One woman's controversial fight to make America accept drug users for who they are

Louise Vincent has used street drugs since she was 13. She has emerged as a leading voice trying to humanize and help people who use drugs as they face the most devastating overdose crisis in U.S. history. (April Laissle/NPR)

When Louise Vincent was introduced at a drug policy conference last month in Phoenix, the huge crowd erupted in applause.

She's a small woman, rail thin. At age 47, her face is weathered by what she describes as a hard life.