Not every chemically dependent person is a down and out skid row junkie. I know numerous alcoholics who are extremely successful in their professional careers. I am not implying that alcoholism does not have a negative impact on their lives, but the junkie loser analogy just doesn't hold water.
Second, the war on drugs sure hasn't helped the junkie that everyone seems to love to hate, so why not try something new. Prison costs far more than revolving door rehab, but we just gotta punish.
Third, as a parent I am far more worried about my child being poisoned and irreparably harmed by a youthful indiscretion. Drug use by Dutch teenagers is one of the lowest in the world - imagine that.
Fourth, modern life is completely alien from an evolutionary standpoint. Maybe the use of chemicals is an adaptive strategy to survive in todays world. We have a multi-billion dollar industry that is continually developing new drugs to improve life, but cursed is the man who chooses for himself what he deems safe and efficacious for what ails him.
Some show such a venomous disdain for those who are addicted that I sometimes wonder what drives such animus. Even if you believe an addict has reaped what he has sown, I would think more would feel grateful that "but for the grace of god go I" and show some compassion.
For those who do not consume any mood altering substances, be they licit or illicit, be happy about it. Sometimes the vitriol directed at addicts seems to belie a belief that maybe they missed out on something. That or they are just hypocritical pious windbags like Rush Limbaugh, who incredibly was not willing to accept the draconian punishment that he so vehemently proclaimed was proper for drug users. Even more incredible is that people still listen to this lying, mealy-mouthed, moralistic, sanctimonious, self-righteous, snide, and unctuous douch-bag.
Just a thought.