I have also spent a lot of time navigating the mental health system and psych wards with loved ones and I couldn't agree more, it's a broken system, it was what my last article was about actually. Unfortunately, many institutions of social support don't seem to function very well these days and let vulnerable people down.

I totally understand your reluctance and I agree, it might not be a one size fits all for all drugs.

On your point about antipsychotics, there was an interesting experiment in Switzerland. They found that many heroin users were using because they found heroin preferable to prescribed anti-psychotics and it eased their psychiatric symptoms. So they implemented a system of regulated heroin shots, twice a day alongside social support, employment support, a psychiatrist etc and found that the participants lived functional lives. It challenges the conception of heroin use we have here and I don't know if that would function as well in countries where we don't provide the same level of support but it's interesting to read about.

I appreciate your thoughtful responses and for sharing your experience.