Lizzie Siddal died from an overdose of the opiate Laudanum. Ada Byron was advised by her doctor to use various combinations of opium and liquor. Or should they've have been like Jane Morris and taken to the sofa, embracing the ether of sleep and ennui and daydreams. Hank Williams died in the back of his limo on a mix of booze and chloral. He was 29.
Drug trade is part of our society just as the junkie is a part of our society.
In 1833, the British government took over the opium trade. Opium became the largest source of British revenue outside of land and salt. And so the lucrative business of drug trade had officially begun. Morphine hits the backs of the legs first, then the back of the neck, a spreading wave of relaxation slackening the muscles away from the bones so that you seem to float without outlines, like lying warm salt water. As this relaxing wave spread through my tissues, I experienced a strong feeling of fear.