Because we're a morally weak, wimpy society. We've turned our backs on God, and He's turning His back on us.
Scouts Out! Cavalry Ho!
...we can't even put up with a little headache or back ache ( and many painful conditions especially neck and back improve on their own with PT and OTC meds.)
..we are impatient, whiny, wimpy.
and so many of us go to the doctor EXPECTING a prescription...
..you know this is true...
and yes, the docs and hospitals were FORCED to treat pain very very aggressively and were forced to medicate no matter if the person was sitting there laughing and eating, if he said he had pain, you better quick give him his dilaudid....
the docs are wising up a bit now...not quite so quick to prescribe at least in the hospital setting, but they still allow whiny patients to dictate what meds the need...most of these types are the younger sloths that we have so many of now .