Drug addicts repeatedly disappoint those around them. They can't work anywhere except for menial jobs that don't require drug testing. They have an expensive, health wasting habit that will always be a higher priority than anything else in their life.
If he is still interesting after drying out and proving himself useful, then go for it. Otherwise, steer clear.
I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.