Chicago heroin addict with abscess

Heroin Addiction: Psychological, Not Criminal

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UPDATE February, 2020 – [I strongly disagree that drug addiction is a medical disease, and through the course of this documentary project, I slowly came to the awareness that the disease model of addiction, actually contributes to addicts using. That being said, I do not think that drug addiction in itself is criminal, but many of the actions taken by addicts, are indeed criminal.]

I ran into Ali today. His abscesses have gotten worse since the last time I saw him. Many addicts put off medical treatment because they are afraid of getting dope sick while in the hospital. From what I’ve been told, not all hospitals give addicts medication to help with their withdrawal symptoms.

How do we know that heroin addiction is a psychological issue rather than a criminal issue? Because anyone in their right mind would never do this to themselves:

Ali displays one of several large abscesses that he has developed due to his heroin addiction.
Ali displays one of several large abscesses that he has developed due to his heroin addiction.

The reason Ali’s leg is so swollen, is because it’s filled with puss and nasty infection. It smells like death when the puss flows out of an abscess. I’ve had that death-smell stick in my nose for several days.

This abscess is about two inches deep. Ali will lose his leg if he doesn’t take care of this.

Abscesses are primarily caused from an addict using dirty needles. Easy and free access to clean syringes helps with harm reduction.
Abscesses are primarily caused by an addict using dirty needles. Easy and free access to clean syringes helps with harm reduction.

Support your local harm reduction centers. Chicago Recovery Alliance  @anypositivechange

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