In his book "A Scanner Darkly," Philip K. Dick presents the perspective that drug misuse fundamentally stems from individual choices rather than being classified as a disease. He emphasizes that engaging in such behavior is akin to making a poor judgment, similar to stepping in front of an oncoming vehicle. This decision, when made collectively by many individuals, transforms into a societal issue, indicating a broader lifestyle choice that reflects a disregard for the consequences.

The mindset of this lifestyle, according to Dick, encourages people to indulge in the moment with the notion that life is fleeting, as symbolized by the motto, "Be happy now because tomorrow you are dying." However, he poignantly illustrates that this pursuit of immediate happiness often leads to an early decline, where the joy of the present quickly fades into a haunting memory, revealing the harsh reality that the path of drug misuse is ultimately destructive.