Author Topic: The addictions thread  (Read 65162 times)

0 Members and 3 Guests are viewing this topic.

Offline jingle.boy

  • I'm so ronery; so sad and ronery
  • DTF.org Alumni
  • ****
  • Posts: 44542
  • Gender: Male
  • DTF's resident deceased dictator
Re: The addictions thread
« Reply #140 on: May 28, 2013, 01:38:53 PM »
It's an awesome accomplishment to get sober, especially the first time trying, and achieve two years of continuous sobriety.  I've battled addiction longer than I care to admit and I have rarely come out on the winning side. 


Someone once asked me what it was like to be addicted to drugs or alcohol.  I explained it this way:


1. Blow every ounce of air out of your lungs and then hold your breath right there.
2. When you have reached one minute without inhaling, think about how it feels needing to just take that next breath.
3. Think about what it might feel like to have a need that powerful 24/7/365, because that's what it's like being an addict.

Wow.  Not sure what else to say.  That's a pretty powerful statement.
That's a word salad - and take it from me, I know word salad
I fear for the day when something happens on the right that is SO nuts that even Stadler says "That's crazy".
Quote from: Puppies_On_Acid
Remember the mark of a great vocalist is if TAC hates them with a special passion

Offline kirksnosehair

  • DTF.org Alumni
  • ****
  • Posts: 8521
  • Gender: Male
  • Bryce & Kylie's Grandpa
Re: The addictions thread
« Reply #141 on: May 28, 2013, 01:45:42 PM »
There have been studies on addiction that have shown that opiate addiction in particular stimulates a part of the human brain that is very closely related to our most basic survival instincts, such as "Fight or Flight" and "Kill or Be Killed" type instincts.  It explains why drug addicts can be so cunning and ruthless in their pursuit of that next fix/hit/pill/shot.




Offline TioJorge

  • Constantly Contorting
  • Posts: 7082
  • Gender: Male
  • Ashes to ashes, fun to funky.
Re: The addictions thread
« Reply #142 on: May 28, 2013, 01:56:19 PM »
I'm addicted to pokemon right now.

DTP says "WOW, LOOK AT THAT GREAT POST"
RIP DTP.

Online lonestar

  • DTF Executive Chef
  • Official DTF Tour Guide
  • ****
  • Posts: 29691
  • Gender: Male
  • Silly Hatted Knife Chucker
Re: The addictions thread
« Reply #143 on: May 28, 2013, 02:52:58 PM »
There have been studies on addiction that have shown that opiate addiction in particular stimulates a part of the human brain that is very closely related to our most basic survival instincts, such as "Fight or Flight" and "Kill or Be Killed" type instincts.  It explains why drug addicts can be so cunning and ruthless in their pursuit of that next fix/hit/pill/shot.

This was one of the first things in therapy I learned, and I held onto it strongly. Once I heard about guys drinking on donor livers and other more gruesome stories of desparation, I developed a deep, deep respect for the disease.

Offline Kotowboy

  • Yes THAT Kotowboy.
  • DTF.org Alumni
  • ****
  • Posts: 28561
  • Gender: Male
Re: The addictions thread
« Reply #144 on: May 29, 2013, 12:25:14 AM »
As a non-drinker I can't understand things like

Students who you know are only there to spend their student loan on booze. I had a friend who would go out at the weekend purely

" to see where I wake up. " and was always moaning about being skint.

And I overheard a group of guys talking about going out and getting drunk and one of them went :

( in typical dopey teen voice ) " Uhhh its's like...I never intend to do out and get drunk but it's like...my brain won't let me stay sober...it's really weird y'know ? "

 :lol

Now, I'm not here to poke fun at anyone with a genuine problem but as a non-drinker it's always fascinated me and perplexed me how

People only start drinking / smoking so they can fit in with their leery, rowdy mates who would take the piss if they didn't drink.

i'll never understand how people just force themselves to overcome their initial hatred for alcohol just so they can be part of a clique.

" Oh, you have to get used to the taste of alcohol first. "

Mmmm. If I don't like the taste of something - I don't normally force myself to 'get used to it' just to be one of the guys.


