I can't image the impact on a guy carrying the expectations of a town craving success after Joey, let alone a guy who despite being in what always looked like incredible shape but let down by leg issues.
The desperation to be on the paddock can lead to desperate or poorly thought out decisions like the one leading to his ban.
Being in a position where you've gone from elite athlete to outcast can't be good for one's mental health, and I could imagine more susceptible to getting caught up with the wrong social circles.
I don't condone taking or dealing illicit drugs either, but it's not hard to see how easy you can find yourself in that position and not know how to get out.
A gaol term would do far more harm than good, he just needs help and a proverbial light at the end of the tunnel.
It's all too easy to condemn him, but look back a few seasons before the injuries started and remember he did what he did largely to get back for the sake of his career, the team and the supporters like us.