Okay, I'll be the guy to endure the downvotes so I can provide a very controversial opinion..

I'm neck deep in heroin addiction right now. I usually IV 100-200mg of it per day. I've been through so many recovery groups, NA meetings, inpatient/intensive outpatient programs that I get sick to my stomach at the thought of attending them.

And so, I stand by my opinion that if someone wants to be in an active addiction, they should have that right and it should be provided in medically supervised environments.

Heroin is never going to go away. People will use it if they want to. I don't believe using heroin should be respected or even accepted. But it should absolutely be tolerated.

The detrimental effects of hard drug use can be handled and countered by showing the individual love and understanding through their addiction. The moment you challenge their substance is the moment their addiction takes them to dark, dark places..

That being said, I hope to some day get clean and explore what life really has to offer. I know that my use has impeded emotional growth, and I agree that substance use should be discouraged at every turn. But I stand by the belief that it should be tolerated if the person wants to use.