It isn't the addicts dying off that is the issue.
Something to keep in mind; gangs by their nature are organized. They have a hierarchy, procedures, rules and orders of operation. They act as a unit.
We have largely given over any of that in our everyday lives to government.
If governance falls, the next most organized group of people, will probably be the gangs.
The sheeple, unprepared and desperate are going to naturally turn to anyone who seems like they have some leadership, organization, protection and resources. They won’t ask questions. Any port in a storm so to speak.
That is why it is important that your group is organized and better yet, coordinated with others in the community.
Going it alone, might mean that you are faced with overwhelming forces. Instead of ten or twenty, it might be two hundred or more; including some from nearby towns, possibly even unprepared neighbors. Gangs do like to control regions.
There are always those who will seek to take by force that which others have whether through the force of taxation/government, or by violence.
Given the mindset these days of many, many people, this mentality will blossom if things get desperate and there is no consequence to this action.