I lost my best friend from high school to heroin. She ended up getting arrested for various crimes, served 6 months in jail (very hard for a suburban girl from a "good" family), and eventually recovered to be a normal citizen again. Her addiction was a nightmare for all involved, so you have my sympathy for sure. I do understand.
But I'm not so sure her experience was worse than what I've seen alcoholics and their families go through - the arrests for DWI, the screaming, the disappearances, the risk for sexual abuse, etc.
I really don't believe that one is worse than they other. Crank, crack, alcohol ... addicts hurt all who love them.