Should Heroin Addiction Be Treated As A Crime?

Heroin addiction drove Hellertown man to steal 23 guns from stepfather
By Rudy Miller | For lehighvalleylive.com

"The 36-year-old Hellertown man was to the point where nothing would get in the way of his next heroin fix. He stole the guns worth $17,000 to fuel the addiction and only being caught by police put a stop to his habit."





My Comments About The Article AboveAlthough not legal here in the United States, Canada is trying out a pilot program whereby they provide heroin to users. The program is three fold. (1) It shoots up users who voluntarily come in with a safe amount. (2) They provide free counseling encouraging users to seek help for their addiction. (3) It's cheaper then locking them up.

Heroin use is going up here in the United States despite all attempts. Obviously whatever we're doing so far hasn't been working.Anyone think this may work?
Anyone have a better alternate solution?
Should those addicted be treated as criminals or in need of healthcare (if they haven't committed a crime)?