swamp
Community Leader
THEY’RE EATING THE DOGS!!!!!!!
Joined: Dec 19, 2010 16:03:22 GMT -5
Posts: 45,593
|
Post by swamp on Mar 8, 2017 8:44:19 GMT -5
The other unintended consequence is that doctors (particularly surgeon) are so afraid of prescribing to addicts that once patients are released from the hospital after hip replacement, they are expected to get by with tylenol. This happened on one of my hip groups yesterday. Do the surgeons take into account who has a history of drug abuse? Or just have a reluctance to prescribe any kind of pain killer? It requires self reporting.
Why would an addict report they are an addict if they just want more pills?
Although there is an iStop program now where control prescriptions are registered so it limits the ability to doctor shop.
|
|
Miss Tequila
Distinguished Associate
Joined: Dec 19, 2010 10:13:45 GMT -5
Posts: 20,602
|
Post by Miss Tequila on Mar 8, 2017 9:48:36 GMT -5
I struggle with understanding addiction. It isn't the addiction itself, but the fact that people hear the horror stories and still take heroine. I have a very addictive personality (family trait!) so I understood from a very early age not to try drugs because I have no doubt that I would get addicted. I drank and smoked pot in high school but that was it.
I have a cousin that I grew up with. This was a guy who had it all. A thriving business, a beautiful wife and family, gorgeous home, etc. He hurt his back and they put him on oxy. He became addicted and eventually they cut you off. He turned to heroin, lost everything and wound up spending 3 years in prison for intent to distribute. He is now 48 years old and washed dishes at a restaurant. He is pretty much unemployable. He could do construction but his back wont' allow that. I use him as an example to my daughter all of the time.
I had a hysterectomy 2 years ago and refused to fill the pain meds when I left the hospital because I am THAT afraid of meds! needless to say a very sleepless night filled with tears made me realize I actually needed the meds!lol I took them for 5 days and then flushed them.
I have a very hard time feeling compassion when someone willingly takes drugs and ruins their life. Because what the hell else did they expect? But then it hits home and saddens me...but I still blame my cousin. I'm torn
|
|
Cookies Galore
Senior Associate
I don't need no instructions to know how to rock
Joined: Dec 19, 2010 18:08:13 GMT -5
Posts: 10,878
|
Post by Cookies Galore on Mar 8, 2017 10:03:14 GMT -5
I've tried a lot of drugs in my day, no shame. Thankfully I guess I do not have the addictive trait because it is easy for me to not physically and mentally need something. I got 70 oxycodone after my hip surgery last month, and after all my joking about partying, I really didn't need them regularly after a few days. I had my surgery on a Wednesday and by that Saturday I only took one that morning and nothing else for the rest of the day because I really wanted a glass of wine that night! I still needed some help with pain for some days, but I was able to take half a pill and be okay with pain.
|
|
|
Post by The Walk of the Penguin Mich on Mar 8, 2017 10:05:47 GMT -5
The other unintended consequence is that doctors (particularly surgeon) are so afraid of prescribing to addicts that once patients are released from the hospital after hip replacement, they are expected to get by with tylenol. This happened on one of my hip groups yesterday. Do the surgeons take into account who has a history of drug abuse? Or just have a reluctance to prescribe any kind of pain killer? What difference does it make? You think it is ok to cut someone open 6", dig through/cut muscles, saw out bone, ream bone and pound a prosthesis into place without providing adequate pain killers?
|
|
Shooby
Senior Associate
Joined: Jan 17, 2013 0:32:36 GMT -5
Posts: 14,782
Mini-Profile Name Color: 1cf04f
|
Post by Shooby on Mar 8, 2017 10:05:52 GMT -5
I struggle with understanding addiction. It isn't the addiction itself, but the fact that people hear the horror stories and still take heroine. I have a very addictive personality (family trait!) so I understood from a very early age not to try drugs because I have no doubt that I would get addicted. I drank and smoked pot in high school but that was it.
I have a cousin that I grew up with. This was a guy who had it all. A thriving business, a beautiful wife and family, gorgeous home, etc. He hurt his back and they put him on oxy. He became addicted and eventually they cut you off. He turned to heroin, lost everything and wound up spending 3 years in prison for intent to distribute. He is now 48 years old and washed dishes at a restaurant. He is pretty much unemployable. He could do construction but his back wont' allow that. I use him as an example to my daughter all of the time.
