4 ms·

>How is it any different than trying to function with an alcohol addiction? pretty different! Both the addiction, how easy it is to get addicted. I've got a c

by Torgo 10y ago

>How is it any different than trying to function with an alcohol addiction? pretty different! Both the addiction, how easy it is to get addicted. I've got a challenge for you, start using heroin, then decide to stop, like a casual drinker. Report back your experience!

TheCoelacanth 10y ago
FYI, withdrawal from alcohol is among the worst of any drug. It is one of the few drugs where withdrawal can actually be lethal. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Delirium_tremens https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Delirium_tremens
- PeCaN 10y ago
  OTOH, it takes a lot longer to become physically dependent on alcohol than opiates. But yes, don't mess with your GABA system unless you like seizures; and don't mess with your opiod system unless you like being miserable.
- fucking_tragedy 10y ago
  It takes sustained periods of constant or binge drinking to first enter withdrawal territory with alcohol. I know people who binge on the weekends, are definitely psychologically addicted to alcohol, but experience no withdrawal symptoms. First time you do heroin, dose once everyday for 3-7 days and you've got yourself a very painful withdrawal ahead of you. Once you're no longer heroin naive, it could take only 2 doses in a week's time to send you back into withdrawals.
  - Torgo 10y ago
    I had withdrawal symptoms after two times using opiates, and the experience was horrifying. I cannot imagine being a regular user, then having to cease. I would probably end my life rather than experience that.
squeaky-clean 10y ago
> I've got a challenge for you, start using heroin, then decide to stop, like a casual drinker. Just because it's easy for you to refrain from drinking alcohol does not mean it is easy for everybody. Some people have a serious problem to the point where the only way to guarantee they don't abuse it is to not even be in the same room or house as the stuff.
- jshevek 10y ago
  > Some people have a serious problem to the point where the only way to guarantee they don't abuse it is to not even be in the same room or house as the stuff. His point remains: Heroin is intrinsically different from alcohol, given the ease with which a new user can become addicted after a just a few uses. We should be careful of false equivalencies when discussing how the law should treat these two substances. Bringing up those people who've already reached the level of 'serious problem' that you describe doesn't address his point.

by Torgo 10y ago

TheCoelacanth 10y ago

FYI, withdrawal from alcohol is among the worst of any drug. It is one of the few drugs where withdrawal can actually be lethal. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Delirium_tremens https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Delirium_tremens

PeCaN 10y ago
OTOH, it takes a lot longer to become physically dependent on alcohol than opiates. But yes, don't mess with your GABA system unless you like seizures; and don't mess with your opiod system unless you like being miserable.
fucking_tragedy 10y ago
It takes sustained periods of constant or binge drinking to first enter withdrawal territory with alcohol. I know people who binge on the weekends, are definitely psychologically addicted to alcohol, but experience no withdrawal symptoms. First time you do heroin, dose once everyday for 3-7 days and you've got yourself a very painful withdrawal ahead of you. Once you're no longer heroin naive, it could take only 2 doses in a week's time to send you back into withdrawals.
- Torgo 10y ago
  I had withdrawal symptoms after two times using opiates, and the experience was horrifying. I cannot imagine being a regular user, then having to cease. I would probably end my life rather than experience that.

squeaky-clean 10y ago

> I've got a challenge for you, start using heroin, then decide to stop, like a casual drinker. Just because it's easy for you to refrain from drinking alcohol does not mean it is easy for everybody. Some people have a serious problem to the point where the only way to guarantee they don't abuse it is to not even be in the same room or house as the stuff.

jshevek 10y ago
> Some people have a serious problem to the point where the only way to guarantee they don't abuse it is to not even be in the same room or house as the stuff. His point remains: Heroin is intrinsically different from alcohol, given the ease with which a new user can become addicted after a just a few uses. We should be careful of false equivalencies when discussing how the law should treat these two substances. Bringing up those people who've already reached the level of 'serious problem' that you describe doesn't address his point.