I have wondered that as well. In my opinion, no one wants to admit he could have had any problem with substance abuse for fear he would be judged. But, also in my opinion, that is a disservice to us and to BL. No matter what he is missing, I doubt anyone is going to judge that, or at least I hope not.
I know it is very hard for family to say anything but what a great person they are, they are so loving and would never ever do anything wrong. I am pretty sure John Wayne Gacy's sister said he loved kids and was such a good man. The point is, even if the information is not all sunshine and roses, it plays a part in finding, recovering and final justice for the victim. I do think family will always look at their family members in nothing less than positive terms. That is normal.
Drugs/alcohol abuse is important to know because, how he survives the elements, the people that he could have been around. Many reasons. None of them judging reasons!!
I am posting this because I know many lurk from LL & her friends. No one here on this site is judging Brandon, we want him found! That is the goal and the only goal!