I had a hysterectomy 2 years ago and refused to fill the pain meds when I left the hospital because I am THAT afraid of meds! needless to say a very sleepless night filled with tears made me realize I actually needed the meds!lol I took them for 5 days and then flushed them.
I have a very hard time feeling compassion when someone willingly takes drugs and ruins their life. Because what the hell else did they expect? But then it hits home and saddens me...but I still blame my cousin. I'm torn You see the tragedy of a lost potential life that could have been. Of course that is sad.
|
|
swamp
Community Leader
THEY’RE EATING THE DOGS!!!!!!!
Joined: Dec 19, 2010 16:03:22 GMT -5
Posts: 45,593
|
Post by swamp on Mar 8, 2017 10:06:40 GMT -5
I was given 30 oxys for my uterine ablation. I took one motrin. I guess I have a really high pain tolerance.
I still have oxys left over from when I hurt my back in 2014. I don't get the attraction, they just make me foggy and logey.
If I were to use drugs, I think I'd be more of a fan of meth/heroin/speed. I'd get so much done!
|
|
|
Post by The Walk of the Penguin Mich on Mar 8, 2017 10:14:14 GMT -5
I have meds leftover from my nightmare. Oxy gives me the attention span of a gnat, and I hate not being able to do anything.
Imagine that you are trapped in a recliner for 6 months unable to move much. I bought $200 in yarn, thinking it would be a good time to take up knitting again. I couldn't concentrate long enough to knit a pattern in a row. I couldn't concentrate long enough to read, and watching a 30 min sit com impossible (let alone a movie).
If anyone ever had an opportunity to become an addict, it would be me.
|
|
Miss Tequila
Distinguished Associate
Joined: Dec 19, 2010 10:13:45 GMT -5
Posts: 20,602
|
Post by Miss Tequila on Mar 8, 2017 10:15:01 GMT -5
I was given 30 oxys for my uterine ablation. I took one motrin. I guess I have a really high pain tolerance.
I still have oxys left over from when I hurt my back in 2014. I don't get the attraction, they just make me foggy and logey.
If I were to use drugs, I think I'd be more of a fan of meth/heroin/speed. I'd get so much done! good lord...they gave you oxy for that? I had one (didn't work) and I wasn't given pain meds. I think they gave me Motrins. That's what I thought would work with the hysterectomy...but it didn't!
|
|
NomoreDramaQ1015
Community Leader
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 14:26:32 GMT -5
Posts: 47,932
|
Post by NomoreDramaQ1015 on Mar 8, 2017 10:15:22 GMT -5
DH has tried to explain it to me but I just can't relate.
|
|
Cookies Galore
Senior Associate
I don't need no instructions to know how to rock
Joined: Dec 19, 2010 18:08:13 GMT -5
Posts: 10,878
|
Post by Cookies Galore on Mar 8, 2017 10:15:32 GMT -5
I was given 30 oxys for my uterine ablation. I took one motrin. I guess I have a really high pain tolerance.
I still have oxys left over from when I hurt my back in 2014. I don't get the attraction, they just make me foggy and logey.
If I were to use drugs, I think I'd be more of a fan of meth/heroin/speed. I'd get so much done! Foggy and loopy is great when you're parked on the couch all day after surgery, not great when you're trying to work!
|
|
NomoreDramaQ1015
Community Leader
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 14:26:32 GMT -5
Posts: 47,932
|
Post by NomoreDramaQ1015 on Mar 8, 2017 10:34:55 GMT -5
Something to keep in mind is that a lot of addicts are self medicating for other underlying conditions. Such as the spike in heroin usage being correlated with the restriction on prescription pain pills.
Our mental health system is pathetic and the drugs can be insanely expensive and not always approved by insurance. It can be easier/cheaper to turn to illegal drugs.
