Many of us in the Christian community are well aware of substance addictions and the tough love approach that is needed (and for the many, many destructive behaviors/addictions far beyond substance abuse), having to routinely work with abusers or deal with the spillover effects. We are painfully aware of recidivism rates.
But from what we'd heard (and since learned) substance abuse was just one of her problems. We did see what appeared to be a willingness to begin confronting some of those and changing, hence our reaction. Such consideration of offering support to those who appear willing to change, repent, and/or seek doesn't mean we suspend reality or wisdom or street smarts. We've seen way too many backslides, stumbles, and return to various addictions. We aren't utopians, but we also don't automatically write them off.
I think the recognition of just one side (hope versus unflinching realism) without appearing to acknowledge or understand the other side is what set off the debate (for both sides.)
I just saw on CNN that Ashley will be on Larry King tonight (Wed) at 9:00PM.