I once knew a guy who was completely anti-smoking and eventually just started because

" Oh, I hated when my friends would go outside for a smoke and I couldn't join them because I don't smoke. "

 ??? I forgot it was impossible to talk and not smoke.

Online lonestar

  • DTF Executive Chef
  • Official DTF Tour Guide
  • ****
  • Posts: 29691
  • Gender: Male
  • Silly Hatted Knife Chucker
Re: The addictions thread
« Reply #145 on: May 29, 2013, 12:40:14 AM »
Everyone's different man, and some people's need for acceptance is stronger than their need for self preservation. Me, from the get go at a very young age, I always used/drank for annihilation.

Offline adastra

  • Posts: 785
Re: The addictions thread
« Reply #146 on: May 29, 2013, 01:48:27 AM »
I stopped smoking by switching it to using Snus  ;D
Now i've been using snus for like 6 yrs. Good stuff.
Stay by my side / as I fade / so you can point to the end of my struggle /and the twilight of eternal days / at the low, dark edge of life.

Offline Tick

  • It's time to make a change
  • DTF.org Member
  • *
  • Posts: 9762
  • Gender: Male
  • Just another tricky day for you
Re: The addictions thread
« Reply #147 on: May 29, 2013, 06:08:23 AM »


People only start drinking / smoking so they can fit in with their leery, rowdy mates who would take the piss if they didn't drink.

I started drinking and doing drugs as a teen to escape into a world of pain and numb myself from it.. I came from extreme dysfunction in my home and it was often a scary place. My father was a big drinker and a very violent guy. I have seen some things that definitely left some permanent scars. So no offense but a statement like this says you are a bit out of touch with the true reality of life for many. If you started your sentence with, "many" I would have no problem with it.
If you don't relate to what I'm saying you are a lucky man.
Yup. Tick is dead on.  She's not your type.  Move on.   Tick is Obi Wan Kenobi


Offline Kotowboy

  • Yes THAT Kotowboy.
  • DTF.org Alumni
  • ****
  • Posts: 28561
  • Gender: Male
Re: The addictions thread
« Reply #148 on: May 29, 2013, 06:31:41 AM »
I said it perplexed me how people start drinking only to fit in.


I didn't explicitly say everyone does that.


I had a violent upbringing too. Instead of turning to narcotics etc - I simply have no self esteem whatsoever instead.  :)



Offline Tick

  • It's time to make a change
  • DTF.org Member
  • *
  • Posts: 9762
  • Gender: Male
  • Just another tricky day for you
Re: The addictions thread
« Reply #149 on: May 29, 2013, 06:39:34 AM »
I said it perplexed me how people start drinking only to fit in.


I didn't explicitly say everyone does that.


I had a violent upbringing too. Instead of turning to narcotics etc - I simply have no self esteem whatsoever instead.  :)
Sorry to hear you dealt with violence as well. For me I became the guy that always had to stand out in a crowd. The life of the party, always keep them laughing. It fueled me and made me feel self worth.

That's why I became a lead singer is a band. (still am) It gave me an ultimate feeling of acceptance, power, and control.
Yup. Tick is dead on.  She's not your type.  Move on.   Tick is Obi Wan Kenobi


Offline kirksnosehair

  • DTF.org Alumni
  • ****
  • Posts: 8521
  • Gender: Male
  • Bryce & Kylie's Grandpa
Re: The addictions thread
« Reply #150 on: May 29, 2013, 07:46:12 AM »
Drugs were an escape for me as well.  I was subjected to physical abuse including torture severe beatings - things that would leave big enough marks on my body that my parents would keep me home from school until those marks faded enough to be explained as "normal wear and tear for a kid"  ::)


Drugs, booze and generally being a wild and out of control thug/punk/criminal were just how I responded to that type of treatment.




Offline MajorMatt

  • DT.net Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 591
  • Gender: Male
Re: The addictions thread
« Reply #151 on: May 29, 2013, 07:53:18 AM »
I seem to have developed what is probably classed as an addiction to smoking when I've had a few drinks.

I normally hate the things, cannot stand one drag of a cigarette when sober, and I was massively anti-smoking until I came to uni.

