There is an epidemic of child abuse that is ongoing in America that is behind the crime and drug problems this nation faces today. Adults have an easy out when they try to blame television shows, movies, or music lyrics for the problems of youth and crime. Kids know that the violence on the television shows is make believe. Same with violence. None of this is an excuse for the criminal, but rather it is an explanation of why people are acting out.
People use drugs for fun or out of boredom.
But people abuse drugs when they are in emotional anguish or physical pain. Making drugs illegal makes being in pain illegal. Drug abuse should be considered a medical problem and should be in the medical system, not the legal system. Today when people want help to get off drugs they are told to wait 3 to 6 months for a bed. People must feel loved by society and have a place to turn for help.