4 ms·

I was curious if a HN reader could make an anti-drug argument, and you have written a nice one. I've lost a lot of friends and family to drugs and alcohol - un

by andyl 11y ago

I was curious if a HN reader could make an anti-drug argument, and you have written a nice one. I've lost a lot of friends and family to drugs and alcohol - unfathomable damage. My best friend is using a lot of speed right now - I worry that he will be next. But damn he works like a tornado. I've worked with tons of people who use drugs of some sort or another. My experience is that they perform fine until they don't. When they crack the bottom falls out and they're tossed into the rubbish pile without a second thought - disposable. I can see the possibility that drugs could enhance your work performance. But can't see how drugs would help when trying to maintain relationships/kids/family.

prewett 11y ago
Thanks for the compliment! I think you would be in a position to write an even more compelling argument. I think the best argument is stories about what actually happens. The promise of drugs is "more, now, for free." That might be more happiness, more productivity, whatever. The promise seems compelling, but it's important to know what the cost is. "More, now" is not as compelling when the price is "misery and destruction, later." I encourage you to share your stories, if it isn't too painful. I think if you distill your observations, like your third paragraph, and illustrate them with some of your stories, it would be a compelling article.
- andyl 11y ago
  HN wants people to toe the pro-drug line pretty closely. Hence your down votes. I've had lots of friends and family killed by drugs and alcohol - I've got stories! But if you never had a negative experience, cautionary tales won't resonate. I suppose evolution will sort things out in the long run, one way or another.
6stringmerc 11y ago
Have you ever noticed that society tends to focus on the criminals who get caught, and rarely the ones who got away? A lifetime relationship with illicit substances is the same. Because of the taboo, nobody in their right mind who is successful, maintains life and family, and appears normal to the world would ever disclose what they do in their personal life and subject themselves to moralistic judgment. As in journalism, there are significant reasons to keep your confidential sources private.

by andyl 11y ago

prewett 11y ago

Thanks for the compliment! I think you would be in a position to write an even more compelling argument. I think the best argument is stories about what actually happens. The promise of drugs is "more, now, for free." That might be more happiness, more productivity, whatever. The promise seems compelling, but it's important to know what the cost is. "More, now" is not as compelling when the price is "misery and destruction, later." I encourage you to share your stories, if it isn't too painful. I think if you distill your observations, like your third paragraph, and illustrate them with some of your stories, it would be a compelling article.

andyl 11y ago
HN wants people to toe the pro-drug line pretty closely. Hence your down votes. I've had lots of friends and family killed by drugs and alcohol - I've got stories! But if you never had a negative experience, cautionary tales won't resonate. I suppose evolution will sort things out in the long run, one way or another.

6stringmerc 11y ago

Have you ever noticed that society tends to focus on the criminals who get caught, and rarely the ones who got away? A lifetime relationship with illicit substances is the same. Because of the taboo, nobody in their right mind who is successful, maintains life and family, and appears normal to the world would ever disclose what they do in their personal life and subject themselves to moralistic judgment. As in journalism, there are significant reasons to keep your confidential sources private.