Pubdate: Wed, 04 Aug 1999
Date: 08/04/1999
Source: Herald Sun (Australia)
Author: Heroin User

SPEAKING as someone who has overdosed, what has killed most heroin
addicts is not the addiction nor their desire for death, but
legislation.  And it is killing more and more people each year.

If pure pharmaceutical heroin was available in known quantities, I
would not have overdosed.

Wouldn't it be nice to go to my doctor, explain by situation, then go
to the pharmacy with a prescription for injectable heroin?

But I, and others like me, have become addicted to a drug that is
illegal.

And because it is illegal, every time I shoot up, I will not know
exactly what I am shooting up.

I will not know what other substances it will include besides heroin;
substances my body may not tolerate.

I don't consider heroin my problem.  I've had doctors prescribe all
types of anti-depressants for me and not a single on worked as well as
heroin.

I quit taking all prescribed drugs and I am feeling much
better.

My only problem is the government.  It is making it difficult for me
to get my medicine in the quantity and pure form that I, like many
other heroin addicts, need to live close to a normal life.

Heroin User,
Grovedale