I started having a couple of cigarettes on nights out to clubs/bars around November 2010, just 'cause I was offered one and enjoyed the heightened buzz from the mix of booze and tobacco. Fast forward a couple of months and I'm now also having a couple if I go to the pub for a few drinks or if I'm having a movie/drinking night with friends.

I've maintained this level of smoking for over 2 years now, with the amount per week being around 10, sometimes as many as 20 if I have a particularly busy social calendar that week. I can go as long as I want without a cigarette and not get any sort of craving unless I get those first few beers in my belly.

I don't plan on doing this forever, and am aiming to stop when I finish uni and have to settle down into the real world. I did try those e-cigarettes at one point as a healthier alternative, but I found I do not get the buzz I seek. I can only assume this comes from the carbon monoxide in real cigs, and it is that lack of oxygen to the brain, not the nicotine, which I enjoy/crave (much like a Nitrous Oxide addict).

Do you think this level of smoking, say 10 a week for 3 years, is that harmful in the long term?

Offline Akasha

  • DTF.org Alumni
  • ****
  • Posts: 255
  • Gender: Female
Re: The addictions thread
« Reply #152 on: May 29, 2013, 08:43:56 AM »
Drugs for me was an escape from me as well. I had to numb myself from the abuse in my life. Even now I have trouble handling the memories. I'm doing better then I was a few months ago. I didn't use or drink because my friends did.

Offline Kotowboy

  • Yes THAT Kotowboy.
  • DTF.org Alumni
  • ****
  • Posts: 28561
  • Gender: Male
Re: The addictions thread
« Reply #153 on: May 29, 2013, 09:04:09 AM »
I said it perplexed me how people start drinking only to fit in.


I didn't explicitly say everyone does that.


I had a violent upbringing too. Instead of turning to narcotics etc - I simply have no self esteem whatsoever instead.  :)
Sorry to hear you dealt with violence as well. For me I became the guy that always had to stand out in a crowd. The life of the party, always keep them laughing. It fueled me and made me feel self worth.

That's why I became a lead singer is a band. (still am) It gave me an ultimate feeling of acceptance, power, and control.

:lol Everything you said Is the exact opposite of me. I hate social situations. I tried being a frontman and absolutely hated it.

I don't mind being a guitarist or drummer as long as all the attention isn't on me, ergo - I hate soloing at jam night because that means i'm in the spotlight.

My ambitions for being a successful musician were always mocked growing up so it was bound to affect me.

Although I have used humour myself to help. Gallows humour ya might say. :P

For the heck of it - I looked up signs of being depressed online and there were like 5 symptoms and I could put a big fat green tick next to each of them but I don't want to be on medication so I don't really want to visit the GP.

It's been especially bad recently as i've been unemployed for a few months - I get really bad during winter and now I just well up at the slightest f---ing thing :lol

Hey Ho. :)

Offline Kotowboy

  • Yes THAT Kotowboy.
  • DTF.org Alumni
  • ****
  • Posts: 28561
  • Gender: Male
Re: The addictions thread
« Reply #154 on: May 29, 2013, 09:06:17 AM »
Do you think this level of smoking, say 10 a week for 3 years, is that harmful in the long term?

I'm no expert but that doesn't sound like a huge amount to me. I've heard that your lungs can clean themselves up if you quit soon enough.


Or something. Perhaps look up online ?

Offline Cable

  • Posts: 1513
  • Gender: Male
Re: The addictions thread
« Reply #155 on: May 31, 2013, 03:08:41 AM »

I formerly was addicted to pornography.  I know people don't label that as an addiction, but frankly it was a very difficult struggle for me from preteen in early college.  I don't like to play the comparison game, but from what I know about porn addiction, I didn't have it as bad what many have described it to me as.  It was bad enough for me to feel like I needed help.  I was blessed to have good men in my life who could help me walk out of that mess.



It is on one hand, because it is a behavior that is addicting due to the feeling or outcome. There may or not be a brain chemical attached to all addictive behavior; I could not find what I heard a long while ago in my studies, but I wouldn't discount it.

