[CodeMonkey]

While I feel sorry for him and hope he has a quick recovery, I hope this will be a lesson for him on drug addiction. Drug users who are hopelessly addicted need help, not prison sentences.

[weegee]

Depends on the impact of their addiction and willingness to change.

Conservative Christians hate the sin but love the sinner. Without repentence there can be no redemption. If the sinner continues to go about sinning we can feel sorrow for him and embrace him to help him along, we cannot accept or embrace his horrible deeds.

Some addicts lash out violently at society (even drunks do this, witness bar shootings) while others steal to feed their addictions. Should a convenience store robber get a lighter sentence because he is struggling with an addiction?

[Lazamataz]

Drug users who are hopelessly addicted need help, not prison sentences.

Agreed, from a formerly-hopeless addict.