The United States faces a significant drug issue—a nation consumed by its reliance on medication. While many people typically associate drug problems with illegal substances, our addiction to prescription and over-the-counter drugs poses a far greater financial and physical challenge.

Despite comprising only 3 percent of the global population, Americans consume approximately half of all medications each year.

When it comes to prescriptions, antibiotics rank first, followed chillingly by painkillers in second place and antipsychotics in third. Shockingly, antipsychotics alone generated a staggering $15 billion in revenue for pharmaceutical companies in 2011. This figure has likely increased substantially since then.

Consider these staggering statistics:

• 60 percent of Americans over the age of 20 rely on at least one prescription medication.
• Americans consume 80 percent of all painkillers—equivalent to 64 Vicodin pills for every man, woman, and child in the country.
• 90 percent of Americans over the age of 60 depend on at least one prescription medication, with 30 percent taking five or more.
• According to a recent study by the Institute for Healthcare Informatics, individuals aged 65-79 receive more than 27 prescriptions annually.
• Antidepressant usage is prevalent among 11 percent of adults.
• Around 6 percent of children are prescribed ADHD drugs—an alarming reality where millions of young ones consume potent stimulants chemically similar to cocaine.
• Shockingly, children as young as 2 years old are receiving prescriptions for ADHD drugs and antidepressants.
• While approximately 20,000 people in America die each year from illicit drugs, over 100,000 individuals lose their lives annually due to "properly" prescribed medications.

Upon reviewing this information, it is disheartening, particularly regarding the number of children prescribed mind-altering drugs.

When your doctor prescribes medication for conditions such as high blood pressure, cholesterol, depression, anxiety, or type 2 diabetes, it is important to inquire about the ultimate goal—when can you stop taking them? Sadly, the likely response will be "never," despite the fact that many of these conditions can be managed through proper diet and exercise.

• Type 2 diabetes can often be reversed with the right nutrition.
• Elevated cholesterol and blood pressure can be improved with a healthy diet.
• Depression and anxiety are often linked to nutritional deficiencies, which can be addressed with the right diet and supplementation.

Regrettably, most health conditions arise from poor lifestyle choices made over the years. Heart disease, cancer, and diabetes are the primary health concerns in America—and they are mostly tied to our lifestyles.

However, there is hope. Our bodies have incredible resilience and can bounce back to good health with positive changes in diet and lifestyle. Improving your diet, engaging in physical activity, getting enough sleep, and staying hydrated by drinking eight glasses of water a day are all simple adjustments you can start making today.