I think the war on drugs is a bunch of hooey. We need to stop treating drug addiction like a personal choice that needs to be punished and start treating it like the massive public health problem it is.
|
|
Sam_2.0
Senior Associate
Joined: Dec 19, 2010 15:42:45 GMT -5
Posts: 12,350
|
Post by Sam_2.0 on Mar 8, 2017 10:50:35 GMT -5
I know several cops here. Most people they see are self-medicating for mental health issues that they can't otherwise get help with. Maybe it's the rise in HDHP plans (just speculating here)? My DH has a list of diagnoses and when we went to HDHP the monthly cost for his meds went to $800 vs. the $20-50 copay. Fortunately that will count towards our deductible and we can afford to make it work but there are many who wouldn't be able to. If your choice is car payment + rent + groceries or one prescription, seems pretty easy what people would choose. We really need healthcare reform to include mental health care as necessary services and we need some kind of help on the prescription drug coverage. Heck, in other countries, addicts can get prescriptions for their drug of choice because they know it's not the issue with the drug, it's an underlying cause, so while they get help with that cause the system helps with the meds from a clean source to prevent them from turning to the streets.
|
|
Miss Tequila
Distinguished Associate
Joined: Dec 19, 2010 10:13:45 GMT -5
Posts: 20,602
|
Post by Miss Tequila on Mar 8, 2017 10:54:10 GMT -5
Something to keep in mind is that a lot of addicts are self medicating for other underlying conditions. Such as the spike in heroin usage being correlated with the restriction on prescription pain pills. Our mental health system is pathetic and the drugs can be insanely expensive and not always approved by insurance. It can be easier/cheaper to turn to illegal drugs. I think the war on drugs is a bunch of hooey. We need to stop treating drug addiction like a personal choice that needs to be punished and start treating it like the massive public health problem it is.But a large part of it IS a personal choice. I understand that some of the addicts are people who started with pain meds and got addicted. But there are also many, mahy people who for some ungodly reason take very addictive drugs for the hell of it. That is where I have no sympathy. If you are dumb enough to try heroin for the hell of it and get addicted, it is hard to feel sorry for you. It ruins not only their lives but their family's.
There is zero reason for anyone to take drugs by choice. The heroin epidemic is well known and yet there are still idiots who take it to get high. That's what I can't understand.
|
|
swamp
Community Leader
THEY’RE EATING THE DOGS!!!!!!!
Joined: Dec 19, 2010 16:03:22 GMT -5
Posts: 45,593
|
Post by swamp on Mar 8, 2017 11:00:30 GMT -5
but punishing the addict doesn't make them stop. It is a dumb choice to start using, but once you are hooked, it is a medical issue.
|
|
Miss Tequila
Distinguished Associate
Joined: Dec 19, 2010 10:13:45 GMT -5
Posts: 20,602
|
Post by Miss Tequila on Mar 8, 2017 11:11:18 GMT -5
but punishing the addict doesn't make them stop. It is a dumb choice to start using, but once you are hooked, it is a medical issue. I agree that it is a medical issue. But it is incredibly difficult to get off heroin. Heroin is HUGE in my area. Young kids are taking this and ruining their lives. So how do we stop it in the first place? With all of the publicity out there I am honestly dumbstruck as to why anyone with half a brain would do drugs in the first place. But once they are hooked, it is so hard to get them off.
One of my friends from high school is going through hell with her son right now. He was not on painkillers....just decided that it was a great idea to try heroin! Every day she is afraid it will be the day she gets the call that he is dead. My heart breaks for her...but at the same time I struggle to have sympathy for him. he did this to himself. She had the same discussions with him that I do with my daughter. It scares the hell out of me in a "if not for the grace of god go I"...because why was her son dumb enough to do it?
And that's my struggle. My heart breaks for the family members but not so much so for the addict.
|
|
NomoreDramaQ1015
Community Leader
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 14:26:32 GMT -5
Posts: 47,932
|
Post by NomoreDramaQ1015 on Mar 8, 2017 11:13:05 GMT -5
Something to keep in mind is that a lot of addicts are self medicating for other underlying conditions. Such as the spike in heroin usage being correlated with the restriction on prescription pain pills. Our mental health system is pathetic and the drugs can be insanely expensive and not always approved by insurance. It can be easier/cheaper to turn to illegal drugs. I think the war on drugs is a bunch of hooey. We need to stop treating drug addiction like a personal choice that needs to be punished and start treating it like the massive public health problem it is.But a large part of it IS a personal choice. I understand that some of the addicts are people who started with pain meds and got addicted. But there are also many, mahy people who for some ungodly reason take very addictive drugs for the hell of it. That is where I have no sympathy. If you are dumb enough to try heroin for the hell of it and get addicted, it is hard to feel sorry for you. It ruins not only their lives but their family's.
There is zero reason for anyone to take drugs by choice. The heroin epidemic is well known and yet there are still idiots who take it to get high. That's what I can't understand.
