Because they were druggies, unable to deal with reality, looking for a way to hide from life.
"Sounds to me like Shepard was “crucified” at the alter of the WOD."
That statement is as idiotic as statements made by those who wanted to turn Shepard into a martyr for the homosexual agenda.
People get high, (from beer to meth with everything in between ) because it makes them feel good, they usually grow up and find it was mostly a waste of effort. You can call them druggies if you want to; it’s really no big deal.
How much money is spent on LEO from salaries to benefits to retirements? I would venture a very huge amount. If you want to know why drugs are illeagle, it is simple, follow the money.
If you believe it is simply to help druggies to the straight and narrow, then you are not following the money involved.