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Post by corruptedheart on Apr 30, 2008 13:55:19 GMT -5
I just finished reading Marc LaidLaw's "The Orchid Eater" aside from being an amazing book in general, it got me to thinking about recreational drug use. The book by no means encouraged drug use, I guess it just got me on a tangent of sorts.
I'm sure I'll be labelled as stupid for thinking such a thing, and maybe I am. Anyway, yeah it screws up people, but there seems to be a comfortable mental oblivion about them. Maybe I would only be escalating my problems, but it seems more and more I need an escape from reality. I'm talking hardcore stuff, of which I don't need to name I don't think.
It's just...I don't know, I've been told I think way too much, about the smallest, inconsequential details. I'm awkward socially, even though people seem to warm up to me, I have an inner sense of dread when I talk to them. It seems like most prescribed medications aren't potent enough to alter that habit.
I guess, it boils down to me needing a sufficient escape from my current situation, reality, as it were. I just don't know how else to claim it.
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gaia
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Post by gaia on Apr 30, 2008 17:22:43 GMT -5
I'm awkward socially, even though people seem to warm up to me, I have an inner sense of dread when I talk to them... People warm up to you - it's great you acknowledge that. You have something positive to work with. I understand things get very tough. An escape, an 'easy answer' - no matter how self-destructive it is - seems so tempting. But I think it would be incredibly tragic if you were to use 'hardcore' drugs.. it really would. Prescribed drugs can be potent enough. I've taken some incredibly hard-hitting medication in my time... they are just quite unconventional and not many people know they exist. This really isn't a path you should choose to take - there are other options available.
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Post by corruptedheart on Apr 30, 2008 18:37:46 GMT -5
I understand where you're coming from, gaia, I know you're just trying to help. But, I'm afraid without some serious intervention I'll never break free from the over-analyzing aspect of me. Unless I want to be an emotionless zombie which is what prescribed meds do.
But, I received your PM, we'll pick this up there.
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gaia
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Post by gaia on Apr 30, 2008 19:26:50 GMT -5
...I'm afraid without some serious intervention I'll never break free from the over-analyzing aspect of me... You can break free from that aspect.. it's just a very difficult. ...Unless I want to be an emotionless zombie which is what prescribed meds do... I totally understand this. Prescribed meds can make you feel that way. It's interesting you use the word "zombie", because my mother tells me that that's exactly how I used to appear to her when I was taking prescribed meds. It's very hard to find the right balance, but some prescribed meds I feel I owe a lot too. Without their temporary 'bandage' holding back everything that was wrong with me, I don't honestly know if I would ever have healed. Luckily with prescribed meds, coming off of them is safe and is relatively easy (in the way there is no dependancy/addiction to them). I don't know if the same can be said about other drugs.
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Post by Sweet Pea on Apr 30, 2008 20:11:10 GMT -5
I just finished reading Marc LaidLaw's "The Orchid Eater" aside from being an amazing book in general, it got me to thinking about recreational drug use. The book by no means encouraged drug use, I guess it just got me on a tangent of sorts. I'm sure I'll be labelled as stupid for thinking such a thing, and maybe I am. Anyway, yeah it screws up people, but there seems to be a comfortable mental oblivion about them. Maybe I would only be escalating my problems, but it seems more and more I need an escape from reality. I'm talking hardcore stuff, of which I don't need to name I don't think. It's just...I don't know, I've been told I think way too much, about the smallest, inconsequential details. I'm awkward socially, even though people seem to warm up to me, I have an inner sense of dread when I talk to them. It seems like most prescribed medications aren't potent enough to alter that habit. I guess, it boils down to me needing a sufficient escape from my current situation, reality, as it were. I just don't know how else to claim it. oh gee. why didn't i think of this? just drop some acid...maybe shoot a little heroin...and i'll be as right as rain.
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Post by corruptedheart on Apr 30, 2008 20:30:23 GMT -5
I never said they would make me right as rain. Who would want to be like rain anyway? While I'm still in the research phase, I found this interesting article from wiki While drugs aren't the smartest of choices, people need to realize that prescription drugs are sometimes not in better category. Quite a few of them have a lot of nasty "long-term effects" such as brain damage. Also, marijuana, while not the type of drugs I was referring to, has a lot of healing promise. That's why the US put a patent on it in the 90s (msn had a video interview I watched one day). I believe when used with a vaporizer (NOT smoking it) the studies showed it helped preserve neurons, along with helping arthritis etc.
