Mind altering drugs... rant

[Hitcher]

Would you class alcohol as a 'recreational drug'? Genuine question.

Yes I would. Genuine answer. But trying to categorise a highly regulated substance in the same manner as other "recreational" drugs is a similar ploy as that used by fundamentalist Christians and "Intelligent Design" versus evolution.

Fortunately alcohol is marketed in a manner that has highly stringent controls governing its purity, and generally its "dose" is significantly diluted (it's really hard to do much damage on a stubbie of Tui). If most alcohol that was available was manufactured and distributed in a similar manner to that associated with many other recreational drugs (i.e. by illiterate crack-heads with a bucket chemistry set in their basement, using ingredients of indeterminate pedigree and large measures of greed and opportunism) I may have a different view about its widespread availability.

[jahmin]

Just to clarify... marijuana is not a drug...its an 'erb...

[Joni]

I suppose everyone has an opinion on this one.

A very close family member sufferes from an illness that causes tremendous pain, they landed up taking prescribed morphine everyday to keep it under control. After hearing that the "herb" would relieve the pain they started smoking it... yes indeed it did relieve the pain, and yes everything seemed rosy for a while. I noticed the smoking became more and more and was told they are trying to "regulate" the amount they smoke in order for them to be as pain free as possible... I think, huh ok... move on. Skip to 3 years later, my dear family member who once was a vibrant mind, with drive for work, life and generally enthisiatic but happened to suffer from pain. They are now listless, with no memory, no drive, no self control, paranoid all the time, argumentative and generally a not very nice person. Skip another 2 years, after finding a new way to handle the pain, lots of councelling, they are sort of themselves again... except memory is stuffed, brain seems not to have recovered as well, sure not the brilliant mind I grew up near to.

So, for me... and yes once again its a personal opinion driven by personal experience... drugs, be they "recreational" or what ever else they are used for should be avoided. What makes us individuals are our minds and our out looks on life. A substance that alters that and changes the core person for the bad cannot be good.

[onearmedbandit]

To clarify, I would not call Herion or P recreational drugs. Just my definition. I would however refer (or should that be reefer) to marijuana as a recreational drug. It may seem like a double standard to some, but I am strongly against Heroin, P, Coke etc. Once again, my own standpoint. But none of these drugs will ever get near me.

[pete376403]

Yes I would. Genuine answer. But trying to categorise a highly regulated substance in the same manner as other "recreational" drugs is a similar ploy as that used by fundamentalist Christians and "Intelligent Design" versus evolution.

If most alcohol that was available was manufactured and distributed in a similar manner to that associated with many other recreational drugs (i.e. by illiterate crack-heads with a bucket chemistry set in their basement, using ingredients of indeterminate pedigree and large measures of greed and opportunism) I may have a different view about its widespread availability.

You have pretty much described the bathub gin that was made during prohibition - sometimes it was ok and sometimes it was instant blindness.

[BuFfY]

Would you class alcohol as a 'recreational drug'? Genuine question.

A lot of things are now being classed as drugs, one being coffee because it has ingredients in it that can be addictive... the fact is that it depends on what circles you are involved with.

I personally do not like drugs, yeah I drink but not to excess. But that is just the way I choose to live my life! I value my braincells!! and I find it kinda weird that people need to take stuff to make the most out of life. I prefer to get a buzz out of helping someone or getting a good compliment.. but that is just me!

[Edbear]

Got addicted to painkillers when prescribed Dihydracodeine, (DHC), wound up in a wheelchair and off work for six years! Was sposed to take 8mths to wean off it after trying twice and seeing my local GP to work out a withdrawal program. Did it in 5mths but it was a living hell! Four Neurologists couldn't tell me why I was in a wheelchair and getting weaker by the month though the drug has been around for nearly 100 years! Within a month of getting off it I was out of the 'chair! Been a long 3 1/2 years since but been back working for 2 1/2 years now and continuing to get stronger. Still can't get out on the bike as often as I'd like, but really appreciate a second chance at living! You take being able to stand up and walk for granted, but it really sucks when you can't!

[Biff]

Yes I would...fundamentalist Christians and "Intelligent Design" versus evolution.

Fortunately alcohol is marketed in a manner that has highly stringent controls governing its purity, and generally its "dose" is significantly diluted (it's really hard to do much damage on a stubbie of Tui). If most alcohol that was available was manufactured and distributed in a similar manner to that associated with many other recreational drugs (i.e. by illiterate crack-heads with a bucket chemistry set in their basement, using ingredients of indeterminate pedigree and large measures of greed and opportunism) I may have a different view about its widespread availability.

So you're saying (some) illicit drugs should/could be legalised in order to maintain quality control?

