Wint3mute,
You're very right - it's an extremely emotive subject and hugely difficult to get a common consensus on.
As I said before, I've seen first hand the destructive consequences that substance misuse can have (and I do include alcohol in that too), and must agree that any point must be backed up with fact and experience, not some throw-away line printed in The Sun or Daily Mail.
I think we'll just have to agree to disagree over that one!
As for getting the thread back on track and subject, I must say that it's unlikely the person in question will have a problem with their medical this time around.
Just don't ask the AME for a light....
