Heroin: it's gettin waaaaay outta hand!!!

[Quantum673]

You are correct about they have to make the choice. Issue is that opiates physically changes the brain and damages the part responsible for making choices. That is why junkies even though they know they are killing themselves don't care. It takes people or circumstances to convince them it is time for a change. Good thing is the longer they stay sober the brain can heal to make it easier for them to make the right choices. I once was on the same path. Luckily I got away from it all before I was in too deep. I made that choice. I am not excusing the choices of people I am laying blame on many and not just the addict. They of course are at fault as well. The Dr's, the legal system, and society are also to blame. There is enough blame to go around. One big issue I see a lot of the time is a family that makes excuses for the addict or enables them.

 

[giles]

I'd also like to apologize to the OP. I think you came to the TOO family for support and I didn't give it to you. I'm going to just be a reader on this thread from here on out.

 

[bowhunter1023]

I'd also like to apologize to the OP. I think you came to the TOO family for support and I didn't give it to you. I'm going to just be a reader on this thread from here on out.

You're good brother. It's valuable conversation and I'm sure that's what Ric was ultimately after.

This subject is just as hot collared as religion and politics. It really hits home for people in a variety of ways. Multiple perspectives are always great when forming outside opinions on topics this complex and personal. That's why I get a little fired up when people say "now damnit, here's how it is and I ain't hearing it otherwise". Lots of good contributions thus far.

Speaking of addictions, has anyone seen the research on scenes and dopamine response? Talk about addictions. I highly suggest you get a blue light filter for your phone and see how it helps your sleep.

 

[Big_Holla]

One heck of a conversation everyone! Not much to add other than our county up here in Michigan is constantly posting about drug raids any more, most of which involve heroin and/or meth. A house a few doors down was raided a while back and it sure makes you stop and think when your kids play on that street. Any thought to the idea that the legalization of marijuana in many states creating a flood of pot so now heroin is being pushed more from our neighbor down south?? We hear that often up here as reason heroin is exploding as medical marijuana is legal in Mich.

 

[hickslawns]

I'm addicted to caffeine, nicotine, and TOO. My name is Phil. I have a problem.

Good posts all. We are raising a child we did not create due to drugs. My BIL is an addict. He has been enabled. He has been in prison. He has been beat and left for dead by drug dealers more than once. He has lost several good jobs. He has lost his kids and marriage. His wife is an addict too. He has been in halfway houses. He has lived on the street. He has been in rescue homes. I guess all I am saying is: Not all people are able to find their rock bottom. It messes people up. Period. Some try to beat it. Others accept it as their way of life. It is messed up. I don't have an answer. I have hired guys trying to get clean and get them on their feet. I have another son to raise now. We are showing him there is another path in life. He is not obligated to follow the path his parents chose.

I am not looking for a pat on the back. I don't deserve one. If (most likely "when") my BIL dies, I do not know how I will handle the situation. I don't foresee any tears being shed on my end. Every situation is different. Nobody "deserves" this life style. Most have options or ways out of the situation but it has to be a choice to quit or stay addicted. I have chosen to keep chewing. I am not proud of it. It is not easy to quit and I am sure it isn't easy for other addicts to quit their habits. Wish I had an answer. All I can do is help those who need the help and want the help. For those who have completely given up on any thoughts of quitting? Not sure how I feel about them. I admit to not having a lot of compassion for them. I do feel for their friends, families, and any other people affected by their actions.

 

[Hortontoter]

This is one time I don't have much to say. I've never really had to deal with issues like these. I do have a niece in Tennessee at the moment that is in rehab for drugs. What drugs, I have no idea and don't care to know. My sister deals with the situation, but is very tight lipped. I'm sure it kills her to see her daughter in this situation though.

I typically live in my own little world and I like it that way. I'd rather bury my head in the sand and let the rest of the world take care of itself. I can only fix myself and that is a job at times.

 

[at1010]

I've said my peace on this. I thank all who shared stories. I hope my points helped to share some light on the complexities of this topic.

I don't want to continue as I feel ill get to caught up in it and not be able to direct my thoughts without emotion taking over. That is when a debate becomes flawed.

When is deer season?

 

[Dustinb80]

29 days Al. Thanks for your points. I feel everyone's input is important. We may not always agree, but that's what makes this place great. I'm out TOO. I gave my opinion. I respect everyone's thoughts.

 

[Bigslam51]

 

[Wmiller07]

To be fair most of them use too.

 

[daleeman]

There are no winners when it comes to dope.
Thanks for letting me contribute to the conversation, I learn things every day. Some days I am the student, some days the teacher.

 

[bowhunter1023]

There are no winners when it comes to dope.
Thanks for letting me contribute to the conversation, I learn things every day. Some days I am the student, some days the teacher.

Good stuff.

 

[antiqucycle]

"Narcam should not be taxpayer funded. Police, fire, etc should not be carrying it"
anybody caught should lose any chance of getting food stamps, Heap WIC, WELFARE ANd have their children taken from them. Sounds horrendous but might actually get some attention.

I am sick and tired of 450lb women with 5 Direction Cards loading their Caddilac Escalade or Mercedes that their "man" paid for with his drug profits.
What did Obongo do to straighten out his brethrn

 

[Bigslam51]

 

[Mike]

I just read this entire thread. It's healthy conversation and I'm better off for having read it.

 

[5Cent]

:smiley_clap:

 

[xbowguy]

Very Good Chad! :smiley_clap:

 

[Bigslam51]

You just gotta

 

[finelyshedded]

Very good discussion TOOville!

I'm really sorry to hear how some our members have suffered due to addiction! So glad that you've gotten through it and are coping better!

Drugs suck! Drug pushers suck more! Dang!

 

[MoonLab]

My cousin died 2 years ago of drug overdose heroin. It was sad. I had no idea she was doing it. It suck that she's gone....she was one of my. close cousin