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

[Jacob.A.]

Getting drunk or smoking isn't addictive until you make it a habbit. I myself have smoked multiple times and am not addicted to ciggars (which are awesome) and I also drink and get drunk often and am not a drunk. Pot is more addictive than either one mentioned above. Pot and alcohol can open your mind at the moment under the influence and prolonged use can open it permanently (and not excessively). Shrooms I hear also follows under the same categories as pot and alcohol but you should do it with a friend cause you can hurt yourself very badly while tripping.

 

[Stasisesque]

Life is finite, nothing you can do will substantially increase the amount of time you have on this planet (anything more than 10 years or so). Being the healthiest, drug-abstainiest, athleticiest person in the world won't mean you'll live much longer than everyone else.

Smoking and excessive drinking have side effects, they are not and never will be guaranteed ways to shorten your life. They have a very high chance of shortening your lifespan, but again it is only within a window of around 10-20 years. Your likelihood of increasing your lifespan by twenty years is highly unlikely.

Drug abuse is slightly different, dependent on the drug, the quality of the drug, the quantity of the drug, the purity of the drug - that's another conversation and so I'm not including drug use.

But smoking will not absolutely 100% for a fact kill you. Even if you avoid dying in every other possible way, side effects from smoking still may not get you. Same with drinking, but the danger there is, you can almost guarantee death via alcohol withdrawal - drinking is far more dangerous in the short term than smoking ever will be.

And in the longterm - you could easily outlive all your vice-free friends.

 

[LongAndShort]

I don't do drugs, but I drink.
Why? Because I like drinking. That's it. Going to the pub and getting shitfaced is my idea of a great night. And I can't remember a hang-over yet where I haven't thought 'worth it'.

 

[Sikratua]

Firstly I object to you using the term "alcoholic." I drink, and get quite drunk when I do, yet I object to the term alcoholic being applied to me. I know drinking isn't good. And quite frankly, I DON'T CARE. I drink when I'm out with friends because its fun.
I don't smoke or anything simply because I can't be fucked and don't enjoy it. I just don't care if people do it though, and I object to people like governments trying to stop me from dying.

Well, good news. The term "Alcoholic" wouldn't be accurate with you. See, Alcholoics go to meetings and deal with their addictions. You're a drunk. But, that's okay. So was President Grant.

For the record, this commentary is coming from a recovering alcoholic who has since embraced the Straight Edge lifestyle. Personally, I don't give a rat's ass what other people do with their own lives, provided they don't hurt others, so don't run over any kids while you're drunk, and we'll get along just fine.

 

[Enamour]

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.

When you say dangerous, in what way do you mean dangerous?

Interesting side note, LSD has been used to treat schizophrenia. Very succesfully in some cases and as far as I can tell hasn't done lasting damage. Psychiatric academics really, really, very much want LSD as a treatment option for those with severe mental and neurological damage. Not gonna write a full page disclaimer about its uses, just going to assume no one here is an idiot and they understand that my point is responsible and intentionally targeted use may very well be a very good thing.

You can see I'm implying professional and controlled circumstamces here; not advocating it as a home remedy for anything.

 

[Treefingers]

Fun. Stress relief. Enlightenment.

 

[Thaluikhain]

I've never understood it either.

On the other hand, in my experience, alot of people don't understand me choosing to do so, and spend an annoying amount of time trying to badger me into trying something I don't want to try.

 

[mega48man]

smoking - takes away stress (but not so much for the customer's wallet)

weed - medicinal purposes (and it just feels good, fuuuuuuck)

drinking - irish heritage and socializing (unless you're drinking your woes away by yourself)

there's you're explainations, now if you wanna know about hardcore drugs like cocaine crystal meth, i have no idea. as far as i know those things are suicide and are only for charlie sheen.

 

[Akytalusia]

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.

i agree with everything this guy said, and i couldn't have said it better myself.

 

[commodore96]

Go get hammered. Go smoke some pot before eating or a concert. Other than that don't try the other stuff it is bad news beers. But seriously go get hammered.

 

[Phlakes]

Same thing with me. I don't see why I should do something unhealthy for fun when I could play video games or wank instead.


And before someone goes "HERP DERP VIDEO GAMES ARE UNHEALTHY TOO", for playing games to be as unhealthy as drinking/smoking/some drugs, you would have to do it a LOT. A lot longer than it would take to start damaging your liver or your lungs.

...And before someone goes "HERP DERP MOST DRUGS AREN'T UNHEALTHY", first, that's not true, and second... Well, that's just not true.

 

[mangus]

Every one of these type of threads comes down to "why don't you do what I do instead?"

Without needing a bibliography: why do you do anything you enjoy?

 

[A Free Man]

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.

Maybe you should try them and you might see for yourself. I can't speak for others but for myself it's simply a matter of it kind of making a night more enjoyable. I mean I don't smoke and I drink only occaisionally but I find it just loosens me up a bit and makes everything more fun. If you are perfectly capable of having a great time without any of the above then all the power too you, but for a lot of people it is harder sometimes. That's just me. As for the long term negative effects, I think I'd take having a really fun life that is slightly shorter then having a longer life that is not as fun. Also when you think about it the years that you are saving are like the years between what? 80-85 or whatever? Really those years probably aren't that great for most people.

