William S. Burroughs emphasizes that to address the issue of drug addiction, one must focus on the root cause, which he identifies as the individual addict. He likens the addiction situation to a pyramid, suggesting that just as the bottom number in a series can change the whole structure, addressing the needs of street addicts can fundamentally alter the dynamics of drug trafficking. Burroughs argues that the system is designed to replace higher-ups easily but that the addicts themselves are crucial and irreplaceable in the cycle of addiction.

He asserts that as long as there is a demand for drugs among addicts, there will always be a supply to meet that demand. The focus on higher authorities or systemic change often neglects the urgent need to address the situation of the individual addict. In order to combat the issue of drug abuse effectively, society must prioritize the welfare of these individuals, recognizing that eliminating the need for junk at the base level will lead to a significant reduction in overall drug traffic.