"if you haven't lived the lifestyle, you shouldn't offer a limited opinion."

which lifestyle is that? I have been around and among many people who use drugs. Occasional drug use is not really a lifestyle, so I assume you are talking about the lifestyle of the drug abuser. But that should not be the measuring stick.

Or do we not accept anyone's opinion on gambling unless they have lived the lifestyle of a compulive gambler. Or their opinion on alcohol unless they have been an alcoholic?