WHOSE FAULT IS IT?

[Duchess]

I just read this comment - "people don't understand that when you're a drug addict it's not your fault."

In your opinion, where does the blame lie?

[SIXFOOTERsez]

Uhh, Yes, it is your fault

[ramseycat]

I think as should blame it on CN.

[Eat Shit And Die]

It depends, case to case.

[Cynical Ninja]

Unless someone forces the needle in your arm its 100% your fault, addicts are just weak willed people.

Like Sal and her daily beer buzz.

[sally]

Unless someone forces the needle in your arm its 100% your fault, addicts are just weak willed people.

Like Sal and her daily beer buzz.

Quit mentioning me in every one of your posts just because you're bitter that I pointed out your unhealthy eating habits, cock sucker.

[Duchess]

I guess you haven't seen the thread you inspired him to start.

[sally]

I saw his dumb, pathetic attempt to make himself look good after contradicting himself.

The only person you have to blame for your own actions is yourself. It doesn't matter if you have an addictive personality or not, no one forced you to try it and continue using it until you're hopelessly addicted. You have no one to blame but yourself.

[aussiefriend]

It's not your fault, that's true. Addiction is a disease. It needs to be treated as someone living with a disease. That means tough love and not enabling and pandering to the disease. Not letting it run your life.

There are those who are more predisposed than others. I have seen many patients who are drug addicts and some whose addiction had been so chronic it has led to a drug induced psychosis. It is important to note some of these patients (not all) come from poor backgrounds with poor role models and some are the victims of childhood abuse. They are survivors. I try not to judge them, because if it was me, I may not be alive.

[sally]

Of course some people are more predisposed to addiction than others, but the fact that they tried it and continued to use it until they were physically addicted is all on them.

[aussiefriend]

It's such a complex issue with psychological factors at play. That is why it needs specialist treatment. I am not a specialist in this area of practice and my background knowledge is limited. I don't think that we can judge others, we don't know their history we are not walking in their shoes. Does not mean that I don't think that they should not be held accountable for any criminal behaviour that their addiction leads them to. Absolutely.

[sally]

How come being addicted to tobacco isn't considered a disease? Because it's not a mind altering substance that makes you do stupid shit, that's why. Never mind that it's been proven to be the top addictive substance and hardest habit to break.

In the end it only comes down to some people are more predisposed to addiction than others. It's not disease and the only way to break it is will power.

[aussiefriend]

It is considered a drug with some addiction specialists. But the consequences are minimal and their are interventions available (patches, gum, inhalers) which makes it more treatable.

[sally]

I don't know, after watching my dad struggle with both alcoholism and drugs for years ultimately to kill himself with it, I don't feel it was a disease like I once did. It's an addiction and you simply have the will power to get over it or you don't. Hooking up with other druggies at NA doesn't help.

You don't get a sneak preview of what you're gonna go through, but most people know sticking a needle in your arm isn't going to lead to anything great.

[Duchess]

I notice that many people with substance abuse issues always seem to blame someone other than themselves for their problems, they don't accept personal responsibility and that's when I start seeing them as excuse making bitches.

[Duchess]

Speaking of addictions. I just read this -

In an effort to curb the spread of disease among drug users, Vancouver has become home to Canada's very first crackpipe vending machines.

Installed on the city's Downtown Eastside, the machines offer Pyrex crackpipes for only 25 cents.





Story

[thekid65]

I just read this comment - "people don't understand that when you're a drug addict it's not your fault."

In your opinion, where does the blame lie?

Whose fault is it if one is a diabetic? The overwhelming consensus of the medical community is that addiction to drugs and alcohol is a disease. And if that is not enough for you...one would think that if insurance companies cover the cost for treatment, then they too consider it a disease. You all know good and well that those cheap bastards won't pay for anything they don't have to.

And yeah, yeah...I've seen/heard the typical arguments that no one is holding a gun to the addicts head to make him/her use..so therefore it's a choice, not a disease. The thing is, it's a disease of the brain. One that inhibits a person from making rational decisions.

Where I tend to be unsympathetic, is the ones that use the disease thing as an excuse, and don't get treatment (much like the example cited in Duchess' OP). That irritates me as well. I would not feel sorry for the diabetic who got sicker and sicker because he/she did not seek treatment for their disease.

If anyone would care to educate themselves, and have about an hour to kill...check out the video below. Your eyes may be opened a little bit, and you might be better able to make an informed opinion on this subject. Mccauley is an excellent speaker, very knowledgeable, and puts his opinions in a very easy to understand presentation. Also, has a great video out called Pleasure Unwoven, if ya got an addict in your life, it's well worth the $30 for the video.

[Duchess]

I would not feel sorry for the diabetic who got sicker and sicker because he/she did not seek treatment for their disease.

I like this analogy because I waffle back & forth on how I feel about this subject. I am more apt to have compassion for someone who is struggling but has also taken the bull by the horns and is doing something to help themselves. I have no pity for excuse making bitches and those who assign blame to others for their very own problems. I don't make excuses in my own life and I own my own bs & I expect others to do the same.

[HairOfTheDog]

I'm glad that you sought treatment and have made a lifetime commitment, Kid - not easy. Your post makes a lot of sense to me and I will watch the video soon.

Sally made a point that I'm curious about. I've had both a friend and a family member relapse and end up using/drinking with friends who they met in group meetings, like it seems sally's dad did.

I know every person/addict is unique, but in your experience, in general, do AA and NA offer critical group support systems that help addicts maintain sobriety in the long run, or is it better to stay away from other users altogether? I have mixed, but somewhat negative feelings about such group settings based only on my limited experience.

[Cynical Ninja]

Quit mentioning me in every one of your posts just because you're bitter that I pointed out your unhealthy eating habits, cock sucker.

Oh I haven't finished with that thread nicotine hag not by a long shot! It sometimes takes me longer to respond because I'm very busy now and don't have as much spare time as you have domestic soup chicken.

Never confuse a delayed reply with a none existant “win”, pussy muncher. I will be back in that thread to bend you over and stick my forum cock up your sweaty gaping anus as per usual don't worry!