Have we cured the epidemic by spending thousands of tax dollars and overcrowding our prisons to the point where actual dangerous criminals who have no business being on the streets are let loose because they have to make room somewhere? I'd much rather the guy getting high in the alley be on the streets than a repeat killer like Nico Jenkins. Jenkins was released due to overcrowding. Think of how less crowded and how much more room we'd have for the really dangerous people if we stopped throwing people who take drugs in jail. I'm not arguing there is no criminal element but we're not solving anything by locking people up and telling kids "just say no". We need to completely change our thinking about drugs and admit that the "War on Drugs" has failed.
|
|
Cookies Galore
Senior Associate
I don't need no instructions to know how to rock
Joined: Dec 19, 2010 18:08:13 GMT -5
Posts: 10,878
|
Post by Cookies Galore on Mar 8, 2017 11:14:56 GMT -5
Something to keep in mind is that a lot of addicts are self medicating for other underlying conditions. Such as the spike in heroin usage being correlated with the restriction on prescription pain pills. Our mental health system is pathetic and the drugs can be insanely expensive and not always approved by insurance. It can be easier/cheaper to turn to illegal drugs. I think the war on drugs is a bunch of hooey. We need to stop treating drug addiction like a personal choice that needs to be punished and start treating it like the massive public health problem it is.But a large part of it IS a personal choice. I understand that some of the addicts are people who started with pain meds and got addicted. But there are also many, mahy people who for some ungodly reason take very addictive drugs for the hell of it. That is where I have no sympathy. If you are dumb enough to try heroin for the hell of it and get addicted, it is hard to feel sorry for you. It ruins not only their lives but their family's.
There is zero reason for anyone to take drugs by choice. The heroin epidemic is well known and yet there are still idiots who take it to get high. That's what I can't understand.
Alcohol is a drug people get addicted to. Is it stupid to drink?
|
|
Miss Tequila
Distinguished Associate
Joined: Dec 19, 2010 10:13:45 GMT -5
Posts: 20,602
|
Post by Miss Tequila on Mar 8, 2017 11:16:24 GMT -5
But a large part of it IS a personal choice. I understand that some of the addicts are people who started with pain meds and got addicted. But there are also many, mahy people who for some ungodly reason take very addictive drugs for the hell of it. That is where I have no sympathy. If you are dumb enough to try heroin for the hell of it and get addicted, it is hard to feel sorry for you. It ruins not only their lives but their family's.
There is zero reason for anyone to take drugs by choice. The heroin epidemic is well known and yet there are still idiots who take it to get high. That's what I can't understand.
Have we cured the epidemic by spending thousands of tax dollars and overcrowding our prisons to the point where actual dangerous criminals who have no business being on the streets are let loose because they have to make room somewhere? I'm not arguing there is no criminal element but we're not solving anything by locking people up and telling kids "just say no". We need to completely change our thinking about drugs and start treating it and devoting the money to public health. Treating people before they become addicted and providing resources to treat addiction would go a lot farther than just locking them up. I'm not suggesting we lock up drug addicts unless they break the law in another way (stealing to support their habit). Sadly, it appears that the addicts (at least heroin) are thinning out their own problem by the drastic increase in overdoses (at least locally). I don't wish death on anyone...but if you are going to take illegal drugs then that is a very likely consequence. We can't force people to get help. All we can do is bury them when they finally OD. And use that as a teaching lesson to younger kids as to why they should not do drugs.
|
|
Tiny
Senior Associate
Joined: Dec 29, 2010 21:22:34 GMT -5
Posts: 13,470
|
Post by Tiny on Mar 8, 2017 11:16:36 GMT -5
Something to keep in mind is that a lot of addicts are self medicating for other underlying conditions. Such as the spike in heroin usage being correlated with the restriction on prescription pain pills. Our mental health system is pathetic and the drugs can be insanely expensive and not always approved by insurance. It can be easier/cheaper to turn to illegal drugs. I think the war on drugs is a bunch of hooey. We need to stop treating drug addiction like a personal choice that needs to be punished and start treating it like the massive public health problem it is.But a large part of it IS a personal choice. I understand that some of the addicts are people who started with pain meds and got addicted. But there are also many, mahy people who for some ungodly reason take very addictive drugs for the hell of it. That is where I have no sympathy. If you are dumb enough to try heroin for the hell of it and get addicted, it is hard to feel sorry for you. It ruins not only their lives but their family's.
