I'm about to relapse, please help!

Elizabeth Lewis8 said:He really can't do better. Noah Sanchez7 is your textbook drug addict. Everything he says, whether it's here or on any other thread, follows that exact same pattern you hear from every other junkie out there. Noah Sanchez7, am I wrong? I'm pretty sure I'm not. It’s just that whole scene, that philosophy, that specific way of living. He isn't some lone wolf on this forum either; if you take the time to compare his posts to, say, those from other addicts in this thread, a lot of the ambiguity just disappears.

As for the person who started this thread, I truly hope she finds her path as soon as possible so she can save herself and her kid. If she can just find that inner strength, she won't need a rehab center or a hospital. She can handle this all on her own within her own four walls. I’m convinced of it. I know of at least one success story right here on this forum—someone who fought through fifteen years of continuous addiction using nothing but sheer willpower, and they made it out the other side.

Tina, once you finally find (hopefully very soon), make sure you stick to it and don't look back. Good luck.

Awesome, thanks for leaving that HTML code for the thread!

The guy wants to give it a shot and says, "Don't bother answering me, I'm just going to try it."
I'm 100% behind him on this. I fully support his desire to seek out something new, even if it's a little forbidden.

And please, I beg you—you claim your little kids are reading this... How exactly am I supposed to influence them like that? I am stating... So they're going to be junkies??????????
I’m just clearing them of any guilt so it isn't a sin to try.
Well, Eve took a bite of that apple, and suddenly we weren't in paradise anymore. Maybe it was just a Godly test all along—like He knew from the start that Adam and Eve would stumble, simply because He created us with such curious natures.
That's just human nature.

You know, despite all the insults, I’d actually be willing to sit down with your kids if they were interested. I could offer them some guidance and share what I've learned through experience on how they can explore things without facing any real consequences.
The consequences I faced were likely a direct result of my inability to find any decent, straightforward guidance on exactly how and when I should be taking these supplements.
Since I've already fallen into the pit myself, I just want to show everyone else how to dance around the edge without falling in!

And why couldn't I be viewed as a victim who endured all of that, essentially being "used" as a cautionary tale to show others how to avoid the same pitfall?

But honestly, what gives you the right to try and bail everyone else out of the whole "is it a sin to try drugs?" debate?

Why do you feel this sudden urge to push your own drug obsession onto everyone else here?

And really, who are you to be handing out life lessons when you couldn't even get a grip on your own life?

Look, we’ve already beaten this topic to death in the link I posted, so there’s no point in dragging us back into that same old circle. If you actually want to contribute something useful, maybe instead of preaching your little narcotic philosophies, you could share some actual advice on how to kick the habit—specifically for the OP.

EDIT: Tina, I actually stumbled upon another thread that might be more your speed, where people are sharing their real-world experiences. Maybe it’ll give you the backbone to stay strong. I think you’ll find some of these folks actually get it: Addiction.

George Ramirez11 said:🙂 I'm a single mom to a wonderful two-year-old. That’s just the reality of things—my husband has been in prison for a year and a half now, and he'll be there for at least another year, maybe two more at most.
My struggle with heroin goes back about ten years. My little boy has everything he needs and then some; I honestly just adore him. I’ve never neglected him, though—to be fair, drugs don't even hit me the way they used to, so I don't really know where I stand with myself anymore. When I'm home, I'm just... normal. Even when I'm crashing, I haven't let it stop me from playing with my kid and giving him my full attention. If it comes down to it, the last cent I have is always spent on him if he needs something, never on getting high. I don't really have a social life, no shady characters hanging around the house, and I hardly ever go out. Maybe once a month, after I've finally gotten him to sleep, I'll sneak a hit somewhere, but even then, I'm glued to my phone just in case my mom calls because the little guy woke up. Long story short, I have one happy, hyperactive, giggly, playful kid who is just as head-over-heels for me as I am for him. When I actually have to leave the house for something, my mom (who lives with us) and I put on this whole little performance to distract him so he doesn't freak out. Otherwise, his crying just breaks me.
So, here's the thing. Two months ago, the police kicked our door down. They got a tip that I was dealing. They searched the place and found absolutely nothing, but—of course—they still managed to bring a caseworker from Child Protective Services right to my doorstep. Now I'm under supervision. These days, I'm basically signing away my rights (whether I want to or not) to comply with the oversight, and the whole process is starting...
Basically, the caseworker is going to contact me once a week to check if the kid is fed, clean, and all that. I can handle that part, but the other part is the problem. They’re going to drug test me whenever they feel like it. If I test positive, I lose custody. I won't say I'll lose my child, since custody would just go to my mother—whom I see and visit all the time anyway—but... still. I want to be a mother to my son. I don't know if people who haven't dealt with addiction can even wrap their heads around this. Even when the stakes are this high, I just can't seem to help myself. I guess I just don't have the willpower or the strength or whatever else it takes to stay clean for those few days needed to pass a test. I know I'm a good mom—honestly, better than a lot of them—but I don't know how to handle this. Losing custody isn't an option. Neither my son nor I would survive it.
How do I stay clean? Just to start—just to get through those first few days to pass the tests—and then we'll figure out the rest. I know I have to get rid of the drugs regardless of all this drama.
I'm not sure if any advice will actually help, but I know some support from people who actually understand the truth of this situation would go a long way...
Thanks.

