma and hate a person feels(not to mention depression and anger) could go away with one pill. Amazing, IMHO.

[ShatteredWings]

I, very honestly think this drug would be a great discovery. All the trauma and hate a person feels(not to mention depression and anger) could go away with one pill. Amazing, IMHO.

No, see, that's the problem.

Assuming it works as intended, the emotions will never go away just the memory to explain some of the why.

[Charleigh]

in a way, being sexually abused could change the way you look at things. im not sure. its a life changing experiance. its sort of, its hard to put down in words what i think, but i know what i mean.
shit i cant explain it.
yeah their should be a medication but some people... fuck i cant explain it!
ill edit it when i find a way to explain it. sorry :/

[Korashk]

I, very honestly think this drug would be a great discovery.
It exists...

[deadpie]

I, very honestly think this drug would be a great discovery. All the trauma and hate a person feels(not to mention depression and anger) could go away with one pill. Amazing, IMHO.


That is not a good solution. Facing the problems head on is the correct way. Just erasing it is doing nothing more but shoving it in the corner like society does with topics like rape and abuse.

Oh, let's pretend it didn't happen! It's not a big deal now!


NO.

[ShatteredWings]

Basically, that.

One thing I hadn't considered, that your point reminded me of, if we forget it all, then people are free to do whatever the fuck they please without consiquenecs.

[Korashk]

That is not a good solution. Facing the problems head on is the correct way. Just erasing it is doing nothing more but shoving it in the corner like society does with topics like rape and abuse.

Oh, let's pretend it didn't happen! It's not a big deal now!


NO.
Would you be against the right of other people to use it?

[deadpie]

Would you be against the right of other people to use it?

People can use it. Their choice, but it's a weak choice. Life is about the experiences you go through, good and bad. If you end up getting raped and decide to take some drug to forget about all of it, you'll still be the same person you were the day before.

I find people that can live through traumatic experiences to be stronger than the average.

[Sage]

I would disagree with such a drug on purely philosophical grounds, but people are free to do whatever it is that they believe will make them feel better.