Doctors/Med Professionals: Should Illicit Drug Users Get Free Medical Treatment?

Question by JDA: Doctors/Med Professionals: Should illicit drug users get free medical treatment?
I want to know what the medical profession thinks. Please note, I’m from Australia (where there is universal healthcare)

I know many out in the community abuse illicit drugs because of life circumstances- they have mental issues, take heroin, wind up in prostitution to pay for it, then need the heroin to cope with the prostitution.
Or perhaps veterans who didn’t receive adequate psychological care have PTSD and then take illicit drugs to cope day to day.
Or even those whose chronic pain only responds to marijuana.

But I am talking about people who take party drugs, who willfully spend money to get “high”.

Then, some of them become violent (like on methamphetamine) or psychotic (from marijuana) or get severe ulcerative cystitis (from Ketamine).

Knowing the risks, including the potential for addiction to pretty much anything, should the public spend money treating these people? It isn’t like one can’t get information these days, the internet is easily accessible and finding information never easier. If I go out and smoke a pack of cigarettes a day, why should I expect a lung transplant before the person who got stabbed by a methamphetamine user and now has two collapsed lungs as a result?

Should there be a greater role of self-help and personal responsibility in society?

Best answer:

Answer by Maryann Kormoski
No its illegal why should they get special treatment?

Answer by .
Well, in my country the only difference between an illicit drug and non illicit drug is how many people have a potential to make money by manipulating its legal status.

My other problem is that clearly, some illicit users are going to get picked on more than others. Thc metabolites can be detected in the urine for a lot longer than other drugs. Not to mention you can fake virtually every drug test.

In theory I agree with you. In practice, its hard to figure out how to make it work.

And then, where does the line get drawn?

Should people who do contact sports, or extreme sports be covered?

Should people that drive too fast be covered?

Should a person’s morality and life determine whether or not they have access to health care?

In my opinion, every one deserves medical care.