I'd do anything in this world for my kids. Is there any bigger motivation than that? Grit your teeth, hang in there, and don't let your child suffer the stigma for the rest of their life. Having a father in prison is already enough for him to deal with. You can do this, I know you can.👍

Why are you surprised? People lack empathy because they’re too busy convinced they’ve endured the worst, judging everyone else as pathetic, stupid, or ungrateful just for being different.

Fall down, and they’ll stomp on you. Hesitate, and they’ll spit on you. There’s zero support, zero understanding; it’s far easier to judge, attack, and harass. Exceptions exist, sure, but most people are just like this. My grandfather, my father, relatives, professors, even old classmates—so many of them hunt for a wound or a weakness just to soothe their own complexes and frustrations. In a world built this way, where can anyone find happiness, confidence, or a shred of love through art? Excuses are everywhere. Whether it’s physical abuse or verbal insults, people will always find a justification, whether they're a parent, a neighbor, or a stranger. Show any emotion to the mob and you're finished; they'll write off your mental health and tell you your self-esteem is dead.

I don't want to play the saint, but I feel like we're all part of one frayed fabric. That's how I approach others—trying to see the good in them, because understanding someone else helps me understand myself. It isn't hard to be cynical; there’s enough injustice and contempt in this world to fuel a lifetime of hate. But even in the eyes of an addict, you can find something decent, something beautiful and human, rather than just the selfishness and misery people expect.

If we accept the social definition that addicts are sick and need treatment, then why the double standards? Why blame them for being "selfish" or for making others unhappy? Do we blame people dying from cancer or other terminal illnesses? Do we blame those who leave behind grieving families? Do we blame people killed in car accidents for being bad drivers or driving too fast in a storm? Are they to blame for a genetic defect, or for a desperate rebellion against an unjust system—thinking they were better drivers than they actually were?

Do they act this way on purpose just to cause grief, or are they simply sick because they are different? Because they couldn't handle reality, or because they sought something higher through methods society rejects? An intelligent person is a questioning being; they search for something greater. Drugs are just a vehicle used to chase new dimensions of perception. There are safer ways to travel and better roads to take, but at the start, drugs act like a protective mother, caring for you until they suddenly reveal their darkest side. They are the guardians of happiness and the providers of meaning, before turning into ruthless slave drivers over a weak body and an even weaker will. Who can blame someone for being weak, or for seeking shelter from a predatory world that’s waiting to tear them down? Who can judge someone for daring to be different or for choosing to feel instead of being ashamed? The cold, disciplined types do fine, but not everyone is a robot. We can't all follow blindly. If someone uses, it is their right and their choice, provided they aren't stealing or killing. If they realize they've messed up and want to change, they have my full support. No judgment here; none of us are perfect.

Tina, you decided to quit for your child and for yourself. You want a fresh start. It’s worth succeeding for that helpless little life you need to lead onto the right path. Let that be your first commandment, a purpose as central as the addiction used to be. If I had the power, I’d toss every pill and every bit of paraphernalia out of your house, then tie you to the bed if I had to, just to get you through the temptation—even if you hated me for it. I’d do it because you chose this for yourself. If I were your brother, I wouldn't hesitate to stop you until this worst crisis passes. The cravings will hit hard at first, but I think you can rediscover that other dimension of happiness—the kind where a child’s smile is enough to send you to seventh heaven. Watching sunsets, listening to the ocean, hearing the birds—once you start finding sufficiency in those things, you'll wake up without that one nagging craving haunting your every thought. It might sound like empty clichés, but those simple realities are what make life worth living.

Once again, you have my full support. Stay strong and good luck. I’m rooting for you. I want to see the day when your child can say with absolute pride, "That's my mother." Because once you finally break free from addiction, those small-minded people—from the petty HOA presidents down to every other corrupt, lowlife soul out there—won't be able to project their anger or contempt onto you anymore. They won't have any way to justify their own malice and evil if you aren't there to take the fall.

Roger Evans said:Whatever...
all I want in this life is my peace and my health.🧐

yeah, well, join the club. that's pretty much my motivation too...

Noah Sanchez7 said:Look, you're missing my point; that's not what I meant. I said >>>>>> you chase the Mercedes, I'll chase the high!!!

I have nothing against you chasing that Mercedes; that's your path to happiness, and I'm genuinely glad you're happy. But the high is MY path to happiness, and it's the way for me to be happy!!

I haven't been looking down on anyone except those who lack even an ounce of understanding or tolerance for what I'm writing. And I'm not just writing about myself or for my own sake!
I'm talking about the millions of people who are "addictive personalities"—and honestly, they love drugs. That's just the de facto reality.

The whole essence of my existence can be summed up as: Live, work, and be happy (all the way to heaven), but let others live, work, and be happy (all the way to hell) too.
In the process, don't force your "paths to happiness" on them, because what looks like happiness to you might not be the same for me! We're all different people, and there's plenty of discrimination out there.

It seems to me like you aren't even following your own advice from that second-to-last sentence in this post, so fine, go ahead and do whatever you want and let other people express their views and live their lives, but whenever someone tells you "we don't care, just do your own thing," you get upset and claim you're being cast aside, and if someone actually tries to step up and show you that your actions might not be right, you take offense at that too, so I'm asking you seriously, without any bias or judgment, what is it that you actually want?

