In a world of manic depressives,
everyone self medicates,
be it alcohol,
recreational drugs,
religion, shopping or sex.
Showing posts with label recreational drugs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label recreational drugs. Show all posts
20130501
20110506
Reflections on Erowid
After reading Erowid for the past 5+ years, I know how cyclobenzaprine, mirtazapine, hydroxyzine, & gabapentin affects other people.
Yet, having been prescribed each of the above medication, I have also experienced their effect on me.
Gabapentin actually contributed to mood swings mid-December 2010 until mid-January. Sure, it did make me more talkative. When I was tapering down to zero I felt some of the withdrawal side effects (agitation, anxiety, dizziness, disorientation, headaches).
For a week at the beginning of February, I was prescribed a week's supply of cyclobenzaprine for muscle tension in my shoulder. It helped relieve muscle tension and pain, but a careful study of its use helped me to decide it was usefulness is limited.
In March 2011, the sedative effect of hydroxyzine was great for killing addiction for nicotine, and I'm grateful for that. I received this medication in April 2010 but stopped taking it in May 2010 when I was first prescribed mirtazapine.
As well, mirtazapine's strong sedative effect also helped me not want to use it anymore after tapering off it back in December 2010.
Currently I don't use medication. There are better alternatives to them such as talk therapy, meditation, and regular daily exercise.
However, I'm still open to use of medication as prescribed.
Yet, having been prescribed each of the above medication, I have also experienced their effect on me.
Gabapentin actually contributed to mood swings mid-December 2010 until mid-January. Sure, it did make me more talkative. When I was tapering down to zero I felt some of the withdrawal side effects (agitation, anxiety, dizziness, disorientation, headaches).
For a week at the beginning of February, I was prescribed a week's supply of cyclobenzaprine for muscle tension in my shoulder. It helped relieve muscle tension and pain, but a careful study of its use helped me to decide it was usefulness is limited.
In March 2011, the sedative effect of hydroxyzine was great for killing addiction for nicotine, and I'm grateful for that. I received this medication in April 2010 but stopped taking it in May 2010 when I was first prescribed mirtazapine.
As well, mirtazapine's strong sedative effect also helped me not want to use it anymore after tapering off it back in December 2010.
Currently I don't use medication. There are better alternatives to them such as talk therapy, meditation, and regular daily exercise.
However, I'm still open to use of medication as prescribed.
20100417
From Anti-Anxiety to Anxiety: Explanation of Overdose of Mesembrine
In this report on the effects of mesembrine, the author reports sedation usually from smoking kanna, but is naïve to the concentrated extract.
As well, he has a history of marijuana use and used the extract recreationally.
http://www.erowid.org/experiences/exp.php?ID=68898
Commentary: Initially, mesembrine has SSRI-like effects in low doses. However, large doses may result in serotonin syndrome.
One of the symptom of serotonin syndrome is hypomania which has psychomotor agitation resulting from mental tension and anxiety.
It may be helpful to use a mild sedative such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) when coming down from a large dose of mesembrine, except where it is counterindicated i.e. mixed drug use.
In that case, it may require a trip to the emergency ward of the local hospital for a strong and fast-acting sedative such as the benzodiazepines i.e. midazolam or the much safer dexmedetomidine (Precedex).
References:
Mesembrine: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mesembrine
Kanna: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sceletium_tortuosum
Serotonin syndrome: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serotonin_syndrome#Signs_and_symptoms
Midazolam: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Midazolam
Dexmedetomidine: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dexmedetomidine
As well, he has a history of marijuana use and used the extract recreationally.
http://www.erowid.org/experiences/exp.php?ID=68898
Commentary: Initially, mesembrine has SSRI-like effects in low doses. However, large doses may result in serotonin syndrome.
One of the symptom of serotonin syndrome is hypomania which has psychomotor agitation resulting from mental tension and anxiety.
It may be helpful to use a mild sedative such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) when coming down from a large dose of mesembrine, except where it is counterindicated i.e. mixed drug use.
In that case, it may require a trip to the emergency ward of the local hospital for a strong and fast-acting sedative such as the benzodiazepines i.e. midazolam or the much safer dexmedetomidine (Precedex).
References:
Mesembrine: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mesembrine
Kanna: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sceletium_tortuosum
Serotonin syndrome: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serotonin_syndrome#Signs_and_symptoms
Midazolam: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Midazolam
Dexmedetomidine: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dexmedetomidine
20090326
Less is More Revisited: Get Smart, Not High
Given that taking drugs is a choice, an overdose is a choice that threats one's life.
Usually this is due to ignorance about toxicology of a drug. And the myth that a drug makes you "high" perpetuates this ignorance.