There is zero reason for anyone to take drugs by choice. The heroin epidemic is well known and yet there are still idiots who take it to get high. That's what I can't understand.
When you were drinking and smoking marijuana in HS - did any of the people you were doing this with - offer/suggest you should try something more 'fun'? Like pills or heroin? If they did - I assume you said no? even though maybe the alcohol and MJ may have made you more prone to say yes?
I can understand someone who previously was taking pain meds for pain - and being cut off - and then looking for an alternative. I'm just thinking they must already know someone who's already using street drugs... cause I can't image what would motive someone to just out of the blue with no prior experience - COLD - get into their car and drive out to the 'bad neighborhood' and try to find a stranger who's selling AND a stranger who's willing to 'introduce' them to how to use the drugs...
That "I can't wrap my mind around it thing" leads me to believe that most addicts already knew people who were using... people who they trusted (I assume there's some sort of 'intimacy' or 'trust' needed to for one person to get another person to try something they've heard is 'bad').
I think some of the addiction problem comes down to who you know and who you hang around with.
|
|
Miss Tequila
Distinguished Associate
Joined: Dec 19, 2010 10:13:45 GMT -5
Posts: 20,602
|
Post by Miss Tequila on Mar 8, 2017 11:16:47 GMT -5
But a large part of it IS a personal choice. I understand that some of the addicts are people who started with pain meds and got addicted. But there are also many, mahy people who for some ungodly reason take very addictive drugs for the hell of it. That is where I have no sympathy. If you are dumb enough to try heroin for the hell of it and get addicted, it is hard to feel sorry for you. It ruins not only their lives but their family's.
There is zero reason for anyone to take drugs by choice. The heroin epidemic is well known and yet there are still idiots who take it to get high. That's what I can't understand.
Alcohol is a drug people get addicted to. Is it stupid to drink? Are you equating alcohol to heroin?
|
|
swamp
Community Leader
THEY’RE EATING THE DOGS!!!!!!!
Joined: Dec 19, 2010 16:03:22 GMT -5
Posts: 45,593
|
Post by swamp on Mar 8, 2017 11:16:48 GMT -5
but punishing the addict doesn't make them stop. It is a dumb choice to start using, but once you are hooked, it is a medical issue. I agree that it is a medical issue. But it is incredibly difficult to get off heroin. Heroin is HUGE in my area. Young kids are taking this and ruining their lives. So how do we stop it in the first place? With all of the publicity out there I am honestly dumbstruck as to why anyone with half a brain would do drugs in the first place. But once they are hooked, it is so hard to get them off.
One of my friends from high school is going through hell with her son right now. He was not on painkillers....just decided that it was a great idea to try heroin! Every day she is afraid it will be the day she gets the call that he is dead. My heart breaks for her...but at the same time I struggle to have sympathy for him. he did this to himself. She had the same discussions with him that I do with my daughter. It scares the hell out of me in a "if not for the grace of god go I"...because why was her son dumb enough to do it?
And that's my struggle. My heart breaks for the family members but not so much so for the addict.
I don't get it either, but they do.
There was an obituary in the paper a few weeks ago, 19 year old. Beautiful young woman. Played sports in HS. Intact family that appeared to be "normal" (but who knows what goes on behind closed doors). She was attending college to be a radiology technician. OD'd on heroin.
|
|
Cookies Galore
Senior Associate
I don't need no instructions to know how to rock
Joined: Dec 19, 2010 18:08:13 GMT -5
Posts: 10,878
|
Post by Cookies Galore on Mar 8, 2017 11:19:10 GMT -5
Alcohol is a drug people get addicted to. Is it stupid to drink? Are you equating alcohol to heroin? No, I'm equating addiction to addiction. Alcohol is highly addictive for some people. It's also legal and regulated, so one sip isn't going to kill someone like tainted heroin will.
|
|
Miss Tequila
Distinguished Associate
Joined: Dec 19, 2010 10:13:45 GMT -5
Posts: 20,602
|
Post by Miss Tequila on Mar 8, 2017 11:19:23 GMT -5
I agree that it is a medical issue. But it is incredibly difficult to get off heroin. Heroin is HUGE in my area. Young kids are taking this and ruining their lives. So how do we stop it in the first place? With all of the publicity out there I am honestly dumbstruck as to why anyone with half a brain would do drugs in the first place. But once they are hooked, it is so hard to get them off.
