It is mistaken to conclude that today’s heroin users are all non-deviant and psychologically ‘normal’ simply because there are more of them. Continuing social sanctions and disapproval are as likely now as in the past to have negative psychological effects on drug users. The ‘normal drug user’ stereotype simplifies the drug worker’s job and satisfies their need to identify with clients, but does not accord with reality.
Additional keywords: drug workers / drug users / normalisation