If the aim is to get "high", then that is not recreational drug use; that's potential abuse. Depending on the drug, it either makes you see life in a new life or relieves pain, psychic or physical.
Anti-drug education does nothing to enlighten people, especially at-risk youth.
A proper drug education program should go through toxicology in a simple manner. In most cases, the least amount of a drug does the least amount of harm.
For the less of a drug you use, the more likely you will benefit from its use within the appropriate set and setting.
Usually this is due to ignorance about toxicology of a drug. And the myth that a drug makes you "high" perpetuates this ignorance.
If the aim is to get "high", then that is not recreational drug use; that's potential abuse. Depending on the drug, it either makes you see life in a new life or relieves pain, psychic or physical.
Anti-drug education does nothing to enlighten people, especially at-risk youth.
A proper drug education program should go through toxicology in a simple manner. In most cases, the least amount of a drug does the least amount of harm.
For the less of a drug you use, the more likely you will benefit from its use within the appropriate set and setting.
20070924
De-stigmatizing Mental Illness Requires Education
Mental illness stigma is similar to masturbation stigma. Some people do/have it but nobody admits to it in a crowd of strangers. ;)
Sadly though, Britney Spears can put out Touch of My Hand, but no word from Paris Hilton about her disorders at all. She sufffers from claustrophobia and may have mild ADHD. Her risky behavior looks prodromal for either bipolar or borderline personality disorder, though I nix the latter because she has had no known failed suicide attempts.
Chris Benoit is likely to have had borderline personality disorder, since concussions are comorbid with BPD, though steroid abuse is more likely. Though, if he had failed suicide attempts in the past, then he would be positive for BPD.
Usually, after the first and only psychotic incident, people in denial will go off meds due to side effects and pretend it never happened.
However, if there is a parent with recognized schizotypy (ranging from schizoid to schizo-affective to schizotypal to schizophrenic behavior), then a first-timer might go on to exhibit similar behavior (suspicion, paranoia, denial of relapse, delusions, anxiety, nervousness, love of nature and books, long time spent alone).
If economic conditions are adverse, then this could morph a first-time psychosis into a schizotypy.
For women, a caring and loving husband or soulmate can mitigate her schizotypy. There are a lot of eccentric women in long-term relationships who are successful, especially when they have learned how to deal effectively with stress. The same goes for men, but they too require a caring and loving wife or soulmate.
Undiagnosed mental illness is not the actual problem. If my unofficial research into drinking is any indication, people are self-medicating for an undiagnosed mental illness. A similar conclusion can be made about rereation drug use. Though, a refusal to acknowledge there is a problem is related to the current stigmatization of mental illness.
Because, sometimes alcohol use may indicate a coping skill to deal with undiagnosed mental illness, I feel that next to the posters against binge drinking and overdrinking in clubs, there should be posters bringing a human face to mental illness.
I currently get headaches from drinking alcohol, which means my self hypnosis is working. ;)
So, I feel substance abuse education goes hand in hand with mental health education. Why? My unofficial research shows that substance abusers are slightly more likely to be in denial that they are medicating a mental illness with alcohol and/or other drugs.
YMMV
Sadly though, Britney Spears can put out Touch of My Hand, but no word from Paris Hilton about her disorders at all. She sufffers from claustrophobia and may have mild ADHD. Her risky behavior looks prodromal for either bipolar or borderline personality disorder, though I nix the latter because she has had no known failed suicide attempts.
Chris Benoit is likely to have had borderline personality disorder, since concussions are comorbid with BPD, though steroid abuse is more likely. Though, if he had failed suicide attempts in the past, then he would be positive for BPD.
Usually, after the first and only psychotic incident, people in denial will go off meds due to side effects and pretend it never happened.
However, if there is a parent with recognized schizotypy (ranging from schizoid to schizo-affective to schizotypal to schizophrenic behavior), then a first-timer might go on to exhibit similar behavior (suspicion, paranoia, denial of relapse, delusions, anxiety, nervousness, love of nature and books, long time spent alone).
If economic conditions are adverse, then this could morph a first-time psychosis into a schizotypy.
For women, a caring and loving husband or soulmate can mitigate her schizotypy. There are a lot of eccentric women in long-term relationships who are successful, especially when they have learned how to deal effectively with stress. The same goes for men, but they too require a caring and loving wife or soulmate.
Undiagnosed mental illness is not the actual problem. If my unofficial research into drinking is any indication, people are self-medicating for an undiagnosed mental illness. A similar conclusion can be made about rereation drug use. Though, a refusal to acknowledge there is a problem is related to the current stigmatization of mental illness.
Because, sometimes alcohol use may indicate a coping skill to deal with undiagnosed mental illness, I feel that next to the posters against binge drinking and overdrinking in clubs, there should be posters bringing a human face to mental illness.
