recognizes current understanding is limited , that there ' s gray areas , avoids stereotypes . Ah , but the little known truth is the large majority of addicts have jobs ! The U . S . government estimates at least 70 % of those addicted to illegal drugs hold legitimate jobs If you like I ' ll find the source . After all how does one pay for an addiction over a long period of time without some steady form of income . In my experience this is true . Though many addicts switch jobs often , work low level positions , and supplement their income with money from illegal ventures primarily selling drugs , they certainly don ' t stay addicts for long if they rely solely on extremely highrisk crimes like robbery . EDIT Sorry , misinterpreted your position with which I agree .