I want drug users, smokers, alcoholics to explain this to me (seriously)

[Kolby Jack]

I'm 21 years old (just about 22 at this point), I've never once smoked or done drugs, I barely ever drink and have never been drunk. I don't want to criticize those who partake in those activities and if you come into this topic expecting to do that, please go elsewhere.

I just want to know why you chose to do it. It's widely known now that the benefits of those things are temporary but they could ruin your lives fairly easily. It just seems like there is absolutely no good reason for doing drugs, or smoking, or drinking in excess. I know some people are addicted, and that sucks because that's tough for anyone to overcome. Some I know are self-destructive; they know it's bad but they do it anyway apparently because they just don't care.

But I know I can't truly know why because I've never experienced it myself, so I want to understand. Please, if you want to, give me your honest reasons for doing what you do so I can understand where you're coming from even if I don't agree with it.

 

[Frozen Donkey Wheel2]

I don't get smoking. I don't OBJECT to it, but I don't get. I have tried it several times, and it always feels like...Well, sucking on garbage. It doesn't help me relax, it doesn't...benefit me in any way. It just smells horrible. I just...Don't get it. At all.

That said, I DO understand getting drunk. It's not dignified, it's not productive, it's really not helping anyone in any substantial way....But it's fucking FUN. Sometimes it's nice to just abandon all pretense of being an intelligent human being and act like a DUMBASS for a few hours, just for the sake of doing it. At least, if you do it right. Designated driver and all that. I also only get drunk with people I trust. Things can go downhill VERY quickly if you aren't careful about the kind of company you're keeping.

But...It's still fun as hell if you do it right. Which I learned the hard way.

PS: Never tried any illegal drugs, so I can't comment on those.

 

[Dimitriov]

I smoke occasionally, and I certainly drink; these things are simply enjoyable in and of themselves. If you are doing them for any other reason then you may have an addiction or some other problem.

I am certain you can equate that with things in your own life.

Have you ever eaten cheese pizza? Drunk soda? Stayed on a couch all day instead of exercising and getting fresh air?

We are all just human after all. It isn't easy to put away immediate gratification for long term gain: especially when you are young.

 

[thecatsme0w]

I get drunk every so often because it's FUN. And it's usually someone's birthday. We usually end up with a small group of close friends and at get silly together. If I did it every night, I'd be worried but drinking maybe 3 beers a week (which is my usual intake, about once a week) is healthy.

I used to smoke but quit cold turkey 11 years ago, went from 2 packs a day to nothing. I was suicidally depressed when I started and used to half-joke that it was suicide on the installment plan.

 

[Layz92]

Personally I am a big fan of psychedelics, because they are an experience that few other things can rival (apparently your mind gets flooded with DMT when you die but that is obviously difficult to prove). They are nonaddictive other than psychological addiction which in LSD's and a bunch of other's cases is quite difficult because after one event you gain a large tolerance for roughly a week, also there are no proven side-effects and it is near impossible to OD (I heard of a story where 1 guy did but that was because he injected something like 5000 times the normal does into his bloodstream). They put you in a state of mind where you can see others point of view, you feel great and you can think up and understand all these strange ideas and theories.

I do however have issues with other harder drugs like speed and heroine. I don't want to damage my body and they burn you out over time. I am not saying however I don't think people should be allowed to use them, I think people should be allowed to do whatever they like to their bodies.

Alcohol I have to particular like or dislike of. hangovers, long term damage and lowered inhibitions are not the greatest things but it is fun with a group of friends and it tastes alright so no real beef there.

Smoking, again, not my thing in any way, but if someone wants to they can.

On a side note I am all for legalisation of drugs if you hadn't picked that obvious fact up.

 

[Limecake]

I'm 21 years old (just about 22 at this point), I've never once smoked or done drugs, I barely ever drink and have never been drunk. I don't want to criticize those who partake in those activities and if you come into this topic expecting to do that, please go elsewhere.

I just want to know why you chose to do it. It's widely known now that the benefits of those things are temporary but they could ruin your lives fairly easily. It just seems like there is absolutely no good reason for doing drugs, or smoking, or drinking in excess. I know some people are addicted, and that sucks because that's tough for anyone to overcome. Some I know are self-destructive; they know it's bad but they do it anyway apparently because they just don't care.

But I know I can't truly know why because I've never experienced it myself, so I want to understand. Please, if you want to, give me your honest reasons for doing what you do so I can understand where you're coming from even if I don't agree with it.