I currently get headaches from drinking alcohol, which means my self hypnosis is working. ;)
So, I feel substance abuse education goes hand in hand with mental health education. Why? My unofficial research shows that substance abusers are slightly more likely to be in denial that they are medicating a mental illness with alcohol and/or other drugs.
YMMV
20070420
In Moderation Marijuana Beats Alcohol
420 beats alcohol. Here's how:
Alcohol, when consumed during binge drinking - the pastime of today's youth - can lead to violence. It is also a dangerous gateway drug, like tobacco!
Pot, when consumed in moderate amounts - two puffs - leads to the typical stoned feeling with momentary lapses of consciousness.
Only in people who associate violence with getting drunk or stoned, and binge drink and/or smoke too much pot, may become violent.
Please pass it on! Puff puff!
Alcohol, when consumed during binge drinking - the pastime of today's youth - can lead to violence. It is also a dangerous gateway drug, like tobacco!
Pot, when consumed in moderate amounts - two puffs - leads to the typical stoned feeling with momentary lapses of consciousness.
Only in people who associate violence with getting drunk or stoned, and binge drink and/or smoke too much pot, may become violent.
Please pass it on! Puff puff!
20070404
Busting the Gateway Myth about Marijuana
"Cannabis itself is not a cause of other drug use." --
CANNABIS : OUR POSITION FOR A CANADIAN PUBLIC POLICY
REPORT OF THE SENATE SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON ILLEGAL DRUGS
SUMMARY, SEPTEMBER 2002
There you have it, evidence that cannabis is not a cause of other drug use, that it is not a gateway drug, and that, given the evidence that cannabis is not more harmful than caffeine, it is a safe drug.
It was originally because of racism that marijuana was made illegal in Canada.
Thus the law is inherently racist but currentlyt targets a benign drug culture of whose members, very few of them have acted harmfully towards themselves and/or others.
At the very least, given evidence that alcohol and tobacco are many times more harmful, why are they not also included in any drug law nationally? Why are they treated separately? Because they are legal and any addiction to them is treated as a health problem.
Indeed, it is because both alcohol and tobacco have been regulated by the government. Consequently the media has "hidden" alcohol and tobacco from public scrutiny, and thus downplays their role in violence and/or death in Canada?
If so, then it may be possible that marijuana is demonized by media and by legal enforcement agencies for moral reasons unrelated to whatever potential harm this drug may cause. Essentially then, mass media has practiced propaganda against marijuana first by targeting an ethnic group and later by doing the following: associated early use in grade school with symptoms associated with idiopathic schizophrenia, used hyperbole to exaggerate the risk of lung disease caused by smoking marijuana, and used ad hominem attacks against regular marijuana users.
As well, the aggressive methods used by police to regulate marijuana use is a significent contributor to the rise in other drug use including methamphetamine, cocaine, and other stimulants.
If anything then the real gateway is the drug law, since it is because the law makes drugs illegal that criminals manufacture drugs for profit.
For legalization of all drugs would reduce the harm caused by such drugs.
CANNABIS : OUR POSITION FOR A CANADIAN PUBLIC POLICY
REPORT OF THE SENATE SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON ILLEGAL DRUGS
SUMMARY, SEPTEMBER 2002
There you have it, evidence that cannabis is not a cause of other drug use, that it is not a gateway drug, and that, given the evidence that cannabis is not more harmful than caffeine, it is a safe drug.
It was originally because of racism that marijuana was made illegal in Canada.
Thus the law is inherently racist but currentlyt targets a benign drug culture of whose members, very few of them have acted harmfully towards themselves and/or others.
At the very least, given evidence that alcohol and tobacco are many times more harmful, why are they not also included in any drug law nationally? Why are they treated separately? Because they are legal and any addiction to them is treated as a health problem.
Indeed, it is because both alcohol and tobacco have been regulated by the government. Consequently the media has "hidden" alcohol and tobacco from public scrutiny, and thus downplays their role in violence and/or death in Canada?
If so, then it may be possible that marijuana is demonized by media and by legal enforcement agencies for moral reasons unrelated to whatever potential harm this drug may cause. Essentially then, mass media has practiced propaganda against marijuana first by targeting an ethnic group and later by doing the following: associated early use in grade school with symptoms associated with idiopathic schizophrenia, used hyperbole to exaggerate the risk of lung disease caused by smoking marijuana, and used ad hominem attacks against regular marijuana users.
As well, the aggressive methods used by police to regulate marijuana use is a significent contributor to the rise in other drug use including methamphetamine, cocaine, and other stimulants.
If anything then the real gateway is the drug law, since it is because the law makes drugs illegal that criminals manufacture drugs for profit.
For legalization of all drugs would reduce the harm caused by such drugs.
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