posted on October 5, 2005 02:10:52 PM new
Since it is pretty obvious that we can not win the war on drugs and fighting it the way we have been is a huge waste of money.
I say we just poison the stuff and release it on the street. People using drugs are asking for a death wish, we just need to help them along.
posted on October 5, 2005 03:48:02 PM new
What a hypocrite you are, Washingtonabayer. You say I was trolling for asking religious questions, yet you think it's ok to poison people.
posted on October 5, 2005 04:37:38 PM new
But kraft, a lot of drugs out there are poison already, and if they are not instant poison, they will be if a person becomes an addict.
posted on October 5, 2005 04:47:05 PM new
Near you are so right, most people who abuse illegal drugs are on the fast track to ruin, I just say we make it a bullet train with one stop.
I have no respect for someone that uses illegal drugs and is not willing or able to stop.
posted on October 5, 2005 05:06:28 PM new
Street drugs, heroin, acid, ecstacy etc yep.
Even pot, for me, I believe its addictive, maybe not physically, but the pyschological part, yep. I have seen it ruin a relationship, and turn someone into someone else totally different and worse. If it wasn't for pot, that he HAD to have everyday, I would get it. So, I was better off when he was stoned. I eventually had to leave, and it didn't take more than one broken bone. I believe I am not that dumb.
For myself, I am addicted to an anti seizure drug, that is also a benzo. I am addicted to pain killers. And I am addicted to my heart meds, these are all prescribed meds. I do need the anti seizure, I do need the heart meds, I believe I need the painkillers. If I ever get better its going to be hell to detox, I've read all about it, and so I am forewarned.
posted on October 5, 2005 06:13:16 PM new
Very difficult problem to address. Pot should be legal. Pot is safer than alcohol and even cough medicine, and is already legal for medicinal purposes in half of the states. Pot should most definately be regulated, and legalizing it would not only create jobs, but would also generate more income for farmers who can grow hemp for industrial purposes.
As for other drugs, I don't know if legalization would make things better or worse. The meth epedimic is out of hand here, and is so dangerous that perhaps an automatic 10 year prison sentance may be a deterrant. Who knows.
The biggest problem is that the information on drugs is like the information on politics. It really depends on who is testing it, who pays for the tests, etc.
Many old time conservatives believe all drugs should be legal. They cite their own ideology that Government has no business in personal adult affairs, which ironically includes drug use and abortion. William F Buckley was a proponent of legalization when I saw him speak at FSU.
One thing that needs to happen is "truthful information". I am sick of seeing stupid commercials that stereotype drug users. Sure, stereotypes are based on past experiences, but they generally are false and misleading. Most people don't flunk out of school because they smoke pot, or forget to eat dinner with their grandmother because they are stoned (most would show up b/c of the munchies, right?).
Funny, though that "conservative" hypocritical thought manages to include government intervention for what they deem inappropriate, but it is ok for people to be addicted to the stock market, or work-a-holics, etc. Any vice we may have can be dangerous. Gambling, Overeating, overworking, overspending, etc can strain a family or a relationship. Even those who spend 12 hours a day on Vendio (Linda) have a serious addiction problem.
posted on October 5, 2005 06:30:20 PM new
NearTheSea - If there ever comes a time when you are well enough to stop using the prescription drugs you now need, they have ways to detox you that aren't anywhere near as 'rough' as it used to be. From what I've been told...the process is rather easy on the patient. The problem/hard part is not with physical detoxing under medical care, but it comes with not returning to using them after detox.
My BIL's the same way....from so many surgery's he's addicted to pain killers now too.....has been for years.
posted on October 5, 2005 06:57:41 PM new
I know about 'modern' detox, and I think I can handle it
Like your BIL, I am addicted to pain killers, my doc knows this too, but they do help tremendously, and have tried 'lesser' strength, and nada .. probably because I'm so used to the strong ones.
Problem round here, they all know, and someone gets a bad headache, and they say 'Shelly has some narcotics for that' Whatever, I've talked to everyone, that I cannot give them out, and I don't.
The anti seizure I am going to go lower dose, its a benzo, and I am addicted to it, for a very long time. Its like being on 90 mg a day of valium! But I don't get stoned, or euphoric from them. Others do I know. But I know if I don't take them, there is risk of seizing.
