Prior to the enactment of drug laws in the last century we had drug users and to some extent from what I have learned drug abusers as well. However, and again from what I have read we, didn't have anything like the widespread problems we have today.
You at one time could go into your neighborhood drug store and buy opium for example as it was unregulated and cheap.
I wish I did but and I don't have a solution here but I remain convinced that the "War on Drugs" which has been ongoing for around 40 years is a failure. The only ones benefitting from this "war" are the drug cartels which get bigger, richer and more dangerous with each passing year.
Short of invading South America and rounding up and executing all the drug cartels(this will never happen) I think we're tried just about everything and drug use is still extensive. If anyone has another alternative or unique solution I for one would like to hear it.
Jim