Sandra Walker4 said:Why are you surprised? People lack empathy because they’re too busy convinced they’ve endured the worst, judging everyone else as pathetic, stupid, or ungrateful just for being different.

Fall down, and they’ll stomp on you. Hesitate, and they’ll spit on you. There’s zero support, zero understanding; it’s far easier to judge, attack, and harass. Exceptions exist, sure, but most people are just like this. My grandfather, my father, relatives, professors, even old classmates—so many of them hunt for a wound or a weakness just to soothe their own complexes and frustrations. In a world built this way, where can anyone find happiness, confidence, or a shred of love through art? Excuses are everywhere. Whether it’s physical abuse or verbal insults, people will always find a justification, whether they're a parent, a neighbor, or a stranger. Show any emotion to the mob and you're finished; they'll write off your mental health and tell you your self-esteem is dead.

I don't want to play the saint, but I feel like we're all part of one frayed fabric. That's how I approach others—trying to see the good in them, because understanding someone else helps me understand myself. It isn't hard to be cynical; there’s enough injustice and contempt in this world to fuel a lifetime of hate. But even in the eyes of an addict, you can find something decent, something beautiful and human, rather than just the selfishness and misery people expect.

If we accept the social definition that addicts are sick and need treatment, then why the double standards? Why blame them for being "selfish" or for making others unhappy? Do we blame people dying from cancer or other terminal illnesses? Do we blame those who leave behind grieving families? Do we blame people killed in car accidents for being bad drivers or driving too fast in a storm? Are they to blame for a genetic defect, or for a desperate rebellion against an unjust system—thinking they were better drivers than they actually were?

Do they act this way on purpose just to cause grief, or are they simply sick because they are different? Because they couldn't handle reality, or because they sought something higher through methods society rejects? An intelligent person is a questioning being; they search for something greater. Drugs are just a vehicle used to chase new dimensions of perception. There are safer ways to travel and better roads to take, but at the start, drugs act like a protective mother, caring for you until they suddenly reveal their darkest side. They are the guardians of happiness and the providers of meaning, before turning into ruthless slave drivers over a weak body and an even weaker will. Who can blame someone for being weak, or for seeking shelter from a predatory world that’s waiting to tear them down? Who can judge someone for daring to be different or for choosing to feel instead of being ashamed? The cold, disciplined types do fine, but not everyone is a robot. We can't all follow blindly. If someone uses, it is their right and their choice, provided they aren't stealing or killing. If they realize they've messed up and want to change, they have my full support. No judgment here; none of us are perfect.

Tina, you decided to quit for your child and for yourself. You want a fresh start. It’s worth succeeding for that helpless little life you need to lead onto the right path. Let that be your first commandment, a purpose as central as the addiction used to be. If I had the power, I’d toss every pill and every bit of paraphernalia out of your house, then tie you to the bed if I had to, just to get you through the temptation—even if you hated me for it. I’d do it because you chose this for yourself. If I were your brother, I wouldn't hesitate to stop you until this worst crisis passes. The cravings will hit hard at first, but I think you can rediscover that other dimension of happiness—the kind where a child’s smile is enough to send you to seventh heaven. Watching sunsets, listening to the ocean, hearing the birds—once you start finding sufficiency in those things, you'll wake up without that one nagging craving haunting your every thought. It might sound like empty clichés, but those simple realities are what make life worth living.

Once again, you have my full support. Stay strong and good luck. I’m rooting for you. I want to see the day when your child can say with absolute pride, "That's my mother." Because once you finally break free from addiction, those small-minded people—from the petty HOA presidents down to every other corrupt, lowlife soul out there—won't be able to project their anger or contempt onto you anymore. They won't have any way to justify their own malice and evil if you aren't there to take the fall.

👍
This is an honest and objective perspective!
It isn't just a selfish recommendation telling others, "Follow my lead!"
The core of your message is: fight, Tina (and she is the only one who matters in this thread), and don't look back at anyone else!
Exactly: fight, Tina for yourself, for your child, and for both of your futures!
Sandra Walker4, the laws of the majority have existed since the dawn of man!
Nobody here is condemning ALL addicts; most people are condemning one individual, and there's no point in debating why. Because he isn't just intentionally and deliberately shifting the focus away from addicts toward other groups—he's dragging God into the conversation too.
Egoism and self-sufficiency are clearly his driving forces.
He skillfully masks it by calling for love and understanding.
But when faced with the unvarnished truth—since, let's face it, we all end up being eaten by worms eventually (unless you're cremated)—he twists and turns the meaning of his own statements.

The majority's rules change, but anyone who tries to force a sudden, violent shift always falls hard.
Those who advocate for a negative path might see temporary success, but that's it.
The mere fact that humanity still contemplates love, understanding, and peace
offers hope for the future!
But that path IS NOT addiction!
There is no goodness, no beauty, and no true love in the eyes of any person
who advocates for or offers help in the very first step toward destroying a human being!
And drugs DESTROY!

Your comparison to tumors and accidents is a bad one!
Tumors are beyond a person's power to choose!
Most accidents are too!

The "noble rebellion" of an addict, as you call it, is a free choice made by
the individual! But in 99% of cases, it drags everyone else down with them (family, community, etc.), and that is NOT a free choice for those affected!
If addicts claim the right to ignore the pain and misery they inflict on their loved ones and society, why should anyone else
be expected to care about their "victimhood"? Why should we coddle them for it!
If you want to reap love, you have to sow it.
Yet, most addicts just sow pain and misery wherever they go!

