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Why drugs?

ReenaReena Posts: 1,375 Wise Owl
Can someone please tell me what pull drugs have?
I really want to understand why my little brother can't give them up?
I know it must be hard. That their addictive. But he's using more dangerous ones now.
Do we really have to stand by until he hits rock bottom?
We try to talk to him, we helped him find help when he said he wanted it, I just don't know what to do anymore. I've lost my little brother, I feel so useless. :banghead:

Comments

  • Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
    My step-brother got addicted to drugs as well, it was really tough for him and my family. In the end he hit rock bottom and ended up in rehab, got clean, stayed clean, got himself to Oxford university and got a good degree, a good job and a lovely wife. But it was really tough on the family. I think they have to reach that rock bottom point to be able to turn things around.

    As for the appeal of drugs, sometimes, and I am ashamed to say this after everything my step-brother has been through, I take drugs when I really want to escape from whatever emotions I am feeling. I've been through a lot of shit and sometimes I just want to feel something different for a while. But other than benzos I only very ocassionally take drugs.
  • Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
    I've taken quite a few different drugs (as bad as that is because of my age etc etc.) and to be honest, the only reason I take them normally is for fun. It's just something that can heighten your day, and make things seem more amazing!

    There's one particular drug called Meow (mephedrone) which I've learnt I shouldn't take because I did become very addicted to it for a few months, spending almost my entire university fund on it. However my supply was cut off, as the people I knew who did it got caught up with by the police. That was one drug I did take for similar reasons RG said, when I was down it made me up... and when I was up it made me very up.

    I think once you're caught up in addiction, it's no longer about having fun. It's about keeping up the level you're on, because you're worried about crashing, which means you take more and more. You become comfortable with it, it becomes your life.

    As horrible as it sounds, you can't help someone who doesn't want help yet. All you can do is make sure he know's helps there if he wants it. One day, he probably will go for help, but you can't force him. It wont do anyone any good *hug*
  • Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
    I have had "issues" with alchohol, used other drugs recreationally... been a pothead... The thing that helped me cut down drinking was an ultimatum from my mother... but then I wasn't addicted (but according to the Dr, was going that way).

    People use drugs for varying reasons... escapism, spiritual practice, addiction, to enhance experiences, to socialise ect....

    I've used Class A (for the non-Brits, these carry heavier sentences and are considered hard) drugs out of curiousity, at raves to make for a more intense experience, or because I used to enjoy tripping.

    In the UK at least... there are drugs considered "hard" by the people who govern us/the barbarians up top which are leas harmful than alcohol.
  • Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
    Just moving this over into the Drink & Drugs forum :)
  • ReenaReena Posts: 1,375 Wise Owl
    Randomgirl wrote: »
    My step-brother got addicted to drugs as well, it was really tough for him and my family. In the end he hit rock bottom and ended up in rehab, got clean, stayed clean, got himself to Oxford university and got a good degree, a good job and a lovely wife. But it was really tough on the family. I think they have to reach that rock bottom point to be able to turn things around.

    As for the appeal of drugs, sometimes, and I am ashamed to say this after everything my step-brother has been through, I take drugs when I really want to escape from whatever emotions I am feeling. I've been through a lot of shit and sometimes I just want to feel something different for a while. But other than benzos I only very ocassionally take drugs.

    Your step-brother's story makes me hopeful, I'm really happy for him.
    Is it bad we're wishing he would hit rock bottom? I'm almost crying just thinking about it. My dad just asked him what he wants for his funeral. :(
  • ReenaReena Posts: 1,375 Wise Owl
    I've taken quite a few different drugs (as bad as that is because of my age etc etc.) and to be honest, the only reason I take them normally is for fun. It's just something that can heighten your day, and make things seem more amazing!

    There's one particular drug called Meow (mephedrone) which I've learnt I shouldn't take because I did become very addicted to it for a few months, spending almost my entire university fund on it. However my supply was cut off, as the people I knew who did it got caught up with by the police. That was one drug I did take for similar reasons RG said, when I was down it made me up... and when I was up it made me very up.

    I think once you're caught up in addiction, it's no longer about having fun. It's about keeping up the level you're on, because you're worried about crashing, which means you take more and more. You become comfortable with it, it becomes your life.

    As horrible as it sounds, you can't help someone who doesn't want help yet. All you can do is make sure he know's helps there if he wants it. One day, he probably will go for help, but you can't force him. It wont do anyone any good *hug*

    Meow is what he's on. It started with weed. I wish I knew why he started, he said back when he was on weed it was to calm him down cause of his ADD. Thank you for your input. xx
  • ReenaReena Posts: 1,375 Wise Owl
    Namaste wrote: »
    I have had "issues" with alchohol, used other drugs recreationally... been a pothead... The thing that helped me cut down drinking was an ultimatum from my mother... but then I wasn't addicted (but according to the Dr, was going that way).

    People use drugs for varying reasons... escapism, spiritual practice, addiction, to enhance experiences, to socialise ect....

    I've used Class A (for the non-Brits, these carry heavier sentences and are considered hard) drugs out of curiousity, at raves to make for a more intense experience, or because I used to enjoy tripping.

