I thought this comment early in the article was telling. "I know; this sounds convoluted: a drug to treat a drug side effect." In the context it seemed to imply that the readers would be surprised or confused at this. On the contrary, I think most readers realize just how widespread and insidious this is. Most doctors find it easier to prescribe a drug than encourage (demand?) that a patient change their lifestyle. If and only if, after changing and adhering to the required lifestyle change, they still need the drug will it be prescribed. Medical issues that might be controlled by lifestyle changes include joint pain, mild depression, heartburn, insomnia, overactive bladder, prediabetes, prehypertension, and obesity. Do you have knee and joint pain? Here, try Celebrex. Works great. A few years later your blood pressure is up so you should start on a additional medication. A few more years go by. Low and behold you now are showing signs of reduced kidney function so lets add another medication. A few more years and you are having digestive problems. More medication. And on it goes. The average elderly person is taking 5-6 prescription medications a year. Drug companies push the medications. Doctors prescribe them because it's easier to write a prescription than take the time to figure out the cause of the problem is and attempt to correct it.