Al Gore, III not immune to the Addiction Monster

The 24-year-old son of former vice President Al Gore has been arrested for drug possession after being stopped for speeding.

The deputy smelled marijuana and searched the car, said sheriff's spokesman Jim Amormino.

The search turned up a small amount of marijuana, along with prescription drugs including Valium, Xanax, Vicodin, Adderall and Soma. There were no prescriptions found, he said.

Gore was arrested on suspicion of drug possession and booked into the Inmate Reception Center in Santa Ana, California, on $20,000 bail.

Although he quickly identified himself as the son of the former vice president, Amormino said Gore received no special privileges.

Gore made bail and was released at 2pm, Amormino said. He will receive notice of a court date within 30 days.

The youngest child and only son of the former vice president, Gore has had previous brushes with the law. He was arrested in 2003 for marijuana possession and in 2002 for suspected drunken-driving.

A common theme in pill addiction is an initial prescription due to a trauma. In 1989, aged six, Gore almost died when he was hit by a car, and required extensive surgery and physical therapy.

This incident is just another reminder that addiction crosses all boundaries of society and shows no discrimination. Al Gore's battle will be won with education and rehabilitation. The court will only act as the designated interventionist.