One of my friends from high school is going through hell with her son right now. He was not on painkillers....just decided that it was a great idea to try heroin! Every day she is afraid it will be the day she gets the call that he is dead. My heart breaks for her...but at the same time I struggle to have sympathy for him. he did this to himself. She had the same discussions with him that I do with my daughter. It scares the hell out of me in a "if not for the grace of god go I"...because why was her son dumb enough to do it?
And that's my struggle. My heart breaks for the family members but not so much so for the addict.
I don't get it either, but they do.
There was an obituary in the paper a few weeks ago, 19 year old. Beautiful young woman. Played sports in HS. Intact family that appeared to be "normal" (but who knows what goes on behind closed doors). She was attending college to be a radiology technician. OD'd on heroin.
Exactly. We have those all of the time, locally. And I honestly don't get it. heroin is a huge problem (locally) and it is something that I don't understand. The stats are out there. Heroin is horribly addictive and so hard to kick. Yet people do it everyday. I don't understand it.
|
|
swamp
Community Leader
THEY’RE EATING THE DOGS!!!!!!!
Joined: Dec 19, 2010 16:03:22 GMT -5
Posts: 45,593
|
Post by swamp on Mar 8, 2017 11:21:49 GMT -5
I don't get it either, but they do.
There was an obituary in the paper a few weeks ago, 19 year old. Beautiful young woman. Played sports in HS. Intact family that appeared to be "normal" (but who knows what goes on behind closed doors). She was attending college to be a radiology technician. OD'd on heroin.
Exactly. We have those all of the time, locally. And I honestly don't get it. heroin is a huge problem (locally) and it is something that I don't understand. The stats are out there. Heroin is horribly addictive and so hard to kick. Yet people do it everyday. I don't understand it. I have never used heroin. I have absolutely no interest in trying it.
However, I have been to some drug court trainings where they had addiction specialists speak.
They showed the average amount of endorphins released for usual pleasurable things, and orgasms rated about a 200.
Meth and heroin highs rated about 1,000, so they high is basically like having the best orgasm of your life multiplied by 5. Sounds pretty good, doesn't it? And if you're young and dumb, you just know you won't get addicted.
|
|
NomoreDramaQ1015
Community Leader
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 14:26:32 GMT -5
Posts: 47,932
|
Post by NomoreDramaQ1015 on Mar 8, 2017 11:23:51 GMT -5
I don't think you can make everyone get help but we could sure as hell do a better job in this country of offering help for those that want it, especially before it gets to the point where you are self medicating with illegal substances.
We need to stop trying to punish people who abuse drugs and start focusing on the massive public health issue that this has become. I also think we need to accept that human beings have been seeking to get high since we've been on this planet. There will always be addicts, there will always be drugs. It's a part of human nature that we aren't going to will or force away.
Prohibition didn't stop people from drinking and gave rise to Al Capone and Lucky Luciano. When are we going to accept the War on Drugs has gone the exact same way?
|
|
Tiny
Senior Associate
Joined: Dec 29, 2010 21:22:34 GMT -5
Posts: 13,470
|
Post by Tiny on Mar 8, 2017 11:23:57 GMT -5
Something to keep in mind is that a lot of addicts are self medicating for other underlying conditions. Such as the spike in heroin usage being correlated with the restriction on prescription pain pills. Our mental health system is pathetic and the drugs can be insanely expensive and not always approved by insurance. It can be easier/cheaper to turn to illegal drugs. I think the war on drugs is a bunch of hooey. We need to stop treating drug addiction like a personal choice that needs to be punished and start treating it like the massive public health problem it is.But a large part of it IS a personal choice. I understand that some of the addicts are people who started with pain meds and got addicted. But there are also many, mahy people who for some ungodly reason take very addictive drugs for the hell of it. That is where I have no sympathy. If you are dumb enough to try heroin for the hell of it and get addicted, it is hard to feel sorry for you. It ruins not only their lives but their family's.
There is zero reason for anyone to take drugs by choice. The heroin epidemic is well known and yet there are still idiots who take it to get high. That's what I can't understand.
I don't think that's true. There's peer pressure. There's the need to fit in. Is it safe to assume you've never gone for several months without having a drink - but still did social/family things with people who WERE drinking? If any of the people you hang with drink till their buzzed (or spend the day drinking 8 to 10 beers) surely you felt the 'pull' to join them -even if they weren't constantly offering you beverages. You also may have made them feel 'bad' about their drinking which then makes for an awkward social get together.
