Reply #74: Been there done that...

[Webster Green]

That is to say..totally strung out on heroin, lost everything, and eventually climbed back out.

However, I would argue that the extremely negative effects of using these substances is due more to the prohibition than the actual effects of the substances.

Junkies lose everything because of the powerful physical addiction to opiates. They will do whatever it takes to get make sure they have a "wake up" fix. Remove the black market, educate people to the real effects and actual dangers involved with drug use, and provide safe doses and clean needles, and the problem disappears.

I still have an affinity for opiates. I always will. They make me feel great, and I have no religious delusions that cause me to think that feeling good is wrong. I no longer seek heroin because I don't want to get involved with black market activities and the threat of incarceration. It's too much hassle.

I'm for legalization because the drug wars are a complete failure. There will always be plenty of folks who will take the risks associated in order to get high. The goal should be harm reduction.

Kudos to your brother for getting back on track! :thumbsup: