I had friends with drug problems when I was growing up. It wasn't due to lack of discipline. Most of them were beaten regularly by their parents and dragged to church on Sundays. I think it had more to do with not being able to walk on their own two feet in society without some sort of crutch, combined by a desire to escape from the real world.

Methamphetamine addiction isn't restricted to unruly kids and "low-lifes" either. Many professionals have been known to become addicted to the stuff too because it gave them more "energy" to work long hours. Just like with alcohol, people don't start using meth with the goal of becoming a "meth head." It can sneak up on you, even when you think you have total control. Alcohol can be just as destructive to people, but you see it sold everywhere.