My response would be, Yes, you are being a bit “Ratchedy”.
That is not to say I don’t understand your point of view, however, your point is singular.
The difficulty presented in this situation arises in the abilities to discern differences between mental illness and criminal behavior. I believe that societal ignorance of these concepts, due to inherent complexities involved, breeds intolerance, and ultimately the rejection of possible, reasonable solutions in favor of over- simplification in the form of political sound bites such as “just say no”.
Political careers are built upon societal dysfunction. Consider for a moment the idea of our country without the “War on Drugs”. From of revenue created on a local, county, and state level to the massive national and international infrastructure, and including ancillary support systems, what would be the resulting affects?
In all honesty, have any of our efforts truly served to lessen the effects of drugs? Therefore, if our current approach is ineffective, what could be the harm of cautiously taking a new tack?
Alcoholism and drug abuse are recognized mental disease resulting in joblessness, homelessness, and the loss of social support and family. An ever ending cycle of hopelessness and despair is associated to exacerbate the underlying disease process. Increasing despair and disease negatively affect inhibitory mechanisms leading to theft, prostitution, and other violent behavior.
Next, is the involvement of the true criminals. These emotionally bereft “Birds of Prey” descend to avail themselves at every opportunity.
Again, I ask you to imagine our daily lives without the influences of drugs. What if we allocated our resources to effectively treat the mental illness that leads to drug abuse?
Oh yes, I should mention that the world you imagine will be devastated by a financial and political upheaval of unimaginable proportion. From municipality to internationally, the loss of jobs alone would be enough to topple governments. Local law enforcement, emergency workers, medical care workers, attorneys, judges, jailers, clerks, border patrol agents, federal agents, only to mention a few, would find their numbers drastically cut. Unemployment insurance would become nonexistent due to lack of funding generated by the loss of revenue due to lack of employment taxes alone. The newly unemployed, many of whom, are highly trained in the use of weaponry, become high risk for metal disease, alcoholism, and drug abuse.

Alright Ratchedy, I think you can carry on from here.