re: #86 Justanotherhuman

I don’t see it as a “moral” issue, I see it as a social failing, a kind of self-imposed infantilism of a society that has followed Puritan era strictures from the beginning. Some people are able to finally escape the horrors of addiction, but a lot depends upon your social position in life. I’m not even religious, but all too often I’ve seen the effects of drugs personally on people I love. Believe me, when people’s brains aren’t operating normally but are affected by drugs, they don’t need you, care about you or respect you, or anyone else. The drug is their only friend.

Here’s one story, but most addicts don’t have their addiction documented, or even recover, even if they go from one drug to another.

Coming clean: the photo diary of a heroin addict

Graham MacIndoe was a successful photographer, working for the Guardian’s Weekend magazine among others. Then he began a destructive journey into heroin addiction - and turned the camera on himself. He and his partner Susan Stellin recall the road to recovery

theguardian.com

I see it as another layer of stigma and taboo that keep people from seeking mental health treatment. Addiction often starts as a way to self-medicate. It’s difficult to admit to a crime when seeking medical care.

Drug use keeps many rape victims from coming to the hospital and thus rapists go free. I’ve seen first hand how drug users get treated in the ER.

Legalize it, regulate it, tax it.

Although with the amount of money being made —that will be difficult.