The United States is grappling with a significant rise in unhappiness, with addiction identified as a primary contributing factor. Dr. Jeffrey Sachs, a co-author of the 2019 World Happiness Report, highlights that addiction rates are reaching epidemic proportions, affecting around half the population with one or more addictions at any given time. These addictions encompass substance abuse as well as behaviors like gambling, social media, video games, and others, leading to increased unhappiness and clinical depression among Americans. Recent data from the Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) positions the U.S. among the world's leaders in substance abuse rates. The nation ranks second globally in drug-use burden, five times higher than continental Europe, first in years lost due to cocaine use, third in opioid addiction, and second in amphetamine use. Additionally, mental disorders parallel substance abuse disorders, with the U.S. ranking fourth worldwide. These alarming statistics underscore the severe impact of substance abuse on the nation's well-being.

America and the world are grappling with a profound mental health crisis, marked by increasing stress and emotional turmoil across all age groups. Among college students, a staggering 60% suffered from mental health issues, including substance abuse, even before the COVID-19 crisis began. Drug and alcohol use are rising at alarming rates, reflecting a broader deterioration in our collective well-being. As we face mounting uncertainties and societal challenges, these struggles with substance abuse underscore the urgent need to address the underlying causes of our declining mental health.

In this nation, a lack of self-control manifests profoundly in the area of substance abuse, reflecting a broader societal refusal to govern personal desires. Alcoholism, often glamorized in media, leads to stumbling and foolishness, making individuals a laughingstock as they search for knowledge in a drunken stupor, unable to recall anything of value when sober. The absurdity of connoisseurs debating wine qualities while intoxicated highlights a pitiful lack of restraint, wasting resources while others starve, showing no love for fellow human beings. This behavior mirrors the dissipation seen in public figures and politicians who prioritize thrill-seeking over responsibility. Revelry and drunkenness, common among those without self-control, are linked to immoral conduct and disorder, further evidencing the overindulgence that sets the stage for other sins. Such lack of mastery over appetites stands in stark contrast to the discipline required to walk in the Spirit, emphasizing the need for moderation and self-restraint to avoid the curses that accompany self-indulgence.