In the late 20th century, a new drug was developed that many believed would revolutionize the civilization of mankind. Named Retni-10 in the laboratory, this drug began its use within a small group of people at first, but within a decade caught on in mainstream circulation where commercial distributors jumped at the opportunity to make a profit. Soon, use of Retni-10 became widespread throughout the United States. Its numerous supporters touted the benefits of the drug. Among other effects, most prominent was its ability to increase the productivity of workers, boost the intelligence and learning of children, and bring people closer to one another. Today, almost everyone is encouraged to take Retni-10, from the elderly to the very young. In fact, parents are often advised to introduce doses of the drug to their children at the earliest age possible, to maximize its intelligence-boosting effects. While studies have shown the aforementioned positive effects to be true – when taken in moderation – there has been surprisingly little controversy over the darker side of Retni-10: addiction and overuse. Drug Addiction and Effects of Overuse Depending on the individual, addiction to Retni-10 can range from mild to severe. The most common age bracket of addicts today is from adolescents through the middle-aged. Repeated abuse and overuse of the drug is the quickest way to become addicted, although some are affected sooner than others. Unlike the addicts of more well-documented drugs, the Retni-10 addict can be difficult to distinguish from normal people. In most cases, there are only a few physical symptoms that can be observed by the casual eye, such as a tendency to be withdrawn from one’s surroundings, bags under the eyes, pale skin, and irritability. Students abusing the drug have been known to do considerably worse in school, as their desire to do productive work falters and grades drop. In the most extreme cases of addiction, users reportedly take the drug at every possible moment and so remain on a high at all times. Direct negative effects of Retni-10 on the user after prolonged overdose include sleep deprivation, myopia, bodily pain in the back and the upper extremities, dulling of the senses, and a decline in overall health. Withdrawal symptoms can sometimes be severe as well, as those attempting to quit the habit can attest to. Symptoms include nervousness, restlessness, and an acute sense of being cut off from the world. These ailments are instantly remedied by a fresh dose of Retni-10, which contributes to the difficulties of quitting. The Many Forms of Retni-10 There are currently a handful of different ways of intake, though more are certainly on the way. The cheapest and most easily obtained apparatus is a long, flat tube made of plastic called a “plu-aid.” Because it can take a long time for the effects of the drug to begin, the more impatient users are willing to shell out extra money for alternative, more efficient apparatuses that can deliver Retni-10 in its purest form. Like many other drugs, Retni-10 has its fair share of derivatives that suit the taste of a wide variety of addicts. One form, called G-promm on the streets, is reported to take the user on hallucinatory trips that rival the real world in vividness. G-promm addicts are those who prefer these hallucinations to their everyday life, and best enjoy sharing them with fellow users. Other derivatives include Emyu D (a predecessor to G-promm), Gnifrus, MI’s, and SSB’s. Effects on Society Although, statistically speaking, addicts of the drug are in the minority of normal users around the world, the number of cases is on the rise. Already we begin to see some repercussions, as businesses whose employees use Retni-10 inappropriately in the workplace see a decline in productivity. Also affected are schools and universities, as students neglect their academic self-improvement in order to take the drug when not in the classroom. Continued abuse of the drug can lead to alienation of friends and family and loss of jobs. There have been numerous cases in which a pair of addicts may meet and decide to run off together, much to the dismay of loved ones. Of more dire consequence, though much rarer in occasion, is when a child is swindled away and never seen again. Conclusions These problems will not go away if simply ignored by the general public. While a few new stories have been run on the matter, Retni-10 addiction generally does not receive much media attention. This is probably because of its legal status, its widespread use and the fact that it is already taken for granted in most households, the majority of users taking the drug on a regular basis with no ill consequences. However, an entire generation of youth raised on Renti-10 will soon be entering the world of adults. The true test of this drug’s effect on civilization lies in the near future.s [Retni-10 => retni-ten => (flip it) => ten-retni => (flip again) => Internet] Jackie Hai is a Collegian columnist.