And a vehicle for reaching higher consciousness, as you put it, doesn't necessarily have to be
a vehicle for pain, suffering, and ultimately, death!

Noah Sanchez7 said:She doesn't know what a right is. Not morally, and certainly not God's..

Don't go tossing God's name around lightly!
Because let’s be honest—if you actually followed basic morality or Godly principles, you wouldn't be the person you are today!

Joseph Watson3 said:Yeah, I know I was judging you all in that post. It was intentional. Is it really fair to get upset when someone finally uses your own methods against you?

Besides, I have read everything. This entire pile of self-righteous preaching and "well-meaning advice" is hard to escape outside of the religion subforum. Not that I mean everyone—there were actually a few decent responses in there—but specifically you and these other pathetic types:

A pretty smooth attempt at dodging the fact that JPK didn't think things through!

It doesn't bother me—because really, only a loser looks at others and sees nothing but losers based on their own miserable experience!
Personally, I haven't even used that term once in this entire discussion.

Nobody here has condemned every single addict. Most have just targeted one specific individual, and frankly, there's no point in rehashing why. That person isn't just intentionally dodging the actual issue of addiction—they're actively dragging God into the argument too.
Selfishness and self-sufficiency. That’s his entire engine.
She’s clever about it. Masking everything behind calls for love and understanding.
And when you present him with the unvarnished truth? That we all end up as worm food eventually—unless you’re cremated—he just twists your words. He distorts everything.

Everyone is infected by their own little version of the truth. We all cling to our own narrow views of what’s right and what’s wrong, labeling everything else as toxic or misguided. People need to respect one another's autonomy—let people live how they choose, provided they aren't directly harming others through physical violence or psychological abuse. It might grate on my nerves that my daughter dresses like she belongs in a grunge band in Seattle. I might even suffer emotionally because the primitive neighbors next door judge me for letting her be herself. But where is my right to interfere in her life? Even if this environment pushes her toward self-harm or addiction? I can state my opinion, sure, but I have no business defending behavior I think will lead to disaster. Everyone here is the architect of their own fate; they decide their path based on what they know and what they can handle. Take my mother, for example. She chose, of her own free will, to marry a man who ended up abusing both her and me. Why should I constantly throw that in her face or blame her for it? Should someone have stepped in to stop her from marrying my father? Some people live a lifetime of drug use because they stick to certain substances; some try horses and walk away fine, while others die. That’s just life.

Selfishness is everywhere. It seeps out from even the most well-intentioned acts; it’s always there, waiting for us to spot it just so we can feel righteous about our own biases. Even you—you probably aren't that selfish. You’d likely die for others in a heartbeat, burning yourself out trying to fix this broken world without a second thought for your own life. But ego is what pushes you to betray yourself. When you go against your own interests and find that the friction actually feels good—when the sensation outweighs the damage—you keep going. You chase that destructive high until the cost finally outweighs the thrill. Only then do you stop and try to crawl your way out of the mess you made.

The laws change whenever the majority decides. But those who force them through? They fall fast and hard.
Those peddling negativity? They might find a moment of success, but it’s fleeting. Nothing more.
The mere fact that humanity even bothers to contemplate love, understanding, and peace... it's almost laughable.
It offers hope for the future.
And that path? It isn't about drug addiction!
There is no goodness, no beauty, and certainly no true love left in this world. Not seen by a single soul.
Who advocates for it, calls for it, and offers a helping hand in that first step toward destroying humanity?
Dammit, destruction is everywhere.

Who are we to define what a "downward spiral" looks like? Who are we to judge someone based on their actions before we even take the time to know who they actually are? It’s pathetic, really. We act like an addict can’t be a decent mother, a loyal employee, or just a fundamentally good person. Stigma is everywhere. People are far too quick to point fingers and throw labels around. And it isn't just addicts; it's anyone deemed "different" by the masses. Drugs destroy, sure, but life destroys just as effectively. I saw my old grandfather today—he doesn't even recognize me anymore. A man spends eighty years laughing and suffering only to end up a shell of himself. Does that mean his entire life was worthless? Should he have just ended it all while he was still in his prime? Laughter isn't a sin. Happiness shouldn't be eradicated, even when so many people are genuinely hurting. But that's exactly why we live: to find some semblance of joy. When people can't find meaning in the world around them, they seek it in an imaginary one—one that drugs conveniently embellish with vivid illusions.

Your comparison to tumors and accidents is flawed.
Tumors are beyond a person's control.
Most accidents are, too.
What you call a "well-intentioned rebel" addict is actually a free choice.
But 99% of the time, they drag everyone else down with them—family, neighbors, etc.—and that is NOT a free choice for those caught in the crossfire!
If addicts claim the right to ignore the pain and misery they inflict on their loved ones and society, why should anyone else
care about their quasi-victimhood? Or worse, coddle them for it?

Driving is a choice, and speeding might be one too, but an accident isn't. An accident is a consequence, just as addiction is a consequence. Is it caused by spoiled attitudes, selfishness, or stupidity? I wouldn't say so.

