As with HIV a couple of decades ago, some people don't see the opioid crisis as a public health problem. Rather, they see it as a way to kill off those in society who they don't like. Fortunately we live in a generally caring society, not the brutal jungle.

That means that when someone overdoses on the street or in a shoddy hotel room, first responders will attend. Typically a fire truck and firemen are dispatched first, with an ambulance following up. Think of the cost, if nothing else. Think too that one of your loved ones might need a first responder, who's busy looking after his third overdose of the day. 

Even if you can't find compassion on this issue, you can at least use a little enlightened self-interest. By reducing the amount of harm that's being caused, everyone wins.