Final answer:
It is not the drug itself that causes danger in an addict's life, but the drug addiction and the compulsive patterns of use that accompany it, often leading to negative physical and psychological consequences.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement suggests that addicts can continue to take drugs and still lead normal lives; however, it's not the drug itself that causes danger but the phenomenon of drug addiction. Drug addiction is the compulsive use of a substance such as a psychoactive drug despite the negative consequences that such use may entail. Furthermore, drug abuse refers to the use of a drug without the advice of a medical professional and for reasons not originally intended. This abusive pattern can lead to addiction, where the user is unable to stop using the drug.
Drug addiction and drug abuse alter the brain's biochemistry, affecting mood, perceptions, thinking, and behavior. This can have severe social, psychological, and physical repercussions, contrary to leading a normal life. Not only does the body may develop a drug dependence, but continued use also increases the risk for overdose, which can be fatal. Although some individuals can function at seemingly normal levels while using drugs, addiction often has long-term negative impacts on an individual's health and social functioning.
The change in societal attitudes has also played a role in how we view and treat addiction. The perception of addiction has evolved from a moral failing to a recognized disease, thereby fostering a more sympathetic understanding of the condition and the individuals it affects.