[Derek has to think about it for a minute; he wasn't expecting Don to put something quite this heavy in his lap, but there it was. Now what to do with it?]
...Personally, I'd still think it was a problem. As soon as you have to make excuses to explain yourself about something you're addicted to, it's a problem. Especially if the behavior that results is damaging to the person.
By the same token, everyone has different points where having a drink or two, or taking a drug to help with something becomes less of an aid and more of a crutch. If it's temporary, if they can put it down and not look back it's not so bad.
If they have to resort to it as a coping mechanism all the time, they're in trouble.
[Action]
...Personally, I'd still think it was a problem. As soon as you have to make excuses to explain yourself about something you're addicted to, it's a problem. Especially if the behavior that results is damaging to the person.
By the same token, everyone has different points where having a drink or two, or taking a drug to help with something becomes less of an aid and more of a crutch. If it's temporary, if they can put it down and not look back it's not so bad.
If they have to resort to it as a coping mechanism all the time, they're in trouble.