I grew up in a small city that has quick access to multiple interstates going north/south and east/west. We had drug dealers, drug users, but the worst of it was the gang activity that controlled trafficking. Gangs breed violence funded by and feeding upon drugs, but that stayed pretty well off the main streets and in certain rough parts of town. I had to go down the main streets that ran alongside the different hoods, and made sure I maintained an easy exit route, and firepower to make somebody duck while I made that happen. M9, officer 1911, j frame 38, but the one I liked the most and felt most comfortable with was a 5 shot k frame sized 40sw revolver loaded with gold dots or lawman ammo.
Those same areas now are getting worse. When I go home I carry my ar15 pistol with ballistic tips. The town has ties to ms13, crips, and bloods for certain, likely to other gangs as well. Growing up with folks in those hoods allowed me to see and understand things that I would rather not have ever seen.
So short answer to your question, kinda change the weaponry, but most importantly change the methodology. Druggies come in all shapes sizes, colors, and creeds. We live among them without knowing it, but when you enter into an area more prevalent for it you have to consider your situation and be prepared.