[DiogenesLamp]

That's one theory - another, no less consistent with that evidence, is that it was never going to get that bad.

And why would growth of addiction not continue in the manner that it occurred in China? What magic was going to stop it?

[NobleFree]

And why would growth of addiction not continue in the manner that it occurred in China?

Because this isn't China - as I already posted:

“Genetic factors account for about half of the likelihood that an individual will develop addiction. Environmental factors interact with the person’s biology and affect the extent to which genetic factors exert their influence. Resiliencies the individual acquires (through parenting or later life experiences) can affect the extent to which genetic predispositions lead to the behavioral and other manifestations of addiction. Culture also plays a role in how addiction becomes actualized in persons with biological vulnerabilities to the development of addiction.” - American Society of Addiction Medicine