Addiction isn't chosen; it happens just like sickness or death. What people choose is happiness and pleasure, or a sense of self-esteem bought with white powder, pills, or whatever else. They choose the light, even though it’s just an entrance to the damn darkness.

If I didn't hate suffering, maybe I'd be on heroin myself today. I never encountered love, understanding, praise, or SUPPORT—exactly what's needed to grow into a psychologically stable, strong person. That's incredibly hard in today's world, where everyone is just waiting to attack, spit on, accuse, or humiliate you because they're so broken themselves that they have to bite others aggressively.

It’s disgusting to blame addicts for simply wanting to feel happy and fulfilled, even if they went about it the wrong way—a way that leaves them unable to breathe freedom because they can only think about one thing. It's equally disgusting to blame these people for being "guilty" because their arrogance and stupidity make everyone around them miserable, when they themselves are just products of their obsessed and infatuated parents. All of humanity multiplies for that same reason: pleasure. If sex were excruciatingly painful, we'd see how few people would actually be on this planet.

Addicts just looked for desire and meaning in a different place. They aren't automatically more guilty, more loathsome, or more malicious than those who satisfy that need through material wealth while ignoring their impoverished relatives or fellow citizens who have nothing to eat. Those people enjoy their new luxury SUVs and couldn't care less about others, much like people don't care if their future children will be happy when they're having sex.

Humanity is selfish. If we see that selfishness in addicts, why don't we see it elsewhere, even in our own actions? Why is it always easier for us to point the finger at "the others"—those who simply tried to live differently than us?

I’m not even going to address your entire post—since the person who actually started this thread has already left,
these massive debates are becoming completely pointless.
I’ll just touch on one smaller point:
Driving is also a matter of free will—it involves recklessness and risk—but rarely does anyone set out with the explicit intention of killing themselves or others!
And even the individual who makes the "free choice" to drive wildly and irresponsibly, flouting every traffic law on the books and causing an accident that costs other people their lives,
will still be punished by society. Do people—the very ones who are insulted and despised after such an event—actually celebrate that freedom of choice, offer help, or applaud everyone else who wants to experience the same thing??

I think it’s about time we close this topic.
And I’ll tell you honestly, without a shred of guilt: as a mother, I would personally tear the throat out of anyone who dared to
glamorize drugs as an expression of free will, or offer "help" to introduce my child—or any child, especially an immature one—into that world, just because they felt like it!
I have seen enough of them dying—the sheer agony they endured when there was no help left to give.
And far too many of them were still just kids!

Sandra Walker4, you are judging from a place far removed from reality.
This world is cruel, but its ultimate cruelty lies in how those who have fallen—instead of using their experience toprevent others from sliding into the abyss,deliberately and intentionally use double standards to drag down those who are already struggling with themselves and society even further into ruin.
That behavior is nowhere near being driven by love, a sense of justice, confusion, or the fallout of social stigma!
Anyone who falls due to their own weakness—which is human and understandable, since not all of us are born warriors—becomes a criminal the moment they pull another vulnerable person down with them!
As for human selfishness? It’s a trait found in every single person to some degree; neither you nor I are exceptions!
We can't stop biological death, but we can stop the destruction caused by drugs.

Tina.
Maybe you’re looking for some kind of comfort, but let’s be real, that’s not actually what you need right now, because comfort is just a dangerous way to lie to yourself.
What you actually need is a wake-up call, a reality check that hits hard enough to snap you out of it, so you might as well just give yourself that slap if nobody else is going to do it for you.
I’m only saying this because I actually want the best for you.

I honestly can't believe how far this has spiraled...
Why are we dragging out these obvious facts? It’s simple: drugs are bad. They’re evil, they're an illusion, and they lead straight to physical—if not spiritual—death. Period. And all this talk about Mercedes? That’s irrelevant. Let’s look at the drug itself in isolation: it's a trap, a downfall, a betrayal of one's own soul. I won't even count the kids who don't know any better because they aren't really thinking yet... but adults singing mystical praises about it? Even if they're being cautious about it? That’s just pure malice and hypocrisy.Noah Sanchez7Cut it out. Talking about the "beautiful side" of getting high? There isn't one. You just imagine it exists during those initial highs. Go eat some ice cream, listen to some good music, go for a run, jump around... just do something else.
The woman is struggling, and I'm sure she doesn't need to read these petty arguments that probably make her feel even worse. Don't lecture her. Don't analyze her. Just wish her luck, because she’s going to need it—specifically the willpower, without which she won't make it.

Carl Thompson4 said:I honestly can't believe how far this has spiraled...
Why are we dragging out these obvious facts? It’s simple: drugs are bad. They’re evil, they're an illusion, and they lead straight to physical—if not spiritual—death. Period. And all this talk about Mercedes? That’s irrelevant. Let’s look at the drug itself in isolation: it's a trap, a downfall, a betrayal of one's own soul. I won't even count the kids who don't know any better because they aren't really thinking yet... but adults singing mystical praises about it? Even if they're being cautious about it? That’s just pure malice and hypocrisy.Noah Sanchez7Cut it out. Talking about the "beautiful side" of getting high? There isn't one. You just imagine it exists during those initial highs. Go eat some ice cream, listen to some good music, go for a run, jump around... just do something else.
The woman is struggling, and I'm sure she doesn't need to read these petty arguments that probably make her feel even worse. Don't lecture her. Don't analyze her. Just wish her luck, because she’s going to need it—specifically the willpower, without which she won't make it.

