Netflix Documentary Review: Take Your Pills

Last Updated on August 5, 2026

The Netflix documentary “Take Your Pills,” directed by Alison Klayman, asks some very pointed questions regarding our society’s willingness to use performance-enhancing stimulants like Adderall and Ritalin. Although the film explores the historical development, production, and widespread use of these drugs over time, it also begs one very important question: What is the cost of it all?

Human Capital Value and the Pressure to Be the Perfect Employee

This documentary spends a lot of time delving into the stories of individual people whose lives have been affected by psychotropic stimulants like Adderall and Ritalin. A young artist whose mom forced him to take Adderall to manage his ADHD as a young child and teen; A budding software developer who used Adderall to achieve professional success; An ex-NFL player who used prescription stimulants to keep up with the intense demands of professional football; A mother who was grappling with the complexities of raising a son with ADHD; A college student who relied on Adderall to get the grades she needed to succeed.

These stories are all vastly different, but they all share one common theme: a desire to be extraordinary, achieve “superhuman” feats, and feel confident, motivated, and driven.

“Take Your Pills” takes a broad, big-picture look at what one featured expert describes as a drug epidemic that is following right on the heels of the opioid crisis. The film backs that up with some startling statistics, which we fact-checked later and found to be true.

• As of 2015, the ADHD drug industry was a $13 billion business. It’s expected to grow to $17.5 billion by 2020.¹
• In 1990, 600,000 children were on stimulants to treat ADHD. By 2011, that number had risen to 3.5 million American children.²
• One-third of children with ADHD receive the diagnosis by the age of six.³
• The majority of people taking prescription stimulants in America are adults, with nearly 16 million ADHD medication prescriptions written for adults ages 20-39 in 2012 compared to 5.6 million in 2007.⁴

The Ethics of Cognitive Enhancement

Klayman’s film “Take Your Pills” does acknowledge the fact that some of these children and adults may truly need prescription stimulants to cope with ADHD, but it also criticizes current prescribing practices of doctors and whether or not they are overly eager to make a diagnosis that gives parents an easy solution while also putting more money in their pockets.

This documentary also spends a lot of time delving into the ethics of cognitive enhancement, highlighting the fact that many people who abuse stimulants on a regular basis feel like they are in some sort of competitive arms race at work, at school, or on the field. In order to keep up with their co-workers, fellow students, or other athletes, they feel the need to use “smart drugs” like Adderall to do their best work. But is it ethical and fair for some people to use these smart drugs when others don’t have access to them? Or can this be compared to having the ability to hire a tutor, drinking a cup of coffee in the morning, or eating a highly nutritious breakfast every day before heading to work?

The fact that these stimulants come with a host of safety issues, like cardiovascular problems, psychosis, and even long-term addiction was briefly mentioned, but the majority of the documentary was spent discussing the fact that Adderall and other stimulants have become the drug of our time.

Although it’s not at all uncommon for people of all ages and professions to be using performance-enhancing stimulants, such as the college student, the financial analyst, the professional athlete, the programmer, or the child diagnosed with ADHD, this documentary explores the attitudes surrounding this specific type of drug abuse, the cultural branding of it all, and how these drugs are shaping our society as a whole.

At the final close of the documentary, Dr. Wendy Brown, a Political Theorist at UC Berkeley, poses a question about what it truly means to be human and the role performance-enhancing stimulants play in that. She asks whether the act of letting our minds wander or the ability to experience more emotional interpersonal connections is being hindered by stimulants, but as the documentary clearly shows, it’s is still a topic that’s up for debate.

Addressing Adderall Addiction and Stimulant Dependence

Although “Take Your Pills” only briefly touched on the specific physical risks of long-term stimulant abuse, it’s important to note that Adderall, Ritalin, and other prescription stimulant drugs are addictive. College students, in particular, may be at a higher risk of developing addiction as Adderall has quickly become the drug of choice among this age group. In fact, 50 percent of young adults admit to using them to improve their academic performance.⁵

The abuse of amphetamines (Adderall and Dexedrine), as well as methylphenidate (Ritalin and Concerta), may not carry the same stigma as abusing cocaine or heroin, but it’s still a very real risk. Various forms of abuse and misuse may include:⁶

• Sharing medication with friends
• Taking a prescription stimulant in a way other than it was prescribed
• Taking the stimulant purely for the purpose of getting high
• Consuming a prescription stimulant with other drugs like alcohol

Adderall is currently the most commonly prescribed amphetamine in the U.S.,⁷ but if you or a loved one is struggling with stimulant dependence or addiction, you should seek treatment at a detox and drug rehab center immediately. A drug rehab program can help you develop healthy behaviors and skills that you may be lacking and currently seeking to fulfill with your drug abuse.

Call Nova Recovery center today to talk to an admissions specialist or to learn more about our drug and alcohol rehab program.

