Tobacco addiction cannot be compared to something like opiates. The cost is often on the individual as smokers normally work. Opiates make people spiral out of

Tobacco addiction cannot be compared to something like opiates. The cost is often on the individual as smokers normally work. Opiates make people spiral out of control quickly and the dependency is so high they will literally do anything for the next pill. They often become homeless and without any health insurance. They overdose multiple times ending up in critical care/ICU. A better legal drug to compare could be alcohol, however, your doctor wasn't marketed to give you vodka for your back pain. There was a time were doctors were giving out opiates like candy, this opiate epidemic has been created by big pharma and doctors. I was prescribed opiates for muscle strains and the first few times you take them it feels so good. However, tolerance builds really quickly and people who have a tendency to abuse substances will instantly get hooked.