No, I wouldn't downplay the prescription drug epidemic... not at all. I just didn't want to focus on it, because it is really something we as hikers can't do much about the problem. Maybe hiking helps replace the need for these uppers and downers and mind altering chemicals. It really is a very serious health concern and IMHO the biggest abuse is by the medical profession constantly prescribing something for every complaint that they hear from their patients. Then you have those who doctor shop and get multiple prescriptions that they sell for big profit on the street. It goes on and on. Yes, and you do make good points and we all read about it every day.

As a side note, I find it interesting that most of our astronauts are taking Ambien on space trips according to this PBS report:

http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rundown/...g-pills-space/

Draw your own conclusions.