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Post by strawberrysweetie on Apr 30, 2008 22:36:40 GMT -5
While drugs aren't the smartest of choices, people need to realize that prescription drugs are sometimes not in better category. Quite a few of them have a lot of nasty "long-term effects" such as brain damage. At least prescription drugs are monitored, though. Also, marijuana, while not the type of drugs I was referring to, has a lot of healing promise. That's why the US put a patent on it in the 90s (msn had a video interview I watched one day). I believe when used with a vaporizer (NOT smoking it) the studies showed it helped preserve neurons, along with helping arthritis etc. There are many negative effects, though. "The short-term effects of marijuana can include problems with memory and learning; distorted perception; difficulty in thinking and problem solving; loss of coordination; and increased heart rate. Research findings for long-term marijuana abuse indicate some changes in the brain similar to those seen after long-term abuse of other major drugs. ""One study has indicated that an abuser's risk of heart attack more than quadruples in the first hour after smoking marijuana. The researchers suggest that such an effect might occur from marijuana's effects on blood pressure and heart rate and reduced oxygen-carrying capacity of blood."
perhaps the most important to you: "Research clearly demonstrates that marijuana has the potential to cause problems in daily life or make a person's existing problems worse. Depression, anxiety, and personality disturbances have been associated with chronic marijuana use. Because marijuana compromises the ability to learn and remember information, the more a person uses marijuana the more he or she is likely to fall behind in accumulating intellectual, job, or social skills. "Those are a few things anyway...though, I know you know there are many more. To be quite honest......growing up, I never ever thought I'd ever even consider trying drugs. Last year at some point, I started thinking a bit differently, though.....I just started thinking, 'you know, if someone were to by chance offer me something to try...I just might do it... just to try it'. They definitely have a sort of appeal to them...in regards to escaping reality and everything. Last semester, the thought of smoking (though briefly) appealed to me. In chemistry class, we had to do an experiment that involved lighting a cigarette and filtering it out into a glass thingy (pardon my lack of knowledge of the instruments used...I hated that class..). Anyway, while doing the experiment, even though the smoke looked sort of disgusting....I sort of thought...'oooo, it looks so warm, so filling...I wonder what it feels like to smoke it..' In reality, though, it is a disgusting habit. Basically, I think perhaps the biggest problem with using drugs is the high possibility of developing an addiction to them. I, for one, feel like I could easily become wrapped up into addiction. And, I have a feeling you are possibly the same since you are consciously searching for a way to "escape reality." Do you smoke by chance? Have you ever been addicted to anything? I currently feel like I have an addiction to something (nothing illegal or anything and possibly not considered an 'addiction' to others...) but it is a terrible horrific feeling. Addictions will just take over your life. IMO, it's possibly the worst outcome of doing drugs, etc....because the addiction can create even more problems than just problems to your health. Drug addiction could eventually cause you to do things you'd never dream you could do...such as hurting others in ways you'd never imagine just to get a "fix." I'm sure I'll be labelled as stupid for thinking such a thing, and maybe I am. Anyway, yeah it screws up people, but there seems to be a comfortable mental oblivion about them. Maybe I would only be escalating my problems, but it seems more and more I need an escape from reality. I'm talking hardcore stuff, of which I don't need to name I don't think. It's just...I don't know, I've been told I think way too much, about the smallest, inconsequential details. I'm awkward socially, even though people seem to warm up to me, I have an inner sense of dread when I talk to them. It seems like most prescribed medications aren't potent enough to alter that habit. I guess, it boils down to me needing a sufficient escape from my current situation, reality, as it were. I just don't know how else to claim it. Hmm....okay, so let's be honest. Is drug use really going to have benefits that are going to make your life improve? Is it going to make you less socially awkward? The only "pro" to it is possibly the escape from reality you're wanting. But, there are numerous "cons." Though, people in the drug world may find drug use appealing, the vast majority of people are going to look down on you for it. The people you'd hang out with wouldn't be real friends, anyway...you'd just feed off of each other's addictions. Work? Have fun trying to get a job all doped up. Plus, it's illegal...if you're caught, you'd face jail time. Oh, and it's going to come with a price (monetarily), as well. Not to mention the numerous negative physical effects it will have. Where do you currently live? Who do you live with? It will affect your family, or whoever you're around, also. I guess, it boils down to me needing a sufficient escape from my current situation, reality, as it were. I just don't know how else to claim it. What is your current situation? What are your ambitions/dreams/goals? Do you exercise? Exercise has many benefits, including reducing anxiety and depression. Getting into exercise regularly can create a nice, postive 'natural high.' I understand that over-analyzing is completely exhausting. Have you ever tried writing or journaling to get your thoughts out? It can be helpful. How about music? Finding a way to release your thoughts/feelings can be very beneficial to dealing with reality. Or...how about this. Do you have any brothers or sisters? Anyone you're particularly close to? What if your brother/sister/best friend came up to you and started telling you exactly what you're telling us....what would you tell them? Would you tell them, "Oh sure, that's a great idea...go for it" Or would you be heartbroken and try to help them find actual solutions to their problems?
