They have something now that will numb your brain and reduce the pain of thinking or being alone. It comes in a black box and, like most socially acceptable drugs, has proven quite popular with the masses. In fact, a huge number of Americans enjoy its effects for hours a day. Even poor people can do this, because it is extremely cheap. Its relief is temporary, of course, and only treats symptoms, not the root cause of the pain. But it has only one noticeable side effect, even for serious addicts: loss of life.