I'd say that personally I started smoking again because I wanted to meet people when I moved to my new town (it worked, people love to talk while they smoke). I am addicted to smoking because I've been doing it off and on all my life.

It's not like I'm ignorant to the problems they cause, but if you've never been a smoker you have no idea what it's like to just quit cold turkey. You wake up with a headache, the only thing you can think about is having a smoke. You become restless and shaky and extremely angry. It's not a pretty scene. Once you're a smoker you'll always be a smoker. I quit for 2 years without having any smokes and after one or two when I was drunk I was back to buying packs.

Alcohol is fun... sometimes, I'm not really into it because I hate being too drunk. honestly the worst feeling I've felt from any drug is alcohol.

Drugs are done because they are fun, they can expand your mind or make you really hungry for chips. It's a very social thing, few people do drugs alone. it's like going over to your friends to drink except much more illegal. some drugs are definitely more dangerous than others (Pot is relatively harmless, but cocaine or heroin are extremely dangerous).

the thing is that the most dangerous part about doing drugs isn't the drugs, It's the means that people get them. an ounce of weed is harmless but a drug dealer no matter how small time can be dangerous.


I in no way condone the use or overuse of any drug be it legal or illegal. I merely shared some experience on the topic.

 

[Astoria]

Well I used to smoke because it helped me relax and I genuinely liked it but I realised that it just isn't worth it. I tried weed a couple of times and I just don't get what's so great about it. Drinking I either do to help myself get over being shy, help myself feel better when I'm down or for self destructive reasons. The latter I do the least. I find when I'm drunk I live fully in the moment which is why I love it so much. Different thing work for different people though. My boyfriend didn't start drinking until recently and even now he's not as enthusiastic about it as me. Good on you for not being pressured into it.

 

[viranimus]

Smoking.. I genuinely regret smoking. I just wish there was something else that held its social context.

Drinking... social context. If you want to find out what someones all about, have a drink with em.

Pot.. Is a wonderful drug in most cases. However its only real problem is the way that it allows you to be entertained with the mundane. It lulls you into listlessness when you should be utilizing that time better, though it can be in some situations a phenomena inspiration maker.

Speed... Is something that it feels like needs to be produced by the body naturally.

Acid. Unless your schizophrenic or suicidal, I think everyone should try acid at least once, and then never again. It is a phenomenal drug that will open your eyes to things you never thought possible. You will understand things on a deep and intrinsic level the likes you have no hope to achieve on your own. Its downside is that its dangerous and it will always be a part of you once you try it.

However the point of these drugs for recreation is the experience, and context that goes along with them. Drugs themselves are wonderful things when used properly and used in proper moderation. They can let you see the world in ways you cannot see without them. The inspire, they encourage, They can make you more productive than you have ever been in your life. They can do great things. There only true downside is when people lack the ability to use them in moderation and begin to grow dependent on them.

See the negative connotations these drugs have are all because of the weak willed people who were unable to stop and let these things harm themselves and everyone around them.


TLR
I could give a never ending diatribe on the matter, but it would be lacking in the eloquence needed. I yield to the wisdom of the man.

 

[x-machina]

If you're curious enough to ask about it, why not simply try it? Honestly, if nearly everyone on the planet enjoys alcohol, don't you think there's probably a reason? Just go get yourself some rum, vodka or something else thats easy to mix and get yourself drunk.

 

[Kavic86]

To each there own I say. Anyways Here is the reason why I have done what I've done. I do drink but not heavily, the times I do drink heavily its either a special occasion like a bithday or when life is being a pain in the ass and I just want to feel differently. I don't smoke but I have done it before, the reason to do it when I did was for a few reasons I was tired and sore and I know what weed does to me so I smoked it to relax and take the edge off.

Everyone has there reasons for doing what they do, I know someone who smokes weed just to get high and I know another person who uses it medically to help with there back pain, they would rather be addicted to weed than pain pills.

 

[OutforEC]

I very rarely drink, but I smoke because I enjoy it. I, as I can only hope is the case with every smoker in this day-and-age, realize that it isn't healthy for me (although environmental smoke is another topic altogether). I guess I justify potentially self-destructive behavior by putting quality of life now over quantity (and possibly quality as well) of life later.

 

[TheTim]

Marijuana and alchohol aren't bad and havent resulted in anything bad happening to me yet, don't see why people think it's so bad

 

[Bohemian Waltz]

I'm 21 years old (just about 22 at this point), I've never once smoked or done drugs, I barely ever drink and have never been drunk. I don't want to criticize those who partake in those activities and if you come into this topic expecting to do that, please go elsewhere.

