View Full Version : Thinking about trying speed (amphetamines)
hannah_nicole
Nov 21, 2008, 04:16 AM
Ok I'm 19 years old and I'm curious about trying speed or ecstacy. I have used marijuana before (frequently - now only a few times a year) and I would just like to experience something new. Is this too dangerous or to big of a risk to be taking? Or given I was to use it only occasionally is it OK to try this? What are your honest thoughts? I really want to understand that world of drugs and don't want to be a hypocrite and tell people its wrong when I've never tried it myself.
hannah_nicole
Nov 21, 2008, 04:22 AM
Also is it even possible to use safely? Or am I playing with fire? How are my chances at coming out of this without a dependence. Oh and I have known many people who have used drugs (still do) and have read up a lot about it. I am trying to make an informed decision, not just throwing caution to the wind like some young girls with no idea of what could happen. I look forward to your responses.
tickle
Nov 21, 2008, 04:33 AM
My honest thoughts, well your statement that you don't want to be a hypocrite and tell people its wrong when your have never tried drugs before seems to lack maturity. Making an informed decision is not trying something so you can have the experience but reading and watching.
Here is the 'dope' on amphetamines:
# Medically, forms of amphetamine (e.g. Dexedrine) are used to treat Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). In the 60s and 70s it was the diet pill of choice, often dispensed by doctors like candy, without any understanding of the damaging psychological and physical side effects it induced.
# The illegal street version of amphetamine, i.e. speed, is often "cooked up" in a dangerously explosive, "homemade" laboratory, to produce a powdered substance that can be inhaled, snorted, injected, smoked, or swallowed.
# Speed is a stimulant. In general, it causes euphoria, although repeated, excessive use can result in Anxiety, panic attacks, hallucinations, and other forms of mental and extreme emotional distress. Medically, amphetamine affects the part of the nervous system that "revs up" the body similar to adrenaline.
# It is extremely psychologically addictive (intensely craved), but it is not physically addictive like narcotics, such as heroin (physical addiction means, an individual becomes ill when he attempts to discontinue a drug).
# Nevertheless, it tends to have a devastating, negative impact on one's lifestyle, health, and work.
rex123
Nov 21, 2008, 04:40 AM
Well I'm not sure if I'm allowed to say stuff like this but drugs and alcohol have torn my family a part, I'm 16 years old, and no I have never smoked drugs or tobacco and I never drank in my life. Do you have parents, brothers or sisters I can tell you right now that maybe doing the drugs might not hurt you but I wish that people would think about what its doing to their family. I know my older brother's didn't know what it was doing to us, and I know my dad doesn't know what his drinking does to us.
I know that I sound crazy and this is your choice but for me to sit back and watch my family disintegrate, it killed me. I can't trust people anymore, my new saying is everyone lies. And it was my own brothers who taught me that everyone leaves, and when they left and at the end of the day its me I'm the one who's left to pick up the pieces. And yet somehow I feel responsible for this, and my mom well let me give you a bit of her back round, she no longer goes to work, because of a disease that can not be diagnosed, although the doctors think its MS.
Please before you go to do drugs again just think about your family.
And I don'T normally do this but if I can save one family, one person from the pain that I feel everyday then its worth it.
For about a month after my brothers moved out I didn't talk to the older one at all, it killed me, we used to be so close, here si a poem of my thoughts about the first 2 weeks.
My Unsent Letter
I knew someday
You'd move away
And I knew nothing I could say
Would make you stay
I'ts been 2 weeks since we last spoke
2 weeks since my heart broke
Perhaps my greatist fear
Is that I will be left all alone
But my family is all I've ever known
It's been 2 weeks since you've been gone
2 weeks and it hurts to know that you have moved on
My eyes have been open
To how I've taken everything for granted
And because of that its been hard coping
But still I sit here hoping
It's been 2 weeks since I saw you go
2 weeks ago
I'm writing this in hopes that it will make everything all better
But I know it won't
See you'll never even get to read it
Because this is just My Unsent Letter
And here's another poem that I wrote about my hero, he's there for me everyday he's what keeps me going.