On the other hand, sex addiction will not be in the DSM V as an official diagnosis, and so that rules out porn addiction basically. I would say most treating practitioners/clinicians, myself included, believe it is one though.
---

Offline Kotowboy

  • Yes THAT Kotowboy.
  • DTF.org Alumni
  • ****
  • Posts: 28561
  • Gender: Male
Re: The addictions thread
« Reply #156 on: May 31, 2013, 08:54:16 AM »
I wonder where you draw the line between addiction and just really liking something :p

Is it when you cannot function without it ?


Offline Cable

  • Posts: 1513
  • Gender: Male
Re: The addictions thread
« Reply #157 on: May 31, 2013, 11:50:56 AM »
I wonder where you draw the line between addiction and just really liking something :p

Is it when you cannot function without it ?


In basic terms I would say yes. When it basically impairs normal, society expected functioning in one's life. That is why we have the term functional alcoholic, as they drink way too much, but it does not impair their personal or professional life.

---

Offline Kotowboy

  • Yes THAT Kotowboy.
  • DTF.org Alumni
  • ****
  • Posts: 28561
  • Gender: Male
Re: The addictions thread
« Reply #158 on: May 31, 2013, 12:08:31 PM »
There was a guy who I used to work with who had to go home from work early to get to the pub because he was actually dependant on alcohol.

I don't know if that was true or not but he was a horrible person anyway :lol


Offline wkiml

  • DTF.org Alumni
  • ****
  • Posts: 3925
  • Gender: Male
Re: The addictions thread
« Reply #159 on: May 31, 2013, 02:35:00 PM »
i was physically addicted to alcohol..if I didn't have a drink I would get the shakes ( tremors ) to the point I couldn't sign my name orhold a glass of water. The chemical dependency became so much that I couldn't function without it . Also alcohol withdrawal can kill you (Grand Mal seizure) which is why you are always supervised by a doctor in either a detox center or hospital when quitting
Quote from: senecadawg2 on July 17, 2012, 10:54:32 PM
In defense of peanut butter...

try getting the neighbor's dog to lick your balls with a spoonful of chummus.

Offline Dublagent66

  • Devouring consciousness...
  • DTF.org Alumni
  • ****
  • Posts: 9695
  • Gender: Male
  • ...Digesting power
Re: The addictions thread
« Reply #160 on: May 31, 2013, 03:45:41 PM »
I wonder where you draw the line between addiction and just really liking something :p

Is it when you cannot function without it ?

I'm not sure.  There's a really fine line.  I've been smoking cigarettes for 28 years but was never a heavy smoker.  Half a pack or slightly more per day on average.  I quit smoking at work nearly 20 years ago.  I don't think about it much while I'm at work and can function pretty well, but when I get home, that's the first thing I do.  It does seem to have a physical affect on me if I go more than a day without smoking but it also depends on where I am at the time.  If I'm not at home, it doesn't affect me as much.  I went to NY for week and only smoked a pack the whole week.  I guess I was just too busy doing things instead of sitting in my house in front of the TV.  That's when I smoke the most.  I could probably quit if I wanted to, but I really like smoking.   They say, you have to want to quit first. I think that's my problem.  Not so much the physical addiction, but the fact that I enjoy it too much to want to quit.  But, that's just me.
"Two things are infinite; the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe." -Albert Einstein
"There's not a pill you can take.  There's not a class you can go to.  Stupid is foreva."  -Ron White

Offline MetalJunkie

  • EZBoard Elder
  • *****
  • Posts: 6970
  • Gender: Male
Re: The addictions thread
« Reply #161 on: June 01, 2013, 12:49:59 PM »
I still dip, but I haven't smoked a cigarette in 10 months. Quit cold turkey, haven't even had a desire to smoke one. The desire must be there somewhere, because every once in a while I'll dream that I "gave in" and smoked a cigarette.
Listen! Do you smell something?

