during the pandemic.
Heartess nation. Heartless.
The vast majority of those deaths were from overdoses. This is something that can't be stopped.
I am familiar enough with homeless people, having spent some time around them where I previously lived, and in the Downtown Eastside as well. I was the occasional weekend warrior in my younger years, and as such I had a unique perspective partying with these random folk that most others probably wouldn't have.
For many of them, this lifestyle has become a choice that they choose to live. Whereas I was the occasional weekend warrior, they commit themselves to this lifestyle 24/7. And once you start shooting up Opiates you are on limited time. They know and accept that. It's a lifestyle they've chosen, and there is nothing you can do to stop it.
Very few Heroin addicts successfully kick the habit long term. What was interesting though is that once you get on their level, some have interesting stories to tell. Many grew up in an average household. Many do have at least basic skills that would make them employable in the workforce. And many are well versed if they're not right fucked up with whatever buffed mystery powder they just injected.
Women were always the worst though after veining shit. They'd get right fucked up and start doing the weirdest shit, contorting their bodies in strange ways. Men could manage to keep composure much better. It's something that I could never figure out.
But I digress... Until these people make the choice to leave this lifestyle, they will remain in that lifestyle 24/7, and there is nothing that anyone can do about that.
