I’ve never been one to impose abstinence where drink and drugs are clearly needed. It’s not for me to judge what a street-sleeper does to cope with their inexcusable suffering. I think that compassion and understanding even in this dubious form provide more comfort, hope and are even more likely to inspire change than impotent piety and unresearched judgement. Or as Bill Hicks says, ‘Damn right this money is for drugs. Drugs are pretty important to a drug addict.’
