I'm never surprised at what some people will try in an effort to escape simple reality.
http://www.dailyfinance.com/story/company-news/marijuana-drug-sativex-approval/19525039/Humans have found a way to escape reality, or even connect themselves to reality using a hundred different ways since the caveman days.
I found from attending with my children Rock Concerts that mass hysteria can be controlled using sound and light, unexpected pyrotec displays.
People have been mesmerised by the sound and beat of drums or simple hitting sticks together. Our body's react to music by the unconscious tapping of our toes or swaying to the beat.
The things we ingest to alter our body's chemicals go from Aspirin to the vitamins we take each day. Tea and Coffee alter our normal state, even chocolate has an effect on us. Sugar can cause big problem for people that need that boost of energy.
Please don't be surprised to see small children spinning themselves around to become so dizzy they fall down. Some kids will cut themselves saying it releaves their fears and tension. Some infants become head bangers for some reason, very frightening for the parents.
Then there are those that watch TV, play pc games and us who read for escape. These become brain candy, no drugs needed, just a need to go somewhere else.