I agree. The author does sound a bit hurried or desperate to make his point, but it's a very important point nonetheless. As I come to understand it: "Addiction is not a moral failing or an inability to exert willpower, though it may have characteristics of both. It is a social disruption." As for your point that politicians can't legislate love and connection, I agree it's kind of a ridiculous concept, but I don't think it's equivalent to the war on drugs. And now that I think about it, it only sounds ridiculous when you say love & connection. But what if instead of legislation that incentivized hugs and hi-fives, there was compulsory national community service for two years when you turned 18. Or, as you suggested, services that provided homes for the homeless, help for the mentally ill, decriminalization of drug use, etc. That would get my vote.But seriously..this is a pretty good article, albeit a bit over the top in some instances.