My condolences!
I think that drug problem has a lot to do with war on drugs and mislabeling. Common misconception is that all of the drugs are equally dangerous. So after trying something completely harmless like marijuana, it's only logic to ask what else is there. And without proper educating on this matter, you might just try something powerful like heroin or meth. Once you got the taste of that power, you are trapped and getting out is super-hard.
I like the Bernie Sanders take on this matter. The law is where we should start, it is very misleading as it is. And how can the education be accurate and helpful if the law is wrong and misleading?