I've read that the Ottomans tried to ban tobacco in the 17thC under penalty of death. the law was rescinded after 20 or so years due to the impossibility of condemning people for smoking.
theres no penalty harsh enough for some people and add in a highly addictive drug and, well... suffice to say anything goes.
I imagine that belief is also an addiction. most of us think we're right on 99% of occasions. we believe in our veracity and tend to compare others on our own standards of truth. but actual "truth" is always subjective.
many who become addicted to a drug are driven by mental pathologies. many mental pathologies are driven by genes, parenting, peers, laws and social mores the person finds difficulty understanding and conforming with.
