All addictions are illness.

The actions a person takes because of that addiction are what can be harmful. They are hurting themselves and often place more important things like self-care, personal and professional relationships, monetary stability, and living crime-free as lower priorities than getting the fix of their addiction.

People can be addicted to pretty much anything. It’s not the substance, it’s the neurochemistry of the afflicted that causes such a dependence.

It doesn’t excuse their behavior, but we can’t continue to treat these people like they’re bad when they’re just sick and stuck.

If you’ve ever lived on the streets, you’ll know how cold it can get in the winter without shelter. Many use stimulant drugs like meth or crack to keep them awake and moving through the night because stopping to sleep could result in death. And then they’re hooked and it further ruins their life.

I understand you feel bothered or unsafe by what you’re experiencing, but I ask you pleas try to access some compassion because it would only take a few missteps for you or anyone to end up in similar situation.