 

[elvor0]

I hate it when people ask this question.

Because I enjoy it. Nothing more, nothing less. The same as I enjoy playing guitar or playing video games.

There. Is that so hard? And now some Bill Hicks

 

[xXGeckoXx]

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.

Smoking has no benefits It just tricks your brain into believing in a calming effect.
Drinking is bad on the long term but damn is it fun and it also has social value.
Some drugs really have no side effect. I don't somoke weed but I like to be informed and there are just no downsides, I can't find any dangers and the only risk is mild psychological disturbance.

 

[Rottweiler]

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

No offense, bud, but being a smoker I don't think quite qualifies me to be grouped with 'Alchoholics' and 'Drug Users'.

Having a quiet pipe of vanilla blended tobacco and a glass of brandy is a far cry from smoking crack and holding a bottle in the gutter.

That being said...

Honestly, some people get introduced to it early, or be in situations where it's the norm. Case in point, when I was 19 a lot of people smoked. (I'm 40.) Most workplaces, especially in construction, the military, etc. were heavy with smokers (or chewing tobacco users).

And people tend to forget- while nowadays the news is full of how bad smoking and drinking is, it's relatively recent.

 

[Eggsnham]

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.

Well getting drunk CAN be fun if it's only occasional and moderated, smoking cigarettes is just beyond me, and smoking marijuana is proven to be pretty much harmless and to have pretty beneficial uses.

All the other drugs out there, I tend to stay away from, for either lack of knowledge, or the knowledge that they can mess somebody up.

 

[elvor0]

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

No offense, bud, but being a smoker I don't think quite qualifies me to be grouped with 'Alchoholics' and 'Drug Users'.

Having a quiet pipe of vanilla blended tobacco and a glass of brandy is a far cry from smoking crack and holding a bottle in the gutter.

That being said...

Honestly, some people get introduced to it early, or be in situations where it's the norm. Case in point, when I was 19 a lot of people smoked. (I'm 40.) Most workplaces, especially in construction, the military, etc. were heavy with smokers (or chewing tobacco users).

And people tend to forget- while nowadays the news is full of how bad smoking and drinking is, it's relatively recent.

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.

To be fair, Nicotine IS a drug. Granted it's not Crack or Smack level, but the op is likely gouping it as such Smokers: Nicotine, Drug Users: Pot, LSD, Crack, Heroine, etc etc.

Pot and LSD (and all other psychedelics as far as I'm aware) are not addictive in the slightest, so it's not like you're going to be an addict of them. I take Pot and LSD, but like you I wouldn't want to be put into the same group as crackheads and smack addicts, however by taking nicotine you ARE a drug taker. You're just not an unTAXED drug taker.

That and the OP should really change the Alcoholic thing to Alcohol Drinkers. There's a massive difference between a drug addict and a drug USER, the same as there is between an Alcoholic and someone who drinks alcohol.

NB: I'm not attacking you, I was sort of half pointing that out and using what you said as a springboard to make voice my point. I could've said it without you saying your thing about being grouped with alcoholics and drug users.

And to be honest although crack and smack are addictive, if you only did them on special occasions, you could get away with doing it and not be addicted. It's only when you do it regularly that your body develops the addiction. Saying that, I'd never do Heroin because well if I was able to get hold of it, I would likely end up making a habit of it due to it apparently feeling so good. It is a VERY dangerous drug and I wouldn't reccomend it in the slightest. I'd be up for trying Crack just once for the experience though.

To the OP: Most people just do it because they enjoy it. People who ask this question always have trouble wrapping their heads round it. The only thing I can say is try it, just have a single joint and see how it is. If you're not up for smoking (it's quite harsh on the throat if it's the first time you've ever smoked), try a pot brownie, that's the only way you'd properly understand it.

 

[stutheninja]

i smoke weed pretty regularly, i dont see any side effects at all really, and im fairly active. it helps me whined down from a hard day, not that i NEED help doing that, i WANT help doing that. as for smoking anything else i dont see any benefit other than mild relaxation, but at that point the cons heavily out weigh the pros. drinking is fun when you get drunk, and its well worth the liver damage to have some really great times with your buddies. which isnt to say that i need to get totally hammered to have a good time, i just like to have a few drinks when im with friends, it loosens everyone up and if i feel like getting wasted that night, so be it. you would need to get drunk or smoke to understand that though, so i dont see how a bunch of people telling you about it will help you rationalize it any better.

EDIT: that being said i have tried a wide variety of other drugs, but either didnt find them all that fun, or was freaked out too much either by the trip or the after effects to ever want to try them again, thats not a fun experience, but thats the main point in all this i suppose isnt it? experience, if you never try you never know (unless you're talking crack or heroin, in which case why would you ever)

also, im not a huge drug guy at all, like seriously not, when i was in college i did lots of stuff, but since then its all weed and alcohol for me brother