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Post by Sweet Pea on Apr 30, 2008 23:21:47 GMT -5
everytime i escape from reality, i end up crashing right back to the same reality...only worse. i think it's true that alot of drugs have gotten a bad rap from hysterical types who freak out over anything slightly 'different' (especially cannabis & ibogaine). i think the therapeutic possibilities of all drugs should be explored scientifically...meaning in an unbiased way. however, i'm really not interested in ingesting questionable substances manufactured/processed/distributed by random strangers to see what will happen to my brain. plus, i'm not interested remotely in the possiblity of losing my kid over such experimentation. so i'll just have to stick to the 'legal' drugs...caffeine and alcohol. either that or i could try some of these ideas: 7 Common Foods That Can Get You High
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Post by corruptedheart on May 1, 2008 10:21:14 GMT -5
While drugs aren't the smartest of choices, people need to realize that prescription drugs are sometimes not in better category. Quite a few of them have a lot of nasty "long-term effects" such as brain damage. At least prescription drugs are monitored, though. There are many negative effects, though. "The short-term effects of marijuana can include problems with memory and learning; distorted perception; difficulty in thinking and problem solving; loss of coordination; and increased heart rate. Research findings for long-term marijuana abuse indicate some changes in the brain similar to those seen after long-term abuse of other major drugs. ""One study has indicated that an abuser's risk of heart attack more than quadruples in the first hour after smoking marijuana. The researchers suggest that such an effect might occur from marijuana's effects on blood pressure and heart rate and reduced oxygen-carrying capacity of blood."
perhaps the most important to you: "Research clearly demonstrates that marijuana has the potential to cause problems in daily life or make a person's existing problems worse. Depression, anxiety, and personality disturbances have been associated with chronic marijuana use. Because marijuana compromises the ability to learn and remember information, the more a person uses marijuana the more he or she is likely to fall behind in accumulating intellectual, job, or social skills. "Those are a few things anyway...though, I know you know there are many more. To be quite honest......growing up, I never ever thought I'd ever even consider trying drugs. Last year at some point, I started thinking a bit differently, though.....I just started thinking, 'you know, if someone were to by chance offer me something to try...I just might do it... just to try it'. They definitely have a sort of appeal to them...in regards to escaping reality and everything. Last semester, the thought of smoking (though briefly) appealed to me. In chemistry class, we had to do an experiment that involved lighting a cigarette and filtering it out into a glass thingy (pardon my lack of knowledge of the instruments used...I hated that class..). Anyway, while doing the experiment, even though the smoke looked sort of disgusting....I sort of thought...'oooo, it looks so warm, so filling...I wonder what it feels like to smoke it..' In reality, though, it is a disgusting habit. Basically, I think perhaps the biggest problem with using drugs is the high possibility of developing an addiction to them. I, for one, feel like I could easily become wrapped up into addiction. And, I have a feeling you are possibly the same since you are consciously searching for a way to "escape reality." Do you smoke by chance? Have you ever been addicted to anything? I currently feel like I have an addiction to something (nothing illegal or anything and possibly not considered an 'addiction' to others...) but it is a terrible horrific feeling. Addictions will just take over your life. IMO, it's possibly the worst outcome of doing drugs, etc....because the addiction can create even more problems than just problems to your health. Drug addiction could eventually cause you to do things you'd never dream you could do...such as hurting others in ways you'd never imagine just to get a "fix." Hmm....okay, so let's be honest. Is drug use really going to have benefits that are going to make your life improve? Is it going to make you less socially awkward? The only "pro" to it is possibly the escape from reality you're wanting. But, there are numerous "cons." Though, people in the drug world may find drug use appealing, the vast majority of people are going to look down on you for it. The people you'd hang out with wouldn't be real friends, anyway...you'd just feed off of each other's addictions. Work? Have fun trying to get a job all doped up. Plus, it's illegal...if you're caught, you'd face jail time. Oh, and it's going to come with a price (monetarily), as well. Not to mention the numerous negative physical effects it will have. Where do you currently live? Who do you live