[ellery]

There is a world of difference in these two classes of addicts.

Then do you favor changing the law to codify this difference?

[plain talk]

No

[weegee]

Should addiction to prescription drugs be illegal for the patient if there he can still find a doctor to write a prescription?

The doctor may be "guilty", but I don't see how the patient could be "prosecuted".

If the "patient"/addict is going through other channels to obtain prescription drugs then there are already laws for unlawful posession of prescription drugs.

There is still a difference in the criminal enterprises that exist to provide illegal prescription drugs and to manufacture/import/and distribute (plus control territory from competition) street drugs. Some prescription drugs are over the counter (or non-prescription medications) in other countries.

How much does the buyer's/user's actions set in motion a chain of events that causes great societal impact?