References:

1. https://daily.jstor.org/americas-workforce-narcotic-stimulants/
2. https://www.businessinsider.com.au/adhd-medication-marketing-techniques-2013-12
3. http://www.drhallowell.com/dr-hallowell-comments-on-cdc-report-13-of-children-with-adhd-diagnosed-with-the-disorder-before-age-6/
4. https://www.businessinsider.com.au/adhd-medication-marketing-techniques-2013-12
5. https://cvshealth.com/thought-leadership/prescription-stimulant-abuse
6. https://teens.drugabuse.gov/drug-facts/prescription-stimulant-medications-amphetamines
7. https://www.addictioncenter.com/stimulants/

Frequently Asked Questions About “Take Your Pills” and Prescription Drug Addiction

If you or a loved one watched “Take Your Pills” and recognized patterns of prescription stimulant misuse, Nova Recovery Center offers evidence-based treatment for substance abuse and addiction. Below are answers to common questions people ask after watching the documentary.

What is prescription stimulant addiction?

Prescription stimulants—such as Adderall, Ritalin, and Concerta—are legitimate medications for ADHD when prescribed and used as directed. However, when misused (taking higher doses, using without a prescription, or using in ways not prescribed), they can lead to physical and psychological dependence. The documentary highlights how high-pressure environments like college campuses and workplaces normalize misuse, often masking the serious risks of addiction.

What are the signs someone is addicted to prescription stimulants?

Common signs of prescription stimulant addiction include:

• Taking higher doses than prescribed to achieve the same effect (tolerance)
• Using the medication without a prescription
• Seeking multiple prescriptions from different doctors
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when unable to use (anxiety, fatigue, depression)
• Continuing use despite negative consequences (health, relationships, work)
• Neglecting other responsibilities to obtain or use the drug
• Failed attempts to cut back or stop

How does prescription stimulant addiction develop?

Prescription stimulants increase dopamine in the brain, which creates feelings of focus, confidence, and reward. Over time, the brain adapts to these changes, requiring higher doses to achieve the same effect—a process called tolerance. Combined with social pressure, academic or workplace stress, and the perception that the medication is “safe because it’s prescribed,” users can quickly develop psychological and physical dependence without realizing the severity of their addiction.

Can prescription stimulant addiction be treated?

Yes. Addiction to prescription stimulants is treatable through professional addiction treatment. At Nova Recovery Center, we offer:

• Medical detox: Safe, supervised withdrawal management with medication support if needed
• Intensive outpatient programs (IOP): Structured therapy while maintaining daily responsibilities
• Inpatient residential rehab: 24/7 care for more severe cases or co-occurring mental health conditions
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): Evidence-based treatment that addresses underlying triggers and develops coping strategies
• Individual and group counseling: Support from addiction specialists and peers in recovery
• Aftercare and relapse prevention: Long-term support to maintain sobriety

What should I do if I recognize myself in “Take Your Pills”?

If you or someone you know is misusing prescription stimulants, reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. The earlier treatment begins, the better the outcome. Contact Nova Recovery Center to speak with an addiction specialist who can assess your situation and recommend the right level of care—whether outpatient treatment, intensive outpatient therapy, or residential rehab.

Is it possible to recover from prescription stimulant addiction?

Absolutely. Many people recover from prescription stimulant addiction and go on to lead healthy, fulfilling lives. Recovery requires professional treatment, commitment, and often ongoing support through counseling, peer groups, and a strong support network. At Nova Recovery Center, our individualized treatment approach addresses not just the addiction but also the underlying causes—stress, trauma, mental health conditions, or environmental pressures—that may have contributed to misuse in the first place.

Related Resources for Prescription Drug Abuse and Recovery

If you found this documentary review helpful, explore these related articles from Nova Recovery Center:

• Prescription Drug Abuse and Its Connection to Heroin Use — Understanding the wider risks of prescription misuse
• 5 Risks of Trying to Break an Addiction on Your Own — Why professional support matters
• How to Choose an Addiction Treatment Center That Meets Your Needs — Finding the right fit for your recovery
• 4 Types of Therapy for Addiction Recovery You Should Consider — Evidence-based approaches to healing
• 5 Powerful Ways Stigma Contributes to Substance Abuse and Mental Illness — Why shame often delays recovery
• 5 Signs You Might Be Self-Medicating to Deal with Stress — Recognizing hidden patterns
• Can You Relapse After Completing Rehab? — Understanding relapse prevention
• Expert Counseling for Families of Addicts — Support for loved ones affected by addiction

If you or a loved one is struggling with prescription stimulant misuse or addiction, professional help is available now. Nova Recovery Center offers compassionate, evidence-based treatment for prescription drug addiction. Call (512) 893-6955 today to speak with an addiction specialist and take the first step toward recovery.