Are we ignoring the real problem as long as we can shift the burden or consequence to someone else, or a later date?
I'm thinking of all the medications out there used to treat symptoms of poor life choices.
If the problems are due to smoking, drinking, unhealthy diet, lack of exercise, infidelity, overworking, etc... and a drug makes the symptoms better - are we just removing the pressure needed to make difficult personal changes?
Instead of using the fundamental solution: Changing our lifestyle; are we settling for the symptomatic solution of medication?
I understand the healthcare costs. I know how much needle exchange has decreased disease and it's treatment in IV drug users. I've seen people who work 80 hours a week function for years with the help of stimulants. I have seen obese people saved from the catastrophic results of high blood pressure and diabetes.
These are good things. But is good the enemy of great? Are we sacrificing the crucible, the pressure needed to make us change our lifestyles?
