Many prohibitionists fail to note how opiates have been used since the dawn of civilization, yet none of these previous societies have collapsed due to opiate abuse and addiction. There are still cultures in the world which use opiates on a regular basis, for everything from pain to depression. It bothers me that all this anti-drug bullshit stems from racial hysterias in the early 1900's, but yet people can't take the blinders off and see the root of the problem or how these policies came about. It seems society takes correlation and associates it with causation, and instead of basing their decisions and opinions on fact and logic, they base it on emotion. You hear a news story about some suburban kid who ODed on a bag of heroin mixed with fentanyl, and the story leads you to believe the heroin itself is the cause of the problem. The appeal to emotion is a powerful tool the prohibitionists use. If you look at any of the "heroin in the suburbs" type news stories, they focus very heavily on the people involved, while never really discussing any actual facts or statistics. It isn't the black market to blame, or a bad cut, or the inconsistency of street drugs, it's the drug itself. People can't process the impact the black market has, or the ramifications of prohibition; they are too caught up in the societal mindset to actually sit down and realize the true roots of the problems. The whole herd mentality of society helps to hinder progress quite a bit as well. If you say you support heroin legalization, you are labeled as crazy or some kinda nutjob, even if you explain your position in a logical manner.
I think this, plus the stigmatization of many drugs, especially heroin, helps push people away from society and into the lifestyle. It isn't the actual drug that creates the lifestyle and culture associated with it so much as it's society's reaction to said drug, combined with the underground nature of the black market. I think opiate legalization would present some interesting changes in society. Many people point to how prescription meds and pills are treated over opiates. If you think about it, there isn't really a lifestyle centered around most prescription meds, and if there is it certainly is not to the degree it is with opiates, particularly heroin. I don't want to say that it's societys reaction alone that causes this, as there's clearly a bar scene and lifestyles associated and related to alcohol. I do think society at the very least helps shape the lifestyle centered around opiates, however. If you could buy your opiate of choice at a store in the same or similar manner to alcohol, I doubt people would be living the junkie life. Much of the lifestyle is centered around aspects that are related to the black market. For example, where I live, heroin is sold in powder form, packaged in wax paper stamp bags. Speaking for myself, and most likely for many others, this alone is almost as big an addiction as the drug itself. Going out and finding stamps can be an interesting process, and each stamp is different. People hear one stamp is good, or an OD is associated with a particular stamp, and people will flock to go acquire that stamp. Going into drug neighborhoods is another aspect of the lifestyle. The open air markets in Philly are in some colorful neighborhoods. Even on uneventful trips, the process to go and cop on the block can be fun in and of itself, or give you a rush. If you could buy your opiate of choice in a shop, this whole aspect would be eliminated. Many people fail to realize they have two addictions, one to the drug and another to the lifestyle centered around it. I don't think anyone would say there's fun, adventure, or risk in going into a liquor store and buying a bottle
Finally, the cycle of criminality also creates the stigma and lifestyle centered around opiates. Once you are in the system, it is hard to get out. Combined with the fact that you meet people involved in the system through it, it helps trap people in this cycle. While there certainly is crime that is impacted by drugs, black market inflation does not help the situation. Opiates would be much more affordable if there wasn't a black market demand for them, or legal means to acquire them. It's hard for people to find employment when they have a record or prior convictions, especially if said convictions are drug related. This means in order to feed their habit, they must find alternative ways to acquire money. Addicts can be resourceful people, especially when they are sick and suffering. I feel as if many who are opiate users are unfairly cheated. Much dysfunction in their lives is a result of criminality and the black market. Think about how many people are functional users or even abusers of prescription meds. They don't need to resort to criminality to fund their habit, largely because said substance is easier for them to acquire without resorting to criminality. I think given the chance, most drug users/abusers would choose earning money legitimately over taking a risk and dabbling in crime, especially if said crime carries harsh penalties with it. I for one know when I earn my own money to spend on drugs, it makes me feel better and leaves me with no guilt. As I said, the nature of criminality and prohibition makes this difficult for many drug users, however. They can't stop in the store to grab enough for the day, so they need to find alternative means to acquire the drug as well as the money to afford it. Finally, the cycle itself traps many, many people. Jails are basically a networking tool for criminals. Combine this with the cycle and difficulty of returning to legitimacy, and you have a recipe for creating a new class in society. While it would be beneficial to most to change things, certain people, specifically those with power and influence, don't want the change to occur. They benefit too much of things being the way they are. Why take an interest in changing society and helping people if it will lose you money? I have respect for people who make policy, they know what they do. While the public is easily misled and deceived, there is a small minority who can see through this veil of deception. One part is people like those on this forum, who can use rationality and logic correctly and advocate for reform. These people, however, are portrayed as radical or crazy. Look at how people react if you advocate legalization of hard drugs. The other part of this minority is those who are in power. They pull the strings, they know how they benefit from keeping the status quo and having the sheep follow their commands. It's sad that things are so backwards, yet the majority of the public thinks that what we have now is normal, logical, sane, and moral
I'll return to this topic, I have much to say about this all
