when they're high, most people know how they feel about things... With a single one-time exception in 2008, it has now been over 9 or 10 years since I last smoked pot, and over 15 since I did any other kind of drug, except alcohol, caffeine and tobacco-- all of which I hardly even consume anymore. People who use these drugs are more than aware of their effects and there comes a point where they sort of lose their charms except maybe as a very occasional thing. Most people who take them know that there is a time and place for it, and they quickly grow aware of how much they can handle and what kinds of situations they shouldn't take them in. They also know when they'd be better off not taking them. I don't know of too many people who haven't gone through this. I agree with @ vandyke and his Lennon quote... addiction isn't about drugs, it's about you . The real problem is that society rejects, dehumanizes and ostracizes these people instead of reaching out to help them... making them easy prey for actual criminals. Addiction is a psychological problem, not a physical one... anyone can go through a few days of agony in order to flush out their system, but changing their daily routines is considerably more difficult, as is taming the impulsive thought patterns that compel them to partake. The majority are curious, but also have sound enough judgment that they'll never become addicted...