We have had an epidemic of opiate addiction for decades longer than most of you. Most of the dealers are dealing in order to feed their own habits. And because they're too friggin high to hold a job doing anything else.
Addicts feeding their habit shouldn't be put to death, I don't think.
I don't know ... That might have been a serious trend for a while.
Most of the stuff I have been reading and viewing in documentaries is starting to suggest that the dealers are aware of the dangers.
The major players get the raw product and hand it down to their street dealers.
They aren't using because they are generally smarter ... And know that it doesn't matter, because taking the drug is going to kill you one way or another.
The street dealers are not using as much anymore ... Because they know what they are cutting the product with is dangerous.
They actually have users that live with them and volunteer to test the product after they cut it.
One plainly said ... Using his product was like playing Russian Roulette
every time you stuck a needle in your arm.
But ... The street dealer also said ...
"I know someone is going to die. They know they are going to die. It's like they want to die."
Edit:
It has also moved past the random dealer and propping up his habit.
The mid-level dealer controlled 5 blocks in Baltimore.
Made at least $4000 a day per block ... That's $20,000 a day ... And the product he purchased cost $11,000 for 2.5 days worth.
After networking (street dealers keep their cut, pay look-outs and whatnot) ... He was still making a shitload of money (tax free).
He never cut the product ... And never carried more product than would get him a mandatory 5 year sentence.
There are 365 days in the year and heroine addicts don't stop until they die or get help.
.