Active drug users as social change agents: some ethical dimensions.

Active drug users—whom I here roughly categorize as habituated, addicted, or dependent (HAD) users who are not currently inclined to abandon their use of such drugs1—may desire individually or collectively to assert themselves in the wider social world of work and social policy. Drug-dependent individuals may seek work in harm reduction centers or as custodians, accountants, or doctors. Activist drug user groups may work for legislative change in drug-related policies and social provisions for drug users, such as support groups, injecting rooms, and needle and syringe exchange programs. What ethical challenges does this pose?