Offline gmillerdrake

  • Proud Father.....Blessed Husband
  • DTF.org Alumni
  • ****
  • Posts: 19148
  • Gender: Male
  • 1 Timothy 2:5
Re: The addictions thread
« Reply #162 on: June 01, 2013, 01:26:44 PM »
I still dip, but I haven't smoked a cigarette in 10 months. Quit cold turkey, haven't even had a desire to smoke one. The desire must be there somewhere, because every once in a while I'll dream that I "gave in" and smoked a cigarette.
I used to chew and dip (Red Man Golden Blend and Kodiak) non stop. Started when I was 14 because I was a baseball player and that's what we thought was 'cool'. Later in life I became a social smoker as well, only when I drank, but always maintained the chewing addiction.
  When I turned 26 I was beyond a social smoker....smoking about a pack of KOOL methals a day...on top of about a can a day chewing habit. I had nicotine entering my body in some fashion nearly all the hours I was awake. I sat and thought about it one night and I had a hear to heart with myself and said "self....you never envisioned living your life as someone addicted to nicotine....so stop" I decided to pick the date 'August 1st' as my cold turkey quit date...which gave me a good three months to say 'goodbye' to nicotine. The August date was significant because that was the year anniversary of me surviving a snake bite from a Western Diamondback Rattlesnake.
   So, at midnight when the clock struck twelve....I spat my last chew spit and stopped cold turkey. That was 12 years ago...this august will be 13. Other than the first month or so I can say I don't miss it at all and honestly when I smell an open can or bag of chew I weez a bit and I cannot stand the smell of cigarette smoke at all.
   
Without Faith.....Without Hope.....There can be No Peace of Mind

Offline Kotowboy

  • Yes THAT Kotowboy.
  • DTF.org Alumni
  • ****
  • Posts: 28561
  • Gender: Male
Re: The addictions thread
« Reply #163 on: June 01, 2013, 01:35:08 PM »
It's a weird one for me.

For whatever reason - ( I have absolutely no idea what it is ) - i've just never been remotely interested in trying a cigarette or getting drunk.

I've had alcoholic drinks every once in a while so i'm not going to be Mr. Holier Than thou - but as a rule - I don't touch it.

From as young as I can remember - i've just always been vehemently against trends and it continues to this day.

For example - I have no problem saying I dislike Star Wars - even though you're apparently supposed to love it.

Also I absolutely despise football. But you can't say that in a group of "blokes".

[ I even had a so-called friend once who couldn't understand this and said he was determined to get me drunk, because everyone has to get drunk at some point in their life apparently ? ]

Not interested in cars really except for aesthetic reasons. V8's and Torque etc - I have no idea what you are saying.

Never been into wearing what everyone else is wearing. I've never owned skintight jeans for example.


In summary - I don't know what instilled this in me from a very early age but i've always been against whatever is "trendy"

Or whatever you're apparently "supposed" to like.


Online lonestar

  • DTF Executive Chef
  • Official DTF Tour Guide
  • ****
  • Posts: 29691
  • Gender: Male
  • Silly Hatted Knife Chucker
Re: The addictions thread
« Reply #164 on: July 15, 2013, 09:23:24 AM »
Day three without a cigarette. :RJ:



(That's an ecig in my emotes mouth now)

Offline BlobVanDam

  • Future Boy
  • DTF.org Alumni
  • ****
  • Posts: 38940
  • Gender: Male
  • Transform and rock out!
Re: The addictions thread
« Reply #165 on: July 15, 2013, 09:28:53 AM »
Day three without a cigarette. :RJ:



(That's an ecig in my emotes mouth now)

Nice job, bud. :tup
Only King could mis-spell a LETTER.
Yep. I think the only party in the MP/DT situation that hasn't moved on is DTF.

Offline jingle.boy

  • I'm so ronery; so sad and ronery
  • DTF.org Alumni
  • ****
  • Posts: 44542
  • Gender: Male
  • DTF's resident deceased dictator
Re: The addictions thread
« Reply #166 on: July 15, 2013, 09:31:32 AM »
Day three without a cigarette. :RJ:



(That's an ecig in my emotes mouth now)

No shit!  good on ya.
That's a word salad - and take it from me, I know word salad
I fear for the day when something happens on the right that is SO nuts that even Stadler says "That's crazy".
Quote from: Puppies_On_Acid
Remember the mark of a great vocalist is if TAC hates them with a special passion

Offline Akasha

  • DTF.org Alumni
  • ****
  • Posts: 255
  • Gender: Female
Re: The addictions thread
« Reply #167 on: July 15, 2013, 09:34:49 AM »
Day three without a cigarette. :RJ:



(That's an ecig in my emotes mouth now)

So proud of you. I have been after you to quit for awhile.

