I find peoples' open discussion about drugs on here, and especially heroin quite refreshing tbh. I don't use it myself but have always argued with people who condemn those who do. It seems like even within the "drug community" those who do use it are condemned and seen as different, even though some of those judgemental types are engaging in risky behaviour and smashing all sorts of substances in quantity.
It also seems like others are very quick to look at someone and judge them as being a "smackhead" because of their appearance. I often have to tell people that people who look that way might be using heroin, or could easily be alcoholics, speed freaks etc. A haggard appearance comes from lack of nutrition, sleep, and also in a lot of occasions being at the bottom of the economic ladder.... not from drug use in particular, maybe not from drug use at all.
Personally my own drug use has made me paranoid at times in regard to my own freedom, but on the other hand it's something I feel like I can't help. Being paranoid on top of the other issues I have feels like adding insult to injury and it's much easier to accept what I am then completely change the environment I live in. I had no choice in the matter when the powers that be decided the drug war was a good thing so I feel that it isn't justifiable that I should let it impact me any more negatively than it does as standard. I'd much rather not be this way and be able to function on a day to day basis without temptation or something to help take the edge off, and that is a goal I feel I'm successfully working towards, but on the other hand I refuse to feel ashamed over something I feel I don't have control over.
