[notburnt]

Something I've noticed: in the US people generally have an aversion to being even mildly uncomfortable.

And, it's culturally acceptable to be on medication so people take it for basically any inconvenience.

Sweating a little? Crank the AC. Small headache? take a pill. Bad day? Have a drink. Workout left muscles sore? Another pill. Sprained ankle? Obviously you need pain medication!

It's easy to see how there is a low threshold to abusing pain medication.

[nvarsj]

This! Living in the UK for the last few years, the difference is remarkable. Yes, the UK has its hypochondriacs, but the comfort culture in the US takes it to a whole other level. Great for business, I imagine.

[cgag]

Ive actually seen people take pain killers for being sore from working out as you mentioned. It's mind blowing.

[gragas]

I think you could say the same thing about almost any first world country.

[DanBC]

The US has more people using opioid medication than any other first world country.

For people who've used opioid medication in the past year most of the developed world has a figure of around 1% or 2%. The US has over 5%.