Because doctors believe studies and health system policies pushed aggressive treatment of pain. And our unequal society forces a lot of people to damage their

Because doctors believe studies and health system policies pushed aggressive treatment of pain. And our unequal society forces a lot of people to damage their bodies in the pursuit of happiness (i.e. earning money). That damage becomes chronic pain. And unfortunately, painkillers often have a euphoric effect. So people might use that effect to escape the grinding reality that they are trapped within. Consider how popular cannabis is, especially among older adults in states where recreational use is legal.