Online lonestar

  • DTF Executive Chef
  • Official DTF Tour Guide
  • ****
  • Posts: 29691
  • Gender: Male
  • Silly Hatted Knife Chucker
Re: The addictions thread
« Reply #168 on: July 15, 2013, 09:41:44 AM »
Day three without a cigarette. :RJ:



(That's an ecig in my emotes mouth now)

So proud of you. I have been after you to quit for awhile.

Shit Kym,you got nothing on my mom in the nagging department.

Online Chino

  • Be excellent to each other.
  • DT.net Veteran
  • ****
  • Posts: 25281
  • Gender: Male
Re: The addictions thread
« Reply #169 on: July 15, 2013, 09:48:11 AM »
Day three without a cigarette. :RJ:



(That's an ecig in my emotes mouth now)

So proud of you. I have been after you to quit for awhile.

Shit Kym,you got nothing on my mom in the nagging department.

That's got to be tough being a chef. Working in catering made me want to smoke almost as much as drinking does. Best of luck  :tup

Offline Akasha

  • DTF.org Alumni
  • ****
  • Posts: 255
  • Gender: Female
Re: The addictions thread
« Reply #170 on: July 15, 2013, 09:56:36 AM »
Day three without a cigarette. :RJ:



(That's an ecig in my emotes mouth now)

So proud of you. I have been after you to quit for awhile.

Shit Kym,you got nothing on my mom in the nagging department.

I'm glad she also nagged you!

Offline sueño

  • Posts: 1526
  • How Dare I Be So Beautiful?
Re: The addictions thread
« Reply #171 on: July 15, 2013, 11:33:27 AM »
This is a fascinating thread.  I must say I believe I'm more like kotowboy in my thoughts about drinking and drugs - I've never been drunk (although I do enjoy alcohol on social occasions).  I love wine with meals.  But I do not drink when I am depressed or down; it just makes me feel worse.  Only jolly or neutral drinking for me!  :)  And it's never been necessary in order for me to enjoy myself or "put myself out there" in social situations or in fronting the band I used to sing with.  Plus fitting in with the crowd has never been a strong desire.  They can like me as I am or move along.

Drugs -- no.  The possibility of situations or my own self getting out of my control is frightening to me.  I like keeping my wits about me.   :P  And I'd never have the money for it.

Cigarettes -- never saw the appeal.  Doesn't look good, smell good, ruins your body...using tobacco is fairly grotesque IMO.

I definitely have other issues in my life and I battle with depression and feelings of low self-esteem that really reduce my motivations in life.  Sleep is more my "drug" of choice but even that is not as refreshing as it once was.  :(

I just wanted to say how much I appreciate you guys' openness, diligence and strength with fighting something that could permanently injure you.  I really respect you all -- well done to you!   :hefdaddy
"We spend most of our lives convinced we’re the protagonist of the story, but we rarely realize that we’re just supporting characters in everybody else’s story. Nobody thinks about you as much as you do."

Offline kirksnosehair

  • DTF.org Alumni
  • ****
  • Posts: 8521
  • Gender: Male
  • Bryce & Kylie's Grandpa
Re: The addictions thread
« Reply #172 on: July 15, 2013, 12:42:40 PM »
Day three without a cigarette. :RJ:



(That's an ecig in my emotes mouth now)


Did you switch to e-cigs or quit smoking entirely?  Curious.


I think the switch to e-cigs is at least a good first step towards giving them up completely.  I have a friend who eventually quit that way.




Online chknptpie

  • DTF.org Member
  • *
  • Posts: 3745
  • Gender: Female
Re: The addictions thread
« Reply #173 on: July 15, 2013, 12:54:05 PM »
Sweet deal RJ! What kind did you go for? I haven't taken that step yet. My sister did, but still smokes the normal ones too.

Online lonestar

  • DTF Executive Chef
  • Official DTF Tour Guide
  • ****
  • Posts: 29691
  • Gender: Male
  • Silly Hatted Knife Chucker
Re: The addictions thread
« Reply #174 on: July 15, 2013, 01:07:12 PM »
I switched to ecigs,got the refillable vaporizer unit and can control my nicotine levels. Working really well so far.