This chapter may have been the most interesting to me so far as it explored all types of drugs and the abuse of them, treatment/ recovery techniques, and addictions to things other than drugs. I know/ knew a lot of people who have struggled with addictions and it is quite a scary thing that can happen to anyone so I found it refreshing we are being educated about these drugs and the dangers of them. People who struggle with addiction would never grow up and say i wanted to be addicted or anything like that. That is why I believe its wrong when people severely judge those affected by it as it truly can happen to anyone. The first thing in the book I was shocked by, was the fact that buying addiction is a true addiction. I know some girls who joke about having it that love to buy clothes, bags,etc, but not on the level of true addiction. The ABC video regarding shopping addiction blew my mind as we saw one lady dumpster diving and being broke by age 32. That was confirmation that compulsive buying disorder was a real thing. However, it does make perfect makes sense. We get addicted to things that give us a happy feeling(releasing of dopamine), So if some people love that feeling of ordering that Chanel bag, they will continue to do it to feel good. I would love to be ordering designer products, but I am caught up about buying my next meal!
Secondly, I was drawn to the Opioid section. I have known people who were prescribed these pills after a surgery and it did not end well in any case I am familiar with. These pills block all pain receptors so the feeling on them likely is great at the time feeling invincible while being relaxed and drowsy. Doctors tend to prescribe more than is needed, so the patients continue to take them. Once they are gone, the patients will request more since they are so used to the high and begin to rely on it. This is always scary since once they are addicted, it is hard to stop. Most of the time once the doctor completely stops prescription them, those addicted turn to a cheaper alternative to get a similar high. The most common, and cheapest is heroin. Heroin is likely the most dangerous drug since it is injected and is usually never clean and is easily overdosed on.I have seen locally and nationally so many of these exact scenarios, so there must be a change. I’m not sure what it is, but maybe there is an alternative to strong opioids for those who have common surgeries. There is an epidemic in the US and doesn’t seem like much is being done.
Lastly, I was intrigued by the Marijuana section. I do use cannabis so I was familiar with most of what was said, but was surprised by a few things. First, I had no clue that it had many of the same carcinogens and toxins in the smoke as tobacco. I also had no idea it doubles a males chances of developing testicular cancer. In no way I am addicted to marijuana, but I have seen it get in the way of things in the past. A few years ago when I was more into it, I noticed that it made me a little anti-social at times, and not wanting to go out and do things unless it was involved in the plans. Luckily now I use it in a much different way and I am in control of it. I see no issue with smoking bud if its an occasional thing and it doesn’t affect how you would function without it. After a long stressful day, It can take the edge off and relax you mentally and physically. However, It does have one negative affect on my health aspect of eating clean. Sometimes its stronger than my will power, and I will pig out on some junk food and heavily regret it in the morning.
Other than that, My health aspect is moving along great as I am happy with my habits. I am now at the point where I get upset if I don’t fit the gym into my schedule 5 of the 7 days a week. My buddy that goes to Michigan State University is back home for spring break and hes a big gym guru, so its been nice working out with him adding that extra motivation. Lately, I have been stressed due to school work, job search, and other things, so my gym sessions are truly a time to get my mind and body right. I would have never thought It would be this way, but I couldn’t be happier. As I am a poor college student, I may have to think about the food I buy as healthy foods are very expensive. Would I rather have more money and eat junk, or the other way around? I have been going with health over money lately and wish It could stay this way.
Here is a picture of me and my friend Ryan at the gym today.