    In the UK at least... there are drugs considered "hard" by the people who govern us/the barbarians up top which are leas harmful than alcohol.

    We tried ultimatums, they don't seem to have any effect on him.
    We can't seem to get a straight answer why he started, he usually avoids the question and when he doesn't the story always seems to change.
    Cheers for the reply.
  • ReenaReena Posts: 1,375 Wise Owl
    Jo7 wrote: »
    Just moving this over into the Drink & Drugs forum :)

    K thanks xx
  • ReenaReena Posts: 1,375 Wise Owl
    siddibaba wrote: »
    I take it occasionally not regularly to forget myself.It,s logical to me.
    I don't what about you.

    Please be careful. Thank you for the thread. xx
  • Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
    Reena wrote: »
    Meow is what he's on.

    It's really addictive. But the police are cutting down on it quite a lot at the moment, because there's been an increase of teenagers taking it.
  • ReenaReena Posts: 1,375 Wise Owl
    It's really addictive. But the police are cutting down on it quite a lot at the moment, because there's been an increase of teenagers taking it.

    That makes me feel better, but the police need to do more. The dealers have been bragging to my sister that they supply him. It makes me so angry. :mad:
  • Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
    I think addiction can be underestimated, whether it's physical or psychological. Both give you a gnawing craving, a need to get back to that place where you can feel "happy".

    That said, it's equally easy to just say you're addicted, and then transfer your problems to the addiction. "i'm an addict, it's not my fault".

    The first step is to realise the situation you're in, and then the possible consequences.
  • Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
    dont take drugs sorry but i have problems with the cider at the moment im on 3-4 liters every other day bloody nightmare haha
  • ReenaReena Posts: 1,375 Wise Owl
    unclebob wrote: »
    dont take drugs sorry but i have problems with the cider at the moment im on 3-4 liters every other day bloody nightmare haha

    Well, that is an addiction. There are sometimes similarities as to why people get addicted. xx
  • Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
    Reena wrote: »
    Meow is what he's on. It started with weed. I wish I knew why he started, he said back when he was on weed it was to calm him down cause of his ADD. Thank you for your input. xx

    does he have any nursing support or anything for the ADD? if it really is/was a factor in his drug use then he should be able to get help to control the symptoms better. he should be able to access a specialist ADHD/ADD team, if he doesn't already.
  • ReenaReena Posts: 1,375 Wise Owl
    omg hi wrote: »
    does he have any nursing support or anything for the ADD? if it really is/was a factor in his drug use then he should be able to get help to control the symptoms better. he should be able to access a specialist ADHD/ADD team, if he doesn't already.

    He use to when he was a kid. He had all kinds of help. A nurse came out to see him every few weeks, counselors -even family counselling so everyone could understand what he was feeling. Different medication like Ritalin, but he always got drowsy and would fall asleep in class.
    He hasn't had anything like that for years, he was actually getting better the older he got. Then all of a sudden he got into drugs. We think it was more peer pressure than anything else, but we don't know for sure.
  • Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
    a lot of people with ADHD/ADD end up abusing stimulants to help them think straight and clearly
  • ReenaReena Posts: 1,375 Wise Owl
    Well he is mellow after taking them, so mellow that he forgets about his hygiene and going to work, and when they wear off, he gets aggressive and bad tempered. He came close to hurting our mother over money once.
  • Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
    So sorry to hear about your brother Reena :( I hope that he will be alright soon.
    Sorry don't have any advice on drugs never took any. see you :wave:
  • Dr PirateDr Pirate Posts: 8,303 Legendary Poster
    Drone (meow) addiction can be devastating, I've seen it first hand. Memory issues, heart palpitations, paranoia, the lot. The problem is, that it's just so more-ish. I take it occasionally but have never been as greedy for it as I have for say, MDMA or Booze. Sorry this probably isn't very useful, but all you can really do is talk to your brother and tell him your concerns. He probably wont listen out of some notion that he hasn't got a problem. As was said earlier about ultimatums, they only really work if you follow through on the threat. It's harsh but he'll take you for a ride if you don't knuckle down on him.
  • Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
    He's probably just going through a phase....I went through a stage of taking shit loads of 'hard' drugs when I was younger, pills, mdma, coke, mkat, speed, you name it. Had a slight coke problem for a bit, the main problem for me was the money it cost me. I still use them from time to time, but I've definately grown out of them.
    Don't try and force him out of it, it won't work. He's experiencing something, hopefully he'll realise himself when/if it's becoming a problem, then you can help and support him.
  • ReenaReena Posts: 1,375 Wise Owl
    Thanks for the posts guys. xx
  • ReenaReena Posts: 1,375 Wise Owl
    Just an update.
    I think my brother is still using, but he seems to be trying harder to make up for stuff in the past.
    I hope he is trying to get off them but I'm not sure if this is the case. All I know is, that his attitude has got better, even at work my uncle is really pleased with him and says he may get a bonus. I'm finding it easier to talk with him again, like when we were kids and we could joke around and talk about silly stuff. -we weren't able to do that for a long time, we would hardly see him.

    Well it seems like it's getting better. :)
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