I gotta say, pot, sure it is good, from what I hear for terminal and people having chemo? but for rec. use, nope. I've seen this addiction first hand. And last I heard he was
still doing it. THE WORST PART was that he came and saw the girls when they were 12 and 13. I thought it would be ok, if they went with him out.. Well, that was my 2 little girls introduction into pot. Yeah, he had them smoke a bowl with him. He came back and he even told me!! I was yelling so hard, I couldn't believe him! I had to do something,went to court, got restraining order for children and myself from him. He is now back in OK, now going on 10 years
But before all that, when I asked him what the hell was he thinking, he told me, 'it was the only way I knew, to bond with my daughters' CHRIST the man is nuts, an abuser, and a pothead. All these years, and not one 'stronger' drug did he use or try.
Oh btw, he always called it an herb, not a drug.....
posted on October 5, 2005 07:44:28 PM new
Near- the problem isn't the drug, but the person you are talking about. It is NOT normal for any adult to contribute any drug, alcohol, cigarettes, etc to a child. This person you refer to has a mental illness or disease, or is simply lacking cognitive skills to know better. His behavior is not related to an addiction, because pot does not make adults go crazy and start pushing it on kids. His behavior is 100% criminal, and you did the right thing.
[ edited by rustygumbo on Oct 5, 2005 07:55 PM ]
posted on October 5, 2005 08:12:06 PM new
Yes, he does have problems, mental? probably that also.
The thing that I don't think I stressed enough, is that when I was with him, if he didn't have any weed, he was in a super bad mood, and he took it out on me. (I was young and dumb, but I learned quick, and I got out) When he had it, he could be the most charming person in the world.
I hoped he would be stoned everyday. And to have to say that, he had a problem.
Maybe he is in the minority, but what I saw he was addicted.
posted on October 5, 2005 09:06:21 PM new
Have you thought that just like a depressed person may need zoloft, he may need pot? What I am saying is that he may be chemically imbalanced, and the pot balances him. The human brain does have receptor sites that only match those of marijuana, and not of any other drug. His actions with your kids was wrong, but pot may fulfill something that is missing from his chemical balance. Human physiology is quite complex, and what may apply to you and me, may not apply to anyone else in this world.
posted on October 6, 2005 06:22:22 AM new
Rusty that is the pro-marijuana mantra and it is being refuted everyday.
Health Hazards from Marijuana Use
Effects of Marijuana on the Brain
Researchers have found that THC changes the way in which sensory information gets into and is processed by the hippocampus. The hippocampus is a component of the brain's limbic system that is crucial for learning, memory, and the integration of sensory experiences with emotions and motivations. Investigations have shown that neurons in the information processing system of the hippocampus and the activity of the nerve fibers in this region are suppressed by THC. In addition, researchers have discovered that learned behaviors, which depend on the hippocampus, also deteriorate via this mechanism.
Recent research findings also indicate that long-term use of marijuana produces changes in the brain similar to those seen after long-term use of other major drugs of abuse.
Effects of Marijuana on the Lungs
Someone who smokes marijuana regularly may have many of the same respiratory problems as tobacco smokers. These individuals may have daily cough and phlegm, symptoms of chronic bronchitis, and more frequent chest colds. Continuing to smoke marijuana can lead to abnormal functioning of lung tissue injured or destroyed by marijuana smoke.
Regardless of the THC content, the amount of tar inhaled by marijuana smokers and the level of carbon monoxide absorbed are three to five times greater than among tobacco smokers. This may be due to the marijuana users' inhaling more deeply and holding the smoke in the lungs and because marijuana smoke is unfiltered.
Effects of Marijuana on Heart Rate and Blood Pressure
Recent findings indicate that smoking marijuana while shooting up cocaine has the potential to cause severe increases in heart rate and blood pressure. In one study, experienced marijuana and cocaine users were given marijuana alone, cocaine alone, and then a combination of both. Each drug alone produced cardiovascular effects; when they were combined, the effects were greater and lasted longer. The heart rate of the subjects in the study increased 29 beats per minute with marijuana alone and 32 beats per minute with cocaine alone. When the drugs were given together, the heart rate increased by 49 beats per minute, and the increased rate persisted for a longer time. The drugs were given with the subjects sitting quietly. In normal circumstances, an individual may smoke marijuana and inject cocaine and then do something physically stressful that may significantly increase the risk of overloading the cardiovascular system.
