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I didn't say that he got his money through luck.

But his wealth, however gained, makes it possible for him to buy tons of his magic elixer and ingest them day after day, without having to rob or mug.

However it starts. Take away the money, though, and you've got what you often have with addiction. A person not entirely in control of their life. A person whose number one drive is to get more of the magic stuff into his/her system, a person who would do almost anything to get more.

If you think Rush continued taking the drug, once addicted, because of recurring pain, then I've got a bridge in Brooklyn to sell you.

I wonder, are you afraid to see any "moral equivalence" between Rush and those who are addicted to "recreational" drugs because you fear altering your views of Rush or because you fear altering your views of all those inner city addicts who are rotting in our jails.

Believe me, I know some people survive addiction. I've seen that too. My brother's death actually help some people in his circle see how far they could fall.

You stated Rush was lucky, becoming addicted to pain medication doesn't sound like luck to me. Not everyone who takes it becomes addicted.

From his statement it sounded like he still has back and neck pain from some failed surgery to correct the problem. Having known a few people with such problems, they don't get better with time.

I am not afraid to see the "moral equivalence", I reject it. For the reasons stated, and which are obvious on their face. Not sure why you wish to try and make the case. Perhaps we are talking at cross purposes. I do think addiction is addiction, regardless of who is the person addicted. Perhaps that is what you are referring to.

The part I probably differ with you is in taking into account how a person became addicted. One by choice, the other an unfortunate outcome. I hope you can discern the difference.

As for "all those inner city addicts who are rotting in our jails", I pity them for their addictions, but not the non-drug related crimes that landed them in jail.