Alkies don't tend to care who they hurt or how far in debt they go; I've personally witnessed some who will destroy everything around them to keep the binge going. I'm not saying one substance is better than the other, just that this "war on drugs" is out of control along with DUI laws and all the other *vice penalties that come with the wares.
Our society as a whole is damaged and I have no faith in DC being able to do anything about it other than figuring ways to capitalize on it for the advancement of government.