🙏

Short and sweet!

I’ll be blunt, without an ounce of guilt. As a mother, I would personally tear apart anyone who even thinks about offering my child—or any child, especially some immature kid—anything.
He glorified drugs like they were some kind of path to free will. Offered to hold their hand through the introduction to that life. All just to stroke his own ego. Pathetic.
I watched them die. I saw the agony they endured when there was simply no help left to give.
Too many of them were just kids.

The first time someone offered me drugs, we were in the middle of a war. Back then, nobody even talked about narcotics like they do now, yet despite my total ignorance regarding addiction or damage, I never said yes. It’s actually quite simple to say "no, thanks." The real question is why so many kids just say "give it to me" or go out of their way looking for a fix just to see what it's like. My parents never gave me the whole "drugs are evil" lecture, but I know people who use heavily despite having incredibly strict parents with impossible expectations for their children. You even see kids of surgeons ending up in rehab. What's my point? Drugs are a temporary escape, just like alcohol—a false cure for mental anguish. If someone is suffering deeply, if home life is a nightmare, or if they can't find a single reason to smile, what choice is left? They either learn to weaponize that pain—finding a twisted satisfaction in letting it tear them apart—or they reach for something forbidden and mystical. Something that offers a fleeting dream woven into reality. It gives you a better version of yourself at the start; it provides a sense of strength and defiance against a society or parents that only exist to judge, attack, and punish.

Imagine being born into some tribal community where drugs are just part of the daily routine—totally normal, totally accepted. It’s all about the environment creating the taboo. Someone raised in the Netherlands smokes weed without a second thought because it's legal there. Look, I’m strictly against any kind of substance use—cigarettes, alcohol, you name it—because once you find that escape, stopping is nearly impossible. But I get it. I understand why people reach for that exit.

Sandra Walker4, you’re judging from a distance. Completely detached from reality.
The world is a cruel place. Most vicious of all is how those who have already fallen fail to learn anything from their own wreckage.The others will stop them from hitting rock bottom.They do it on purpose. Using those double standards to drag down people who are already struggling with themselves and society. It’s calculated. Pure destruction.
And that’s a far cry from love. It isn't about justice, confusion, or being misled. It’s nothing to do with humiliation or being judged by society or any single individual. None of that.
Falling because of your own weakness is human. Not everyone is born a fighter. But you become a criminal the moment you drag another weak soul down with you.
Human selfishness? It’s baked into everyone. No exceptions—not you, and certainly not me.
Biological devastation? Unavoidable. Drug abuse? That's something we can actually tackle.

Maybe I’m out of touch. Maybe I’ve lost my mind. You be the judge. Go ahead—evaluate my thoughts, critique my presence, decide exactly what kind of person I am. At least I’m being honest.
Is it always just the dealers who are the villains? Or have they been blinded by some new, trendy addiction logic—acting out of good intentions simply because they haven't faced the wreckage yet? They refuse to see the consequences. They won't admit them.
Do you think this is glorifying drugs and pushing people to use, or just an honest conversation about experiences?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X8gu9NnqtJw

I respect the right to choose, but there’s a massive distinction between making a voluntary choice and buckling under social pressure. Our survival depends entirely on our own decisions. I just want people to be happy. It doesn't matter to me if that happiness comes from witnessing a new dawn, driving a brand new luxury Mercedes, or even something trivial—as long as they aren't hurting anyone through theft, violence, or verbal abuse. Seeing smiles and genuine affection matters. The reason behind it is irrelevant; happiness simply brightens this relentlessly dark and tragic world.

If we’re going to punish addicts by stigmatizing them and shoving them into corners because they’re deemed "threats," then we should also hold the media accountable. They peddle false values and rake in advertising dollars by selling people a shred of hope or self-esteem. The pressure on young Americans is becoming unbearable. They have to be brilliant, beautiful, and successful; if they fail at any of it, they become nothing more than punching bags for their superiors.
The media promotes the greed and coldness of a consumerist society. No wonder happiness has become a commodity you buy, much like how people purchase confidence through endless cosmetic surgeries. We've started treating humans like factory-made models rather than living beings who find beauty in the small imperfections that make us unique.

I don't know. I'm deeply disillusioned. I still can't decide if it's better to live thirty years in a manufactured paradise or eighty years in a literal hell, especially if you can't meet the basic requirements to be accepted and loved for who you actually are.

I think, at the end of the day, it all comes down to personal choice. Whether I decide to act in a way that actually makes me feel better or just drift along—well, that’s up to me. It isn't easy living in a world this fractured and schizophrenic; it’s nowhere near the utopia people pretend it is. But then again, life wasn't exactly a walk in the park for our ancestors either. They were quite literally starving and barefoot, yet they still found a reason to get out of bed in the morning. I’m not saying their era was romantic—it was brutal, honestly, from forced marriages to births happening in barns and constant warfare... you name it. My point is, making a choice today is actually harder because everything is handed to us on a silver platter. We lose the ability to distinguish what matters from what doesn't. To me, the right path is always the voice of reason, wrapped in the voice of the heart. Any lie—whether it’s from the media, a friend, or just something cleverly disguised—is a setback. ((Though these days, lies aren't even disguised much anymore; they're just accepted. It's become this culture of intoxication, promiscuity, and glorifying negativity, from the lowest lows to the absolute extremes...)). Following that path is the path of least resistance, because the truth is, the most important things are usually the simplest. Humans are cursed by wanting too much too fast. It sounds old-fashioned, but it's true. We shouldn't support lies in any form, because we all have our own crosses to bear, and lying just makes the vague purpose of life even harder to find. And that purpose is simple: a little bread, a little love, and a song... you just adjust your schedule accordingly. This is just my take on things, sorry if I'm overstepping here.
always look on the bright side of life, param, param, paramparampam....🙂

Noah Sanchez7 said:I don't know what to say to you, dear teenah...
But I just remembered that famous verse: "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do"...

