If drugs remain illegal - this is what you get (WARNING: Extremely graphic pic)

[Sparkly]

58. You're taking Morphine, Oxys and Valium?

I hope you don't mind my saying that I am sorry to hear that.

Of course opiates make you feel good. Of course heroin feels really nice.

It's a short step for people to go beyond what they "want to do" into what they "have to do" to survive, as they see it (and feel it with every nerve in the body).

I agree that the illegality makes things even worse than they have to be, in many regards, and I favor decriminalization; but there is also a point where it makes sense for intervention to be legal, like taking away a gun someone has pointed to their head is legal. There's a reason for forcing (yes, forcing) people who are a danger to themselves or others into custody; for power of attorney or guardianship; for exceptions to the ability to "consent," etc.

When someone is no longer able to make decisions for themselves, there must remain a legal way for others to intervene, even if it only clears their brain chemistry for a little while. Over time, those little periods of cognizance can matter.

But too often, it's not enough. Years of treatment aren't enough. It's a horrible drug, in the end.