Effects of Heavy Marijuana Use on Learning and Social Behavior
A study of college students has shown that critical skills related to attention, memory, and learning are impaired among people who use marijuana heavily, even after discontinuing its use for at least 24 hours. Researchers compared 65 "heavy users," who had smoked marijuana a median of 29 of the past 30 days, and 64 "light users," who had smoked a median of 1 of the past 30 days. After a closely monitored 19- to 24-hour period of abstinence from marijuana and other illicit drugs and alcohol, the undergraduates were given several standard tests measuring aspects of attention, memory, and learning. Compared to the light users, heavy marijuana users made more errors and had more difficulty sustaining attention, shifting attention to meet the demands of changes in the environment, and in registering, processing, and using information. These findings suggest that the greater impairment among heavy users is likely due to an alteration of brain activity produced by marijuana.
Longitudinal research on marijuana use among young people below college age indicates those who used marijuana have lower achievement than the non-users, more acceptance of deviant behavior, more delinquent behavior and aggression, greater rebelliousness, poorer relationships with parents, and more associations with delinquent and drug-using friends.
Research also shows more anger and more regressive behavior (thumb sucking, temper tantrums) in toddlers whose parents use marijuana than among the toddlers of non-using parents.
Effects of Marijuana on Pregnancy
Any drug of abuse can affect a mother's health during pregnancy, making it a time when expectant mothers should take special care of themselves. Drugs of abuse may interfere with proper nutrition and rest, which can affect good functioning of the immune system. Some studies have found that babies born to mothers who used marijuana during pregnancy were smaller than those born to mothers who did not use the drug. In general, smaller babies are more likely to develop health problems.
A nursing mother who uses marijuana passes some of the THC to the baby in her breast milk. Research indicates that the use of marijuana by a mother during the first month of breast-feeding can impair the infant's motor development (control of muscle movement).
Addictive Potential of Marijuana
A drug is addicting if it causes compulsive, often uncontrollable drug craving, seeking, and use, even in the face of negative health and social consequences. Marijuana meets this criterion. More than 120,000 people enter treatment per year for their primary marijuana addiction. In addition, animal studies suggest marijuana causes physical dependence, and some people report withdrawal symptoms.
Ron
posted on October 6, 2005 06:42:52 AM new
I agree, twig!
There is a good case for repealing drug prohibition laws. Legalization of drugs would save tremendous amounts of money while reducing associated crime and prison population.
Everyone should have the right to live and act in accordance with their own values so long as they don't violate other's rights. No one should encourage children to use drugs. I agree with NTS on that score.
posted on October 6, 2005 09:00:22 AM new
There is one treatment center, Schick, I believe that advertises treating marijuana addiction, though they have always been an alcohol treatment center
Rusty, no I never thought of it that way, and you could be right.
There is one thing that does bother me. Here and a lot of other states are cracking down on drs that prescribe narcotic or Schedule I and II drugs. (marijuana is a controlled schedule I drug)
Pain management clinics and drs, are being forced not to treat their chronic pain patients with meds, for fear of the DEA. And that is just not right. Sure I do believe you'll have your occasional druggie making up a story for narcotics, but there are real pain patients out there, one reason some go the international pharmacy route (and I not talking about Canada)
posted on October 6, 2005 09:27:00 AM new
Actually Helen,
My thoughts are we will never do something this extreme.
Why not legalize all drugs and stop wasting money on the "Drug War".
It is a lost cause, we can garner revenue from it if done properly.
posted on October 6, 2005 10:10:16 AM new
Well, I see the neocons are still advocating mass killings.....but on the other hand ...if it gets rid of their guru Rush (I Love My Housekeeper)Limbaugh.....????
posted on October 6, 2005 10:12:12 AM new
Honestly, I do think the illegal street drugs should remain illegal. The drug pushers (or whatever they are called today) will be selling this stuff to children. There has to be some control somehow.
My children had there first exposure to drugs, OK, pot, and one contined to do it, the other did not. I don't know how long or if it would ever happen if it wasn't offered to them by their own father
meth,crack,crank, heroin, acid, mescaline, mushrooms, LSD should continue to be illegal. But get the ones that sell it or make it!
