WHOSE FAULT IS IT?

[crash]

Nobody should be surprised about your little over share there. The internet is a haven for people with addictive tendencies..

[Duchess]

I think personal physicians play a bigger role than ever before in addictions. That's probably arguable but there are a shit ton of addicts out there who don't view themselves as that because they are using prescribed drugs from their Dr.'s and not street drugs.

[sally]

I don't think it's fair that I'm the resident drunk when there are more alcoholics here than you can shake a stick at. I'm not even an alcoholic, I've been working out steadily and haven't drank at all just for the sake of toned abs.

[Duchess]

I am a functioning addict.

I used to know someone like that. She once told me she started drinking in the mornings just to feel "normal" so she could go about the business of her day, that her first drinks of the day weren't even to get drunk but to feel capable. I thought that was so sad.

[sally]

I am a functioning addict.

I used to know someone like that. She once told me she started drinking in the mornings just to feel "normal" so she could go about the business of her day, that her first drinks of the day weren't even to get drunk but to feel capable. I thought that was so sad.

My dad was like that too. Like most people have a couple cups of coffee before work he'd have a couple glasses of gin.

[crash]

I've been working out steadily and haven't drank at all just for the sake of toned abs.

Trading the six pack for a six pack, Sal?

[sally]

I don't quite want a six pack, I personally don't think that's the most attractive thing on a female. But I'd like to reduce my overall body fat percentage by just a little even though I'm at a normal weight.

[FAHQTOO]

I think personal physicians play a bigger role than ever before in addictions. That's probably arguable but there are a shit ton of addicts out there who don't view themselves as that because they are using prescribed drugs from their Dr.'s and not street drugs.

There's really nothing to argue about. Prescription drugs are the number one choice right now.

Prescription drugs are all over the streets.

I'll stick to my weed.

[Duchess]

There's really nothing to argue about.

I don't think so either but you know how it goes in here sometimes.

Like you I'll stick to my weed.

Ready?

[thekid65]

Yeah...the "functioning addict"....you'd be surprised how well you think you are functioning, compared to reality. Been there, done that....won't preach.

[HairOfTheDog]

Until I got into this business, I had no idea how many scrip addicts are elderly.

It makes perfect sense given that they have more health issues, pains, and more doctor appointments (in general), I just hadn't heard or thought about it before becoming personally exposed to it.

I have a few clients who have adult children or grandchildren who visit frequently and after those visits there always seem to be "misplaced" prescriptions that need to be refilled, too.

Scrip addiction is non-age discriminatory, that's for sure.

[FAHQTOO]

There's really nothing to argue about.

I don't think so either but you know how it goes in here sometimes.

Like you I'll stick to my weed.

Ready?

Always.

[Tammy75]

I am a functioning addict.

I used to know someone like that. She once told me she started drinking in the mornings just to feel "normal" so she could go about the business of her day, that her first drinks of the day weren't even to get drunk but to feel capable. I thought that was so sad.

My dad was like that too. Like most people have a couple cups of coffee before work he'd have a couple glasses of gin.

Ummm, I will still say I am functioning and maybe there will be a day that I need a drink in my coffee but for years my 3-4 glasses of wine in the evenings do me fine. I have never drank during the day, rarely on weekends and never had a work or social or law problem due to my vino.

Now my Grandmother drank a fifth of whiskey everyday until her dogs knocked her down and caused her to break her hip....at age 86

[HairOfTheDog]

So, if your drinking is managed and not excessive, it doesn't interfere with your responsibilities, and it has never caused you social or working problems, why do you call yourself an alcoholic, Tammy?

[BlueTiki]

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.

You have a better chance beating cancer than remaining clean and sober.

Relapse stats are effin' frightening!

And "No." I don't think users lack will power.

Have you ever witnessed what a user will do in order to satisfy their addiction?

Too bad that type of "will power" isn't directed towards their recovery.

[HairOfTheDog]

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.

You have a better chance beating cancer than remaining clean and sober.

Relapse stats are effin' frightening!

And "No." I don't think users lack will power.

Have you ever witnessed what a user will do in order to satisfy their addiction?

Too bad that type of "will power" isn't directed towards their recovery.

Yeah, the relapse rates are discouraging, Tiki. Last I read, the relapse percentage after treatment was around 60%. I have a lot of respect for addicts who are committed to managing their recovery for the rest of their lives and stay clean and sober. I don't know if those who manage to do it have more willpower, or higher intelligence, or a stronger drive to survive, or what. I have more questions than answers when it comes to addiction.

Recidivism rates for criminals are around 80%; very discouraging too. Course, there's a lot of overlap between addicts and criminals - somewhere around 85% of criminals are reported to have been long term or lifelong substance abusers when they committed their crimes. I don't think "rehabilitation" in jail/prison is a reality, except in a minority of the incarcerated population. Again, I don't know if those who manage to turn themselves around have more willpower, or better support systems, or a stronger thirst for freedom, or what.

In the end, I think as adults we're all responsible for our actions and managing our problems, whether we've brought them on ourselves or they were somehow put upon us via environment, genetics, or a combination of factors. IMO, some people probably just don't give a shit about themselves and others and use "addiction" as an excuse, while others have some form of physical, psychological, or mental condition that makes it much more difficult to do what they know they need to do.

In short, I don't know shit about shit. But, I seriously try to understand as much as I can. Lotta experts on "addiction" have very different opinions about its causes and treatments - many of them make sense simultaneously though they conflict. People are tricky.

[Midwest Spy]

Here's what I don't understand.

I certainly felt at one time that I was 'addicted' to gambling. I was betting more than I had at my disposal, borrowing money to pay debts, etc. The 'rush' however of winning when I wagered made it all worth it.

My wife finally caught me after I had told her I had stopped and gave me the 'come to Jesus' speech and I haven't gambled since.

So, is it my will power that keeps me from relapsing or is it my fear of losing my family that stops me? Either way, it seems I have a choice in front of me to make.

Wouldn't anyone with an addiction have that choice to make, and if so, do they choose to continue simply because there's nothing in their lives that is more important than their addiction?

How does a guy like Phil Hoffman choose drugs over his kids after 20+ years of sobriety? That baffles me.

Experts? Any opinions?

[Duchess]

The fear of losing your family is obviously stronger than your desire to wager a bet.

[Duchess]

I'm Captain Obvious

[Midwest Spy]

Wouldn't that be my use of will power then?

I don't know, I'm just asking.