My 2c:

The main problem 'society' have with illegal drugs is that they generalise - placing all illegal drugs into a neat, broad category. This is rubbish.

Biff's drugs classifications (of the most common illegal drugs):

Class A - Evil, Nasty, Avoid Like The Plague
Heroin, P, Crack Cocaine etc.

Class B - Be Very Careful. Can Bite. Do Not Use For Extended Periods of Time. Moderation.
Cocaine, Ecstasy, Speed, Acid, LSD (including any other mind altering drug, legal or illegal).

Class C - Not Something You Want To Be Doing Everyday.
Pot (cannabis etc)

The increasing use of class A and B drugs is partly to blame for the rising level of crime throughout the western world (Burglary, muggings, thefts and such like). Not that some loosers don't steal in order to pay for a tinnie of smoke mind you. Scum are scum. But I wonder how the stats stack up against the increasing number of alcohol related crimes?

IMO - To consider the consumption of alcohol as socially acceptable, yet criminalise the consumption of all class C and some class B drugs is hypocrisy.

I'm with Hitcher - Legalise some illicit drugs and ensure that we all at least have the legal right, should we so choose, to enjoy some quality chemicals.

I bet my left testicle the crime rate would fall.

[Waylander]

I'm with Hitcher - Legalise some illicit drugs and ensure that we all at least have the legal right, should we so choose, to enjoy some quality chemicals.

I bet my left testicle the crime rate would fall.

And give the government something else to tax so MAYBE they will lower the petrol tax or our ACC levies or something.

[boomer]

'SHROOOMS!!!!

i've paid the price, my memory is fecked but ive managed to get by and ive got some wicked memories of gettin bolloxed in farmers sheds and running around the country(s) like a fukin headless chicken in love !!!

Drugs are bad, mkay?

[Mad Cow]

This topic could be debated forever and there are no right or wrong answers, just lots of opinions. I think we are all adults and therefore have a choice what we take and don't take in the form of drugs. Some are illegal and for me would be career suicide if I was caught with them (the medical profession tends to frown on staff being stoned!).
Seen as we are all giving our opinions I think whatever floats your boat as long as no one innocent ever gets hurt is fine with me! As long as it is your choice and not something someone else has put in a drink etc!

[Badcat]

'SHROOOMS!!!!

i've paid the price, my memory is fecked but ive managed to get by and ive got some wicked memories of gettin bolloxed in farmers sheds and running around the country(s) like a fukin headless chicken in love !!!

Drugs are bad, mkay?

right there with you bOOmer.
spent a long time in amsterdam.
gotta love the vaccum packed retail shrooms.
"oh, i'll have some thai, and some mexican please"

[boomer]

nothing like fresh picked from the park mate as an appertizer before the jungle kicked in.

Hey each to there own i say, we know the law we choose our own outcomes

MadCow - Thats why i gave up, my career kicked off and teh choice was made but im glad i have my memories

[T.W.R]

been there done that with a lot more chemicals thans been mentioned in this thread. Joys of a adventurous youth i suppose, and time has calmed the spirit some what these days.
I've seen first hand the effects of serious drug abuse by what were friends & associates
and IMO man made drugs do a damn sight more damage to people & their families & friends than natural drugs

you never see a nasty or violent pot smoker but theres plenty of violent drunks, far to many violent P fuel criminals, and various numbers of walking zombie fuelled Crackheads, PCP wasters, heroin junkies.

the effect pot has on a person depends on that persons metabolisim just the same as alcahol effects people in different ways, some can handle it & some can't.

myself i'd rather spend $30 on a good bag get blown for the night have a good time laughing & enjoying company and be able to do things the next day rather than spend well over $100 to try & enjoy myself, having to nurse someone whos violently ill, defuse arguements that usually lead to violence and waking up the next day with a head that feels like a califlower & get around like death warmed up.
and as for party pills & Nos ha what a joke its bloody dangerous crap & NOS belongs either at the dentists/Doctors or in bottles to feed engines.

my 5c worth

[onearmedbandit]

Funny thing. I saw an ad on tv last night with stats (Yes I know, can be twisted etc.) that said over 70% of weekend A&E admissions are alcohol related. FFS. We lock up someone for growing and smoking some gear in their own home doing no harm to anyone (other than maybe themselves) yet a drug that is accountable for soooo much violence supports our national sport along with many other activicties. Honestly, I walk away shaking my head. I'm not saying this is reason enough to legalise or even decriminalise marijuana but surely we need to open our eyes to the abuse of alcohol.

BTW, I have never ever received so much green bling (rep) from one thread. Thanks for the support from you all.