Adults are free to do whatever to their minds and bodies, not children though!
Now, guess what? I get to see my doc and get a neato MRI
posted on October 6, 2005 03:41:42 PM new
thats the problem when one has an illness or had major surgery. They are given pain killers.
A lot of people become addicted to them (and I believe Limbaugh had major surgery, and thats what started his addiction)
Face it, if you had super major surgery, and had to take pain killers for 3 months (more or less) you will most likely become addicted.
Through no fault of your own or your dr? I don't think so. Though there are some very tough brave people who do without them.
I'm weak
Yeah and I had to go to the pharmacy (again) and I know they think I'm a crazed drug addict, but, oh well
posted on October 6, 2005 07:32:56 PM new
I don't take any prescribed medications....don't need them. My only drugs are alcohol and tobacco now and then. You can call me one of those "old time conservatives". The war on drugs is a joke. No question that drug usage is bad for kids. I see it every day, and I doubt very much that I'd see any more of it if the drugs they're using were legalized. We could free up a lot of space in prisons for the perpetrators of crimes that have victims if we let all of those convicted of simple possession go home.
____________________________________________
Habla siempre que debas y calla siempre que puedas....
posted on October 7, 2005 01:56:34 PM new
My drug of choice is shopping.. does that make me a shop-a-holic? I guess it's as much of an addiction as anything else..
posted on October 7, 2005 03:40:49 PM new
Near- medications, drugs, chemicals, etc. are very complex. Just as Ron has given us his article that talks of the "dangers" of using marijuana, I can easily find hundreds of studies that refute his argument. Nothing different than in politics.
I think the most important thing to consider is that 1) Most patients who have used marijuana to offset nausea, hunger, etc. believe it worked better than any other drug, and without the nasty side affects. Many doctors agree, some willing to prescribe and others afraid b/c of the reprocussions by the DEA. 2) Marijuana use has never been directly related to death. Meaning, marijuana is safer than alcohol, and many prescription drugs if used safely. yes, you can get into a car stoned and be killed in a car accident, just as easily as you can with alcohol or any other drug. 3) The pharmaceutical companies, beer and alcohol companies, and chemical companies have a vested interest in keeping marijuana illegal, especially in the industrial realm. Marijuana isn't just about people getting stoned as the argument seems to center around. It is a plant that even if you took away the THC, it would cut into the profit margins of most of those businesses. A plant that can be converted into bio-deisel, used as a pain-reliever or other ailments, can be used in textiles (direct competition with Dow owned "nylon", a plant that can be grown on an individual basis that can produce safer euphoric results than alcohol, and so on is "dangerous" for America. Or at least according to the Feds.
I always supported legalizing marijuana, though I was never convinced of the "benefits" argument, until my girlfriend was diagnosed with lymphoma. She had several tumors, 2 that weighed about 20 pounds total, one which was wrapping around her aorta. Her doctor was very straight edged, but was aware that she began using it to help with nausea and promoting an appetite. It was much easier for her to stomach food and prevent nausea than taking her prescribed medication. Even though it wasn't a scientific study on marijuana, I saw how it helped her get through it much easier, and she just completed a surgery today to have the port removed from her chest. I don't know if it helped save her life, and I would never claim it did, but I do know it helped her deal with it quite effectively. I also have met many other patients during the last 6 months who have shared similar experiences, almost half of which never touched an illegal drug in their lifetime.
What I want to see is accurate research done on marijuana so that we can have truthful answers, not biased "professional" opinions that are related to how much grant money they get. I want to see doctors being able to discuss with patients and even prescribe the necessary medications that they agree upon. It is insane for the Feds to continue this charade. Absolutely insane.
posted on October 8, 2005 07:18:07 AM new
Spot on, Ron! That's how it works exactly.
I'm a shop-a-holic married to a work-a-holic.
But the question is..which came first..did the work-a-holic create boredom and thus caused the other to become a shop-a-holic? Or did the shop-a-holic come first causing the worker to become a work-a-holic in order to pay the bills? But certainly, the two compliment each other nicely!
, a plant that can be grown on an individual basis that can produce safer euphoric results than alcohol, and so on is "dangerous" for America. Or at least according to the Feds.