>not per user or per family. More people abuse alcohol than
>any other drug, so it causes more health problems and has a
>greater economic impact.

Okay, let's take the "combined" damage over the specific damage to the "user" for the sake of argument. How does alcohol get a pass? Is the collective damage somehow offset by the fractional less damage to the user?

People abuse alcohol because of its availability and social acceptance. Teenagers can't wait to grow up to get loaded, and start early anyway. Think of the damage they are causing all while chasing the dream? Is it worth it?