I just want to know why you chose to do it. It's widely known now that the benefits of those things are temporary but they could ruin your lives fairly easily. It just seems like there is absolutely no good reason for doing drugs, or smoking, or drinking in excess. I know some people are addicted, and that sucks because that's tough for anyone to overcome. Some I know are self-destructive; they know it's bad but they do it anyway apparently because they just don't care.

But I know I can't truly know why because I've never experienced it myself, so I want to understand. Please, if you want to, give me your honest reasons for doing what you do so I can understand where you're coming from even if I don't agree with it.

Life is temporary, seems completely reasonable to trade the health risks and probable lessening of natural lifespan for the admission of euphoria/stress-relief. It's a trade and adults are free to make that trade.

As for ruining your life that subjective as pretty much anything can ruin your life. The substances you mentioned are volatile for additive qualities, but potent. The potency is what draws us as consumers and addiction is what can potentially lead ruin. Personally I advocate balance, but that's personally.

The same things you said/mentioned can be said about unhealthy food. People still eat burgers because it's tasty and obese people die because of a lack of willpower and the poor decisions that resulted from that flaw in their character. Using drugs/smoking/drinking/eating burgers isn't a flaw in ones character; abusing it however is indicative to a flaw in ones willpower unless those participating honestly don't feel like living for very long and accept those consequences.

The answer to your question is simple; "because it feels good" and the enrichment of ones life that the substances provide are something people willing to trade for their consequences.

 

[PleaseDele]

To be honest, I started because I was an insecure teenager trying to fit in with the cool guys. I'm not even joking, I am that classic example. After a while I noticed the social interaction between smokers which was great. I also suck @ waiting at public transport in the open air so thats how I became a routine smoker. Just to kill time.

So all in all it's just events around smoking that just make it stick on your system. I can handle not smoking for several hours though. Hell I once did a day with just one cigarette because I had shit to do. But the idea of "not being allowed to smoke ever again" just kills me, so thats why quitting doesn't really work out.

As for drinking, I hardly do so. But when I do it's just to create a buzz.

 

[Enamour]

I smoke, it's bad but I enjoy the habit and the taste of it, especially after a meal or with some coffee. But yeah, I'm at the point where it needs to end now.

Anyway, I like to encourage an awareness of drugs; legal and illegal. Marijuana bad? No. LSD bad? No. Psilocybin bad? No.

Opiate derivitives? Bad. Things like cocaine, meth, heroine are the things that I think the OP is describing. Coke, meth, heroin, nicotine, caffiene, alchohol and whatnot are the things that enslave and kill you.

The best two hours of my life(BY FAR) was New Years watching Tron, in 3D, on shrooms. No hangover. While LSD, I would never use LSD willy nilly, planning, appropriate isolation or lack thereof and prepared stimulation. It can be the most valuable experience in anyone's life because of the inherent ego suppression but for the same reason not everyone should do it. Marijuana is fun but... I'm not a fan of something that takes control from you. I like an expanded state of mind and not a compromised state of mind.

My point is; it's usually fun/valuable but you have to be smart about it. "Illegal drugs" have become this huge category with this implicit perception that they're all bad. They're all bad if you're an F'ing idiot, informed and responsible drug use CAN enhance your life in the long term. I haven't done anything for 6 months but the LSD has opened my mind to many things.

Go to page 45 and read LSD Experience of a Painter, and then read the whole thing.
http://www.cyjack.com/cognition/lsdmyproblemchild.pdf

 

[JezebelinHell]

Once you're a smoker you'll always be a smoker.

No, just no. I smoked for over 10 years. I quit 10 years ago and I had three cigarettes to taper off before quitting cold turkey. I will never be a smoker again. It stinks. It is gross. It makes my eyes burn. There is nothing appealing about the habit to me at all. I am not a smoker.

OT:
There is no reason for you to try anything you are not interested in, just don't expect some revelation about it from anyone that enjoys it.

 

[sir.rutthed]

I drink a few times a week, but I can count the times I've been drunk on one hand. I smoke occasionally too, but it's only cigars or pipes. I enjoy how classy it is sitting in a bar with a glass of good cognac and a pipe of fragrant tobacco. I love the flavor, smell, feel of a good pipe. Don't really know that I can explain it, it's just something some people get and some don't.