[mewzilla]

They can lead to it, but not always. I'm not suggesting we further criminalize intoxication, at least when it comes to legal substances. But if laws are broken, I don't care about the rest. You do the crime, you do the time. And, BTW, no, I don't have any sympathy for drug abusers. No one held a gun to their heads to make them abuse whatever they're abusing.

[Peach]

I respectfully disagree. Especially if the drug abuser needs pain medication.

The medical profession is clearly unable to help many people with chronic pain. What starts with a surgery or injury and taking pills can and does lead to a longer addiction.

I don't advocate letting street users go free who are committing crimes against others to support their habit. That is dangerous for society and we pay taxes to be protected against anti-social dangerous behavior from others.