Addictions

[backinthegame]

With any addiction it varies person to person. Some people never like the taste of dip or smoking a cig, while others have a deep psychological need for it. It's the same thing with drugs. I have friends who've done coke, acid, etc. and don't care for it enough to buy more. But on the other hand I've seen many people's lives be ruined due to drugs (Primarily meth, opium, and heroin). Earlier in the thread the question was asked "Why? Why even do it in the first place?" And I think the best answer to that is the people who you hang around. I have never met anyone who decided one day "Hmm, I think I'll try and find a meth dealer today and try some of that. It did look pretty fun on breaking bad." It has everything to do with the crowd you're around. Not only the pressure from "friends" but also the feeling of invincibility and the "Well I just want to try it and see how it is" attitude. The people around you either bring you down or lift you up, it's as simple as that.

I agree. While at the same time no one thinks " I think I'll go make friends with a bunch of meth heads." And while I normally do not think people are a product of their environment I do in this case. The why question is going to be different for most people. I saw my older siblings doing these things And I followed suit. That and eventually I was on my own and needed sonething to keep me going, physically, to work two jobs and go to school. But I do believe you have to remove yourself from the environment if you ever want to stop. Crazy as it sounds I had to go to my alcoholic fathers and have him lock me in te house for detox. Never had to tell him what was going on, just that no matter what I said or did do not let me out of the house. Took a few weeks. After that I disassociated with the " friends" that didn't support what I was doing and ultimately I moved off, far away from the comfort zone of those friends.
As several others have stated, I don't regret any of it. Made me who I am today.

[GatorBait]

I did a lot of partying (drugs, alcohol, women) when I was 19. It lasted about 4 or 5 years, until I woke up and had lost my job making good money and was working for 8 bucks an hour. I didn't have a vehicle, a house, nothing. I quit the drugs, which were the problem. I still drink beer socially, I go weeks without drinking and do not experience any problems like anxiety or withdrawals. But almost every day I think about the "good-times" and I am glad they are gone. I dropped everything when I met my wife and had my daughter. Sometimes you have to step back and realize you are not a child anymore and that other people look up to you. I am now addicted to my 5 year old's attention, I love it and can't get enough of it. I think I saw my dad drink maybe 2 beers. I lost my dad when I was 19, and fell into a bad spiral. I didn't realize how much he shaped my own personality and character, until he was gone. I know for me I started partying and didn't even realize what had happened until it already happened, then I decided that was enough and quit. Just need will power and a belief in something greater than yourself.

[backinthegame]

Great thoughts gator

[WyoBull]

I have read through every one of these posts and wow, what hard hitting information many of you have laid out willingly, hopefully for the benefit of others.
Most of the testimonies and experiences center around illegal drugs and and a legal one, alcohol.
What is curious to me is how many people have commented negatively on the other post while sitting there with a big chew in their mouth? Smokeless tobacco is a huge problem in our state and I know it is in Texas as well.
I see the threads about quitting and applaud those who have been able to kick the habit. Like cigarettes, it is very addictive and is like playing Russian Roulette with cancer every time you take a dip.
It is not just the illegal drugs that people are addicted to, it can be the very legal substances as well.

[Artos]

I have read through every one of these posts and wow, what hard hitting information many of you have laid out willingly, hopefully for the benefit of others.
Most of the testimonies and experiences center around illegal drugs and and a legal one, alcohol.
What is curious to me is how many people have commented negatively on the other post while sitting there with a big chew in their mouth? Smokeless tobacco is a huge problem in our state and I know it is in Texas as well.
I see the threads about quitting and applaud those who have been able to kick the habit. Like cigarettes, it is very addictive and is like playing Russian Roulette with cancer every time you take a dip.
It is not just the illegal drugs that people are addicted to, it can be the very legal substances as well.

I have read and heard several reports that coming off cigs is as tough as it gets...comparable to heroin like Blake explained so well?? I find hard to believe.

I had zero problems quitting dipping after about 10-12 months of use back in my 20's...others here have pointed out it is the toughest thing they have ever done. The brain is a crazy thing!!

[Graysonhogs]

I have read and heard several reports that coming off cigs is as tough as it gets...comparable to heroin like Blake explained so well?? I find hard to believe.



I had zero problems quitting dipping after about 10-12 months of use back in my 20's...others here have pointed out it is the toughest thing they have ever done. The brain is a crazy thing!!

I know it's different for everybody but I quit a pack and a half a day habit cold turkey. Been 11 years. Nicotine withdrawals last 3 days, the rest is in your head

[quarterback]

Watched my brother die of a heart attack from a violent seizure. At age 24. All because he couldn't control using/overusing drugs and alcohol. His body just couldn't take it. He was a 6'3'', blond haired green-eyed handsome and physically fit young man. He loved life but had the personality of "if a little is good a lot must be even better" when it came to drugs and alcohol. The really sad part is, he was actually starting to turn his life around and focus on his future. Had a good job, was going to college, all that. Needless to say, none of us saw that coming.

When you're young you want to adopt the 10 ft. tall and bulletproof mentality. I want to caution all of the young people here to wear that badge with caution. Please take a step back and reconsider what could happen if you don't exercise common sense. Better yet, don't put yourself in that place to begin with. You seriously are not missing anything by not getting high. Embrace life. Enjoy your youth. Just use some common sense and do it with sobriety. Sorry for the long read.

[Spener54]

I have never personally dealt with a hardcore addiction. I dip snuff and that may be my biggest vice now. But in 2004 after fallujah and losing friends, brothers, I turned to drinking beers. Not just a few but a lot, most of us did. We had to do something to deal with everything we saw and went thru. Although I have overcome the drinking to excess thanks to my wonderful wife I have other issues.
Recently in my life other things have gotten to me and pulled me away from the wife that saved me. I am working to repair the damage I have done and praise god she once again is standing by me and pulling me thru. God truly put an angel in my life to keep me grounded.
I grew away from god durning my time in the Corps. But with everything that has happened in the last six months I have started to reconcile my differences with him. People like Tim(tmag) who has meet me once in life has been a sounding board and a friend for me to lean on in faith, thank you Tim.
All that being said addiction can come in so many forms that it is impossible to understand the who, what, when's, and why it all starts. It can and will most likely become a destructive force in that person that will bleed the life from them and those around them.

[JDL]

I'm addicted to bowhunting. I hope to stay that way. Lol. Folks my dad got me in the outdoors at a young age. Growing up I was in the woods most of the time. I wasn't around drugs or people that were associated with drugs. I lived to bowhunt!! Not partying and do stupid stuff. I'm still that way today at 31. Bowhunting and being out in Gods great creation is my addiction. Get your kids out there and teach them the hunting heritage. It'll pay off in the long run. It doesn't seem what we do or where we go there are drugs in every culture these days but with the hunting outdoor life style sure gives our kids the chance for a good addiction.

I'm right there with ya hoss. Same age and story.

Anyone ever feel guilty for spending so much time bowhunting or thinking about it?

[Bluesman]

Just now learned that my cousin lost her husband to an overdose of pain meds this morning in Burleson.
I didn't know the guy but it sounds like he was able to refill an expired prescription for a controlled substance.
Every system broke down as well as his mind. Such a shame.