I know how hard it is to be a teen and say 'no' to whatever stupid stuff my 'friends' were doing... I wasn't part of that group for very long. I'm also usually an 'outsider' in my own family - because I don't drink and don't smoke or do alittle something to 'feel good'. Thankfully, I have a morbid family - so we got the "I don't really like that you do X, cause I care about you - but I'll still come to your funeral and say nice things." out of the way. I also learned at an early age how to "look the other way". I missed out on a lot of 'family bonding' because I DON"T share memories/stories of drunken/high escapades... It's a price I was willing to pay when I was younger and more idealistic... now that we are all older I do kind of regret my choices.... I'm an outsider in my own family.
|
|
swamp
Community Leader
THEY’RE EATING THE DOGS!!!!!!!
Joined: Dec 19, 2010 16:03:22 GMT -5
Posts: 45,593
|
Post by swamp on Mar 8, 2017 11:24:06 GMT -5
Are you equating alcohol to heroin? No, I'm equating addiction to addiction. Alcohol is addictive for some people. It's also legal and regulated, so one sip isn't going to kill someone like tainted heroin will.
If you get a bottle of Jack, you know exactly how much alcohol is in it, thanks to governmental labeling laws. With illegal drugs, you don't know what you're going to get. The secrecy kills people.
|
|
Green Eyed Lady
Senior Associate
Look inna eye! Always look inna eye!
Joined: Jan 23, 2012 11:23:55 GMT -5
Posts: 19,629
|
Post by Green Eyed Lady on Mar 8, 2017 11:24:13 GMT -5
As someone else mentioned, I think a lot of drug/alcohol addiction is simply a result of someone self-medicating for mental health issues. I can't tell you how many times I've heard "it makes the pain go away". I firmly believe if we would do better in the mental health service area, we would see both drug and alcohol abuse wane.
That being said, this is why I have an issue with decriminalizing drugs on the basis of "they are only hurting themselves". This simply isn't true.
|
|
Miss Tequila
Distinguished Associate
Joined: Dec 19, 2010 10:13:45 GMT -5
Posts: 20,602
|
Post by Miss Tequila on Mar 8, 2017 11:24:32 GMT -5
But a large part of it IS a personal choice. I understand that some of the addicts are people who started with pain meds and got addicted. But there are also many, mahy people who for some ungodly reason take very addictive drugs for the hell of it. That is where I have no sympathy. If you are dumb enough to try heroin for the hell of it and get addicted, it is hard to feel sorry for you. It ruins not only their lives but their family's.
There is zero reason for anyone to take drugs by choice. The heroin epidemic is well known and yet there are still idiots who take it to get high. That's what I can't understand.
When you were drinking and smoking marijuana in HS - did any of the people you were doing this with - offer/suggest you should try something more 'fun'? Like pills or heroin? If they did - I assume you said no? even though maybe the alcohol and MJ may have made you more prone to say yes?
I can understand someone who previously was taking pain meds for pain - and being cut off - and then looking for an alternative. I'm just thinking they must already know someone who's already using street drugs... cause I can't image what would motive someone to just out of the blue with no prior experience - COLD - get into their car and drive out to the 'bad neighborhood' and try to find a stranger who's selling AND a stranger who's willing to 'introduce' them to how to use the drugs...
That "I can't wrap my mind around it thing" leads me to believe that most addicts already knew people who were using... people who they trusted (I assume there's some sort of 'intimacy' or 'trust' needed to for one person to get another person to try something they've heard is 'bad').
I think some of the addiction problem comes down to who you know and who you hang around with.
Heroin was not popular when I was in school. But I had coke offered to me many times. I was smart enough to say no each and everytime.
|
|
Cookies Galore
Senior Associate
I don't need no instructions to know how to rock
Joined: Dec 19, 2010 18:08:13 GMT -5
Posts: 10,878
|
Post by Cookies Galore on Mar 8, 2017 11:25:20 GMT -5
No, I'm equating addiction to addiction. Alcohol is addictive for some people. It's also legal and regulated, so one sip isn't going to kill someone like tainted heroin will.
If you get a bottle of Jack, you know exactly how much alcohol is in it, thanks to governmental labeling laws. With illegal drugs, you don't know what you're going to get. The secrecy kills people.
Plus one for government regulation!
|
|