with? It will affect your family, or whoever you're around, also. I guess, it boils down to me needing a sufficient escape from my current situation, reality, as it were. I just don't know how else to claim it. What is your current situation? What are your ambitions/dreams/goals? Do you exercise? Exercise has many benefits, including reducing anxiety and depression. Getting into exercise regularly can create a nice, postive 'natural high.' I understand that over-analyzing is completely exhausting. Have you ever tried writing or journaling to get your thoughts out? It can be helpful. How about music? Finding a way to release your thoughts/feelings can be very beneficial to dealing with reality. Or...how about this. Do you have any brothers or sisters? Anyone you're particularly close to? What if your brother/sister/best friend came up to you and started telling you exactly what you're telling us....what would you tell them? Would you tell them, "Oh sure, that's a great idea...go for it" Or would you be heartbroken and try to help them find actual solutions to their problems? You do have a point that they are monitored, but quite a few of prescription drugs have been pulled off of the shelves because of sometimes lethal side-effects they didn't see coming. As far as marijuana goes, yes you're right it does have that effects, but if SMOKED. The before-mentioned vaporizers don't yield those same side-effects. Not that I'll ever get the nerve to try it though, knowing me. To quickly answer your question, I'm not particularly close to anyone, but I wouldn't recommend they do what I am thinking. I suppose I view myself as more of an experiment than anything. It's odd, I think most people don't make the decision to try drugs, it just sort of happens in an instant, through peer pressure. I must be a real piece of work
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Post by MrNice on May 1, 2008 10:24:14 GMT -5
what exactly do you have in mind?
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Post by strawberrysweetie on May 1, 2008 15:11:47 GMT -5
You do have a point that they are monitored, but quite a few of prescription drugs have been pulled off of the shelves because of sometimes lethal side-effects they didn't see coming. But...that is still good. Sure, it kind of makes you more distrusting and wary of prescription drugs and the system....but at least they still continually test the drugs and monitor the side-effects of them. As Sweet Pea pointed out....accepting drugs from a random stranger off the street is far more high-risk. As far as marijuana goes, yes you're right it does have that effects, but if SMOKED. The before-mentioned vaporizers don't yield those same side-effects. To be honest...I don't get this whole vaporizer idea...I have never heard of it before. I am finding it hard to believe it would have absolutely no negative side-effects. But, I feel that is all beside the point, because you do not seem to be in search of drugs for possible positve health benefits. You even said you were interested in the "hardcore stuff." I'm thinking marijuana doesn't fit in with what you're even thinking of. To quickly answer your question, I'm not particularly close to anyone, but I wouldn't recommend they do what I am thinking. I suppose I view myself as more of an experiment than anything. This should tell you all you need to know. If it's not something you would recommend to a loved one, then it is something absolutely not worth doing to yourself. It's odd, I think most people don't make the decision to try drugs, it just sort of happens in an instant, through peer pressure. I must be a real piece of work Which means at this point, all the power is in your court. You can either take a look at your life now and decide what positive changes you can make in order to enjoy life more or you can make the horrible decision of choosing drugs as an "escape." Which, really....it'll only be an "escape" into a worse life than the one that you're living now. To actually make the conscious choice to choose to do drugs would be a very selfish decision...I hope you understand that it wouldn't just affect you. I have absolutely no idea what your home life is like or who's in your family or what, but doing drugs is not going to just affect you. I think you should seriously sit down and think about your life as it is now. Write down what you don't like about it and figure out exactly what you'd like to change about it, rather than putting all your time into an "escape" plan. All the drugs in the world will never allow you to actually escape from your life or from yourself. You are still you....it would just be an even more screwed up version of yourself. If it would help...share with us what you would like to change. Maybe someone here can offer some advice. Also, if you're searching for happiness...drugs are not the way. You're looking in the wrong place. Trust me when I say you wouldn't want to end up with an addiction...you didn't answer my question about it....but it is a terrible condition to be in. Far from glamorous.
