I have been discussing Rush's hypocrisy on this issue with others, and they seem to make a distinction between therapeutic and recreation use, as in ..
"He has not criticized others for therapeutic drug use, or addiction--but for recreational use."
The arguement being that Rush was not a hypocrite because he was using it for therapeutic purposes (to relieve pain) and was not a recreational user (to get high). Obviously, this ignores the question of legal/illegal drug usage and focuses on his *reason* for the drug abuse.
I'll be the first to admit I do not know much about drugs and/or drug abuse. Does anyone have an opinion, regarding the legitimacy of this arguement? Initially I rejected it, but I am now reconsidering it's merits.
Rush has always believed in taking personal responsibility for one's actions. To blame the drug, the drug companies, the doctors, or even the pain, is to blame anyone or anything rather than the individual. Rush acknowledged that he chose to manage the pain with medication rather than further surgery. He has made a profession of being informed and to be ignorant to the pitfalls of a prescription drug is inexcusable - especially for a person in his position, and especially when he made the decision to obtain this drug through illegal channels. I don't think he was ignorant, and I don't think Rush would like anyone making excuses for him. The bottom line is that he is a drug addict - and that makes him no better or worse than any other drug addict. People turn to drugs for all sorts of different reasons, but in the end it is their choice. Emotional pain can be every bit as excruciating as physical pain.