fear, can also be a drug

Absolutely! If a person is in control of their fear by practicing fear management (placing themselves in a situation like skydiving or bungee jumping), it can be managed and controlled. Then when legitimate fear comes (war or famine), they can better manage the situation with good decision making and maybe even get a thrill out of it. They are comfortable being uncomfortable and will not immediately seek the comfortable and easy path.

Most people form a fear addiction from things OUTSIDE of their control. They are tricked into believing an invisible threat could harm them or their loved ones. When they are given nonsensical or irrational suggestions on how to "be safe" they will latch on to it with an almost religious zeal. I could give some examples, but most readers could come up with their own examples. Then when legitimate fear comes (war or famine), they will not think independently or rationally. They will not be able to manage the situation with good decision making, they will be terrified and do WHATEVER is suggested for them to do, even if it involves action that will have harmful, permanent long-term effects. Their thrill comes from "compliance" and the mental relief they believe it offers them.

TURN OFF THE TV!!!!
TURN OFF THE TV!!!!
TURN OFF THE TV!!!!

Amen, amen and amen! TV is fiction, a circus, for amusement. All that "infotainment" is code for INDOCTRINATION through PROPAGANDA. Turn it off, seek wise council, mind your own business, live your own life. It's the cure for collectivism.