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Post by skyhint on May 1, 2008 15:17:03 GMT -5
Who do you think will want to be your friend once you become a drug addict?
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gaia
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Post by gaia on May 1, 2008 15:35:38 GMT -5
...The before-mentioned vaporizers don't yield those same side-effects. Not that I'll ever get the nerve to try it though, knowing me... What makes you think you'd get the nerve to try something harder?
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Post by corruptedheart on May 1, 2008 18:30:09 GMT -5
You do have a point that they are monitored, but quite a few of prescription drugs have been pulled off of the shelves because of sometimes lethal side-effects they didn't see coming. But...that is still good. Sure, it kind of makes you more distrusting and wary of prescription drugs and the system....but at least they still continually test the drugs and monitor the side-effects of them. As Sweet Pea pointed out....accepting drugs from a random stranger off the street is far more high-risk. To be honest...I don't get this whole vaporizer idea...I have never heard of it before. I am finding it hard to believe it would have absolutely no negative side-effects. But, I feel that is all beside the point, because you do not seem to be in search of drugs for possible positve health benefits. You even said you were interested in the "hardcore stuff." I'm thinking marijuana doesn't fit in with what you're even thinking of. This should tell you all you need to know. If it's not something you would recommend to a loved one, then it is something absolutely not worth doing to yourself. It's odd, I think most people don't make the decision to try drugs, it just sort of happens in an instant, through peer pressure. I must be a real piece of work Which means at this point, all the power is in your court. You can either take a look at your life now and decide what positive changes you can make in order to enjoy life more or you can make the horrible decision of choosing drugs as an "escape." Which, really....it'll only be an "escape" into a worse life than the one that you're living now. To actually make the conscious choice to choose to do drugs would be a very selfish decision...I hope you understand that it wouldn't just affect you. I have absolutely no idea what your home life is like or who's in your family or what, but doing drugs is not going to just affect you. I think you should seriously sit down and think about your life as it is now. Write down what you don't like about it and figure out exactly what you'd like to change about it, rather than putting all your time into an "escape" plan. All the drugs in the world will never allow you to actually escape from your life or from yourself. You are still you....it would just be an even more screwed up version of yourself. If it would help...share with us what you would like to change. Maybe someone here can offer some advice. Also, if you're searching for happiness...drugs are not the way. You're looking in the wrong place. Trust me when I say you wouldn't want to end up with an addiction...you didn't answer my question about it....but it is a terrible condition to be in. Far from glamorous. "even more screwed up version of yourself" Well, that was nice. Anyway, it seems I'm not explaining myself adequetly enough. I appreciate the attempts, but I think I'll forget about explaining my side of things, as that doesn't usually work out well, hasn't really so far. No offense to anyone here, it's merely my communicative problems. Also, I'm going to read Aldous Huxley's "Doors to Perception" which supports the use of certain hallucinogens, it's backed by sound medical research.
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gaia
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Post by gaia on May 1, 2008 19:19:11 GMT -5
...Anyway, it seems I'm not explaining myself adequetly enough. I appreciate the attempts, but I think I'll forget about explaining my side of things, as that doesn't usually work out well, hasn't really so far. No offense to anyone here, it's merely my communicative problems... You're communicating well. The problem is, our answers are just not what you are looking for right now.
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