It should, in fairness, be noted that you've probably met lots of heroin addicts that you've liked - you just haven't known they were addicts, because they've been sensible and lucky enough not to suffer drug-related problems. Opiates are, in fact, one of the easiest drugs to use for pleasure while remaining productive. You won't be doing much if you get high as a kite, of course, but I live in a country where you can buy codeine pills over the counter, and quite often enjoy the warm fuzzy feeling of a good solid dose while working, of an evening. People can make themselves into zombies with most recreational drugs, most definitely including the biggest demon of them all, alcohol. They can also remain happy and healthy, if they know what they're doing and take what they think they're taking. Legalisation of pretty much everything can only make things better for users and medical people alike. It's hard to find a way in which drugs like opiates and marijuana aren't just plain better than nicotine and ethanol.