More like speculation. Again, the numbers of Civil War veterans given drugs can be determined from actual records. How do you figure out how many people are using opium in 1900?
Courtright's conclusion of an addiction peak around 1890 is better documented, for sure. I'm pleased to note that you can view DEA claims with skepticism - at leeast when it suits you.
When I can see no basis for making such a claim, I can view it with skepticism. I don't know how anyone at the DEA could possibly know what was going on with Drug addiction in 1900. On the other hand, I can see how it would be possible for them to count the numbers of soldiers who had been given opiates.
Usage, not addiction.
Because Opium has many other usages besides addiction?
Whatever the reason for the decline, it weighs no less against your claim of logistic increase.
The "decline" if there was any, is just statistical noise. The Signal takes decades to manifest. It took 70 years for legal opium to destroy China.
Because Opium has many other usages besides addiction?
Yes, nonaddicted use - just like alcohol can be used by addicts and nonaddicts of that drug.
Whatever the reason for the decline, it weighs no less against your claim of logistic increase.
The "decline" if there was any, is just statistical noise.
Oh, yes? What standard errors did you calculate for those numbers, and how did you calculate them?
Or is it your statement that's noise?