My gut tells me that your prejudice won't last much longer—actually, not much longer at all—because people are starting to realize the truth. For some, it's a slow process; for others, it happens fast.
Most people fall into the slow category. Since they are the majority, their opinions tend to carry more weight.
So, the slightly sharper minds are "condemned" by this injustice, and all that remains is for them to fight against it.
To fight in every way possible, even if it costs them their lives.

Evil, intolerance, and stupidity are things that slowly fade away. Let that be your light in the dark, because it certainly is mine.

Keep loving your little angel. Keep pushing forward, just like everyone else. Don't give up... Protect Him! 😘

Well, if nobody is actually condemning up99 or teenah, then where is this attitude coming from? Can anyone tell me if a person who writes something like this is actually a bad person?

George Ramirez11 said:I’m honestly not even sure who I should start quoting first... the one who prioritizes a predator over someone struggling with addiction, or the healthcare worker who clearly couldn't care less—because apparently, addiction isn't a disease, it's just some mindless, shapeless mass of people having a blast... or maybe it's the same person? I've stopped paying attention. I don't know why only 1% of people bother to step up when it's actually this simple. And what would be the point of me confessing? I just wanted to get it out there. It's pretty clear that nobody here (with the exception of those few who actually tried to offer something useful) can help me. I'll admit, I probably titled the thread wrong.
Nobody needs to worry about my child, let alone you guys. I feel my own pain plenty well enough, and my kid is this constant little angel whose pain I feel down to my very soul if they so much as scrape an elbow. God knows what other kind of pain exists.
Do you really think you have it all figured out just because you spend your days handing out tips to junkies? I'm not even going to go there.
I’m not looking for excuses, mostly because I haven't lost my mind—I see zero reason to justify myself to anyone HERE. I don't know why I would. Just because rehab isn't for everyone doesn't mean it's a magic fix; I was told that myself at a rehabilitation center, and I see crowds of people every single day who head straight back to their old habits the moment they walk out the doors. Most of the things you call "excuses" actually end in a question mark, if you'd bother to notice. At the end of the day, it comes down to willpower, and there's really no debate there.
Stay healthy, and I truly DON'T want any of you to see an addict when you look at your own children, because NO ONE is immune to darkness. But I DO want you to learn to think differently, even if it hurts or makes you miserable while your perspective shifts.
I never forced my opinion on anyone. I came here looking for support, and instead, I got pelted with stones. People called me an idiot who refuses to get clean, said I should have my child taken away, wished that my son would look at me with disgust, or hoped I’d drop dead within a year... I'm sorry I even sought you out. You really think you're the first ones to try using insults and aggression?
My only consolation is knowing that you either have no clue what you're talking about or you simply aren't thinking. You certainly don't know anything about me.
Go ahead, keep arguing and feeding each other's stubbornness and stupidity. I'm going to move on and look for help within myself and from people who actually give a damn.
Shame on you. Now you can go back to spitting on the depressed, the anxious, and the potentially suicidal... because I guess they're just more "idiots" who refuse help, right?
P.S. Again, thanks to the exceptions who offered supportive words, links, etc. That’s really all I was looking for. I've cried enough in my life that I'm not going to let some internet posts break me.

And this—this isn't judging, is it?

Noah Sanchez7 said:I really have to thank you, truly.

If we argue that gay people didn't choose their orientation—which is a relative argument anyway—then we could also say addicts are just born with an "addictive personality," making the whole discussion moot.

Some people claim I'm promoting or glorifying drugs. Based on how they read my entire post...
Well, if that's the case, they completely missed the point.
The way you bring up gay people and compare addicts to pedophiles... that truly insults me.
Whether you think I'll rot in the ground while you drive around in a Mercedes, or say "it's better to have one less addict," it doesn't affect me at all. That only reflects on YOU.
It shows who you really are, quite accurately, because that is exactly what you are. And let me tell you, very few actual addicts "have the guts" to say things like that (and I mean true junkies, not the posers), which is why I will proudly stand on their side in every single way, even with a needle in my vein.
Because, my dear people, that will be my escape; that will be my happiness..
In that way, I will embrace death with open arms and fall into its lap, without ever casting a single glance back at miserable people like you.
Because my stomach has already started to fail me—not from drugs, but from the malice I can't seem to escape. I feel it everywhere I go.

There's no point arguing with you because truth means nothing to you. You are all just a rotten tooth.

That's all from me on this thread.

Well, you hit the nail on the head there—given how most people here tend to jump down your throat, the fact that you can still maintain a coherent thought process is actually somewhat impressive 👍
.
Quincy:

In that manner, I shall embrace death with open arms and fall into her lap, without casting so much as a single glance toward you miserable people. Because even my stomach has begun to fail me—not from substance abuse, mind you, but from the sheer malice I find impossible to escape; I feel it everywhere I turn.

