First, there are healthier alternatives. Sugar-free sodas are probably not ideal but they can't be worse than sugary drinks.
Second, while sugar may be addictive, it is not that addictive. Some people would murder to fuel an heroin addiction, but no sugar addict would walk a mile to get their fix instead of drinking water. And if they did the exercise would burn some of the calories :)
They are very much, comprehensively, most certainly, for sure far better than sugary drinks.
Aspartame is safe. The acidity remains an issue for dentition. But the sugar is the real killer.
At least in Chicago, they included diet drinks in their tax.
Not necessarily. Maybe the goal was to discourage people from the habit of drinking sweetened drinks in general, instead of just encouraging them to drink Diet Coke instead. It would probably be better for everyone except the drink manufactures if everyone just switched to plain water.
Not to say this is in any way comparable to a heroin addiction, but sugar urges can be strong and compelling.
Eating sugar and other processed, simple carbohydrates such as french fries, chips, and soda while sedentary is a great way to become obese and diabetic.
I don't think you have experience with a sugar addiction. I've done this more times than I can count and hate myself for it every time.
Well, that is not clear: