The simple fact is that many people need drugs to deal with day to day living in US society. They are told constantly they should be happy, healthy, beautiful, hard working. The US has less holidays than other western nations. It also has less international news and arguably a more homogenous media culture. For many of these people, if they can take a pill and not worry, then they will do so. It's shocking to a non US citizen how much drug advertising is on American television. Ask any foreigner - they have all noticed. It's the sort of thing that would be outlawed in other countries. Particularly the wording - "ask your doctor for ...". On the other hand, natural drugs with proven benefits (I believe a recent magic mushroom study just strongly suggested that they keep people happy for a year after dosage) are outlawed. THX, anyone? sigh