Now, if only you could manage to be a bit more stubborn in the opposite direction—instead of declaring that you'll stand by the addict, needle in hand, and fall into the arms of death... do you honestly think anyone will care? Or rather, do you think it accomplishes anything beyond providing fodder for people to call you a coward who lacked the grit to actually fight? What are you trying to prove? To whom? To up99? Is there really no other path available to you? If it were for a cause, perhaps—but instead, you're doing it for nothing... do you truly believe "nothing" is worth such a gesture? You mentioned once, quite loftily, that fighting for the rights of addicts was a good idea—something along the lines of "this has to change"—and I must admit, that particular sentiment struck a chord with me, even if your delivery was a bit much.

Carl Thompson4 said:I think, at the end of the day, it all comes down to personal choice. Whether I decide to act in a way that actually makes me feel better or just drift along—well, that’s up to me. It isn't easy living in a world this fractured and schizophrenic; it’s nowhere near the utopia people pretend it is. But then again, life wasn't exactly a walk in the park for our ancestors either. They were quite literally starving and barefoot, yet they still found a reason to get out of bed in the morning. I’m not saying their era was romantic—it was brutal, honestly, from forced marriages to births happening in barns and constant warfare... you name it. My point is, making a choice today is actually harder because everything is handed to us on a silver platter. We lose the ability to distinguish what matters from what doesn't. To me, the right path is always the voice of reason, wrapped in the voice of the heart. Any lie—whether it’s from the media, a friend, or just something cleverly disguised—is a setback. ((Though these days, lies aren't even disguised much anymore; they're just accepted. It's become this culture of intoxication, promiscuity, and glorifying negativity, from the lowest lows to the absolute extremes...)). Following that path is the path of least resistance, because the truth is, the most important things are usually the simplest. Humans are cursed by wanting too much too fast. It sounds old-fashioned, but it's true. We shouldn't support lies in any form, because we all have our own crosses to bear, and lying just makes the vague purpose of life even harder to find. And that purpose is simple: a little bread, a little love, and a song... you just adjust your schedule accordingly. This is just my take on things, sorry if I'm overstepping here.
always look on the bright side of life, param, param, paramparampam....🙂

Well written, Sandra Walker4. Our ancestors lived harder lives—hungry, barefoot, lacking every modern luxury—but they were closer to the essence of being alive. Maybe they understood something we’ve managed to forget. They nurtured emotions that are slowly dying out today because of this total alienation. Back then, people actually relied on one another; survival required connection. You couldn't just plug into some gadget for entertainment after a grueling day of work. Life was brutal, and that's exactly why human bonds were deeper and more meaningful than anything we have now. What do we actually possess today? Information is everywhere. We can exchange ideas globally in an instant. We have TV, video games, you name it. But it’s all hollow. It’s just a cold transmission of desires and attitudes. We are close through words, yet miles apart in spirit—we've lost the ability to truly look someone in the eye or share a genuine smile. We don't cooperate anymore; we just compete. We compete against our parents, ourselves, our siblings, our friends. We’re all just trying to break free and run away as fast as possible because we can't stand the environment we've built.

They sell us these manufactured ideals. They push constant promises of opportunity at every turn, just to make sure we never feel settled. It’s a calculated move—convincing us that what we lack is the only cure for our restlessness and discontent.

What was my childhood like? Parents locked in a constant race to see who could pull in more cash or climb higher. After work, there was nothing but staring at the TV—just walls and silence. No actual communication. Just blame, finger-pointing, and punishment. Zero empathy. No sense of togetherness or mutual support, because apparently, that’s obsolete now. You can just buy your pleasures. Everything beautiful a family or close friends could offer becomes irrelevant, even laughable. Why bother investing in feelings when excellence is the only thing that matters? Excellence guarantees money. And money is power—the kind of power that lets you buy anyone's affection if you have enough paper.

My parents never gave me what I actually wanted for my birthday. There was always some decent gift sitting there, but all I really craved was to see them actually love each other—to feel like they were present with me, that I actually mattered. Instead, it was always the same old routine: "Go to your room and play." A magnificent gift, truly. Sometimes I just wanted my old man to be sober for once, just for that one night, but no—he’d usually end up drinking twice as much that evening.

What I’m getting at is this: why is escaping through booze and drugs still so popular despite everything we have today? It’s obvious. People feel an emptiness that they try to fill with whatever garbage is available. A fulfilled, happy person doesn't feel the need to wreck themselves with substances; they’re satisfied with themselves and the people around them. They don't run. Maybe I’m the crazy one, but I can't find anything else that feels meaningful. It’s nearly impossible to find someone nowadays who will accept you unconditionally, someone you can rely on for life, someone you can just sit with on a beach, holding them, not because they're rich or famous, but simply because they exist—just staring at the stars and the crashing waves together.

Human connections have become so shallow. Drugs seem like the perfect friend at first, completely devoted to you, until they kill off any shred of willpower you have left and suck the very life out of you.

Maybe I’m wrong. Maybe I just didn't get to experience happiness in a way that lets me meet the world normally. It's probably stupid of me to speak in the plural when these are my experiences and my life—likely worlds apart from yours.