My Unsung Hero
I have an unsung hero
A near and dear best friend
And although everyone else around me leaves
I take comfort in knowing he'll be with me 'til the end
Its him who keeps me together
When life gets hard
And when I am in danger he is always there to guard
He knows when I'm scared
And even if no one else did
He always cared
He know's if I'm sad
And if my day was bad!
He'll make me laugh, and turn it around
He's my big fluffy clown
He taught me many valuable things
Patience, love, and kindness
And how angels don't always have wings
He's like my shadow
Always by my side
My sense of securtiy as well as pride
He does not know the joy
He brings each and every day
Or how his presence
Keeps my fears at bay
I sit and watch as people leave and say goodbye
As a lone tear escapes my eye
But he's aways there to cheer me up
He's my loving and loyal Husky Pup
Just think about your family it does affect them please...
hannah_nicole
Nov 21, 2008, 05:00 AM
I don't think either of you read my question properly, thanks for the "dope" on speed but I know those things. Facts and statistics can't quite match a personal experience. The experience is not in watching and reading, its in having the experience. Tell me you know and have experienced paris simply by seeing it and reading about it. I know I haven't. And rex I'm sorry your family left you feeling that way - drugs can have a devastating effect on people but let me assure you my family and I are very close. >
hannah_nicole
Nov 21, 2008, 05:07 AM
And they will know of my decision either way, and they know of my past use. I never hurt them like that through any of it. But I can relate to those feelings believe me and thank you for sharing. Tickle do you think it is wrong for me to tell you how to drive your car when I have never driven a car before? It isn't fair to do that to someone. What's immature about that?
rex123
Nov 21, 2008, 05:08 AM
If your family is very close then keep it that way, you don't think my family was really close? Well we were.
Curlyben
Nov 21, 2008, 05:09 AM
At the end of the day if you are so weak willed as to even contemplate abusing ILLEGAL drugs, then you should be fully aware of all the repercussions that entails.
Just looking for a "personal experience" has got to be one of the dumbest reasons I have ever heard. It ranks right up there with "my friends all do it" in utter stupidity!!
Drugs are ILLEGAL for a very good reason!!
hannah_nicole
Nov 21, 2008, 05:17 AM
What's wrong with wanting to try something new. Alcohol is a drug however it is socially accepted so its OK to try. I don't want to have a debate, I just want someone with personal experience in this matter to reply.
Curlyben
Nov 21, 2008, 05:25 AM
*Head Desk*
Would you consider shooting up just so you can have the experience!?
Come on get a grip on reality here!!
If you feel you must screw your life up in this manner then feel free, but you will receive NO help from this site at all.
hannah_nicole
Nov 21, 2008, 05:27 AM
What is the reason drugs are illegal? Enlighten me.
Curlyben
Nov 21, 2008, 05:29 AM
As you are clearly so well read you already know the answer to this question.
hannah_nicole
Nov 21, 2008, 05:33 AM
I assume your answer is because they are harmful, yes?
Curlyben
Nov 21, 2008, 05:42 AM
Recreational drug use - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Recreational_drug_use)
hannah_nicole
Nov 21, 2008, 05:45 AM
Explain to me why alcohol and cigarettes aren't illegal? Are they not harmful? They are a multi billion dollar industry and my guess is the government would love to cash in on harder drug money too, if they could. In fact in some places they do. Ever heard of San Pedro prison in La Paz? Read up on that. Also the book marching powder is an eye opener.
Curlyben
Nov 21, 2008, 05:47 AM
I dont want to have a debate,
Nuff said really
hannah_nicole
Nov 21, 2008, 05:47 AM
Oh and how about some of your own knowledge - not something flogged off wikipedia.
Curlyben
Nov 21, 2008, 05:49 AM
As you have clearly already made up your mind there is little point in this whole exchange.
I have said what I wanted to say.
hannah_nicole
Nov 21, 2008, 05:49 AM
I am now happy to have a debate, however you don't seem to have much to say.
KBC
Nov 21, 2008, 09:32 AM
You are obviously an intellectual,deep in thought,thinking about this pursuit.
How can you intellectualize being "ABOVE THE INFLUENCE"
I am a survivor of this passing fancy of yours,want my nervous system, I'd happily exchange it with you,manic/depression isn't all that fun.
For YEARSI did this drug,(not saying you are going to),but,just how can you justify causing your 19 year old mental health to go through this unnecessary distress,is beyond mature thinking.
Your argument,If someone was to drive into a wall,would you need to experience it also?
Nuff for now?
KBC
plonak
Nov 21, 2008, 11:35 AM
Wow, I can't even begin to comprehend this..
You seriously want to get into this? It's like asking everyone.. what is it like being bulemic.. I think I'm going to try it..
I have a suggestion, before you decide to throw your life down the drain, read "a Million Little Pieces" seriously it's a biography on a man suffering with drug addictions..
Your "open mind" to drugs is a DANGEROUS road to being going down.. so you're curious about speed , so you try it, then you're curious about herion, you try it.. next thing you know you're a homeless person with no teeth begging for money on the corner.. .
THINK REAL HARD ABOUT THIS ONE!!
plonak
Nov 21, 2008, 03:00 PM
Ok and I have some more to add..
I know addiction second hand, I have a cousin who has been addicted to heroin for 10 years and counting and lost all her hair, lost almost all her teeth, lost her daughter, her husband her home and so on.. all because she was curious..
This infuriates me to no end that you so casually think about inviting this hell into your life...
Some of us on here have real problems and need real advice, don't come on here wasting our time trying to seem intelligent that you're thinking it over.. YOU'RE A TWIT!!
And don't think you know everything about life just because you're an adult (barely) because you HAVE NO CLUE!!
I'm 24 and I'm humble enough to acknowledge that I know SQUAT, I'm just not stupid enough to go reek havic on my life based solely on curiosity!!
linnealand
Nov 21, 2008, 04:36 PM
and they will know of my decision either way, and they know of my past use. I never hurt them like that through any of it. But I can relate to those feelings believe me and thankyou for sharing.
I'm sorry, but it seems that you didn't come here to find information. Rather, it appears that you came here to validate something that you simply want to do despite knowing that it's harmful to your brain. I don't know what kind of person you think would tell you that you should try it. I don't think you'll find that here.
I find your posts particularly insulting because you decided to start this thread in a place where people are seeking help from the addictions that are ruining their lives. This obviously includes drug addiction. What you've done is the same thing as walking in on an AA meeting and asking if you should start abusing more serious drugs. At the very least, it's incredibly selfish of you. It's also mindbogglingly disrespectful.
You stated that your family is supportive of you, and that they will be made aware of your decision. Have you been intending to tell them about the ecstasy before or after you've done it? If you think they're so cool with it, why not tell your parents what you're intending to do right now? Then let's hear what they have to say.
You were asked why you've limited yourself to ecstasy and speed, and I'm wondering what your answer is. Make no mistake; ecstasy is a seriously hard-core drug. So is speed.
Tickle do you think it is wrong for me to tell you how to drive your car when I have never driven a car before? It isnt fair to do that to someone. Whats immature about that?
Unless you have been intending to become a drug-taking instructor, your analogy makes no sense.
Why do you seem to think that using these drugs will make you a martyr to other drug users? Drug users already know what drugs are like. If people who want to start taking serious drugs want to ask someone what it's like, I don't see why you would have to start taking them so you could tell them.
You can't make the argument that it's okay for you to use exstacy because alcohol and tobacco are legal drugs. What are you comparing?
Do you want a reason not to try ecstacy? If you were not aware, ecstasy use is connected to permanent brain damage and disturbances within the natural brain chemistry that deal with mood disorders.
From http://www.drugfree.org/portal/drug_guide/Ecstasy:
What are its short-term effects?
"Users report that Ecstasy produces intensely pleasurable effects – including an enhanced sense of self-confidence and energy. Effects include feelings of peacefulness, acceptance and empathy. Users say they experience feelings of closeness with others and a desire to touch others. Other effects can include involuntary teeth clenching, a loss of inhibitions, transfixion on sights and sounds, nausea, blurred vision, chills and/or sweating. Increases in heart rate and blood pressure, as well as seizures, are also possible. The stimulant effects of the drug enable users to dance for extended periods, which when combined with the hot crowded conditions usually found at raves, can lead to severe dehydration and hyperthermia or dramatic increases in body temperature. This can lead to muscle breakdown and kidney, liver and cardiovascular failure. Cardiovascular failure has been reported in some of the Ecstasy-related fatalities.
After-effects can include sleep problems, anxiety and depression."
What are its long-term effects?
"Repeated use of Ecstasy ultimately may damage the cells that produce serotonin, which has an important role in the regulation of mood, appetite, pain, learning and memory. There already is research suggesting Ecstasy use can disrupt or interfere with memory."
There is a lot of information out there. Follow these links for more facts:
Methylenedioxymethamphetamine - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Methylenedioxymethamphetamine)
Drug Info (http://www.dancesafe.org/documents/druginfo/ecstasy.php)
"Much of what is sold as "ecstasy" on the black market actually contains other drugs, some of which can be more dangerous than MDMA, like PMA, speed, DXM and PCP."
This is your brain on ecstasy (http://www.dancesafe.org/slideshow/)
Neuroscience For Kids - MDMA (Ecstasy) (http://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/mdma.html)
I want to be nice here, but I think you need someone to tell you like it is. You seem to have a problem with logic. Your arguments make no sense. I think you also have a huge immaturity problem, even for a 19 year old. I think you have much more growing up to do that you know. You need to start making responsible adult decisions, and taking these drugs would not be one of them. I wish you well.
hannah_nicole
Nov 21, 2008, 05:05 PM
Firstly there is no "drugs" board so where else was I to put this. I know you are all right in your thinking, that this is a bad and stupid decision to make. The people who I love in my life all have, or do use drugs and this causes constant arguments, me wanting them to stop. I wanted to understand why they won't stop. Why they can't give it up and is it really as bad as I make out? Even if they only do it a few times a year? I know its ridiculous, but I'm in the situation and I'm here for advice.
Alty
Nov 21, 2008, 05:10 PM
Whats wrong with wanting to try something new. Alcohol is a drug however it is socially accepted so its ok to try. I dont want to have a debate, I just want someone with personal experience in this matter to reply.
Alcohol is legal.
Alty
Nov 21, 2008, 05:22 PM
Firstly there is no "drugs" board so where else was I to put this. I know you are all right in your thinking, that this is a bad and stupid decision to make. The people who I love in my life all have, or do use drugs and this causes constant arguments, me wanting them to stop. I wanted to understand why they wont stop. Why they can't give it up and is it really as bad as I make out? Even if they only do it a few times a year? I know its ridiculous, but im in the situation and im here for advice.
Okay, I'm going to go with your argument for trying drugs.
You say that you want to know why your family members won't stop, so that's why you want to try it?
I have an Uncle who committed suicide, I want to know why too, should I try it?
You reasoning makes no sense.
So, since you're so intent on getting info from people who've done drugs, well, you're talking to one right now. I was lucky, I had someone in my life who cared enough to get me help early on in my drug use, I didn't end up with any long term health problems, but I know people who do, many people, I even have a few friends who are no longer alive because of drugs. Most of them died before they were 25. Yup, all because of drugs.
If you care about yourself then stay away from drugs.
Great, more info about me. :(
hannah_nicole
Nov 21, 2008, 05:40 PM
Im sorry to everybody who thinks Im wasting time and space with this question, and to plonak I do think it is a real problem that I want to try drugs, don't you? I just want the arguments to stop. I want to not care, because that's a choice I can't make for someone if they want to use drugs. But I do care, and I love this person. Is it worth staying? Our views on drugs are from two different planets. I can't stop making noise about it. I don't know whether we can work, and that hurts.
KBC
Nov 21, 2008, 05:46 PM
Im sorry to everybody who thinks Im wasting time and space with this question, and to plonak I do think it is a real problem that I want to try drugs, dont you? I just want the arguments to stop. I want to not care, because thats a choice I can't make for someone if they want to use drugs. But I do care, and I love this person. Is it worth staying? Our views on drugs are from two different planets. I can't stop making noise about it. I dont know whether we can work, and that hurts.
Huh?
Alty
Nov 21, 2008, 05:51 PM
Huh??
I second that. Huh?
KBC
Nov 21