WEST BRATTLEBORO-Free the drugs.
I suggest the state of Vermont offers free drugs administered by trained medics from mobile vans. People with addictions can be invited, educated, and administered free drugs. If these patients show interest, then alternative medications and other modalities to control and end addiction can be offered.
Extreme? What is extreme is abandoning people with addictions to be preyed upon by drug dealers and gangs.
Falling into the trap of buying illegal drugs leads to home invasions, sex trafficking, robbery, and homelessness. It also leads to death: exposure to the winter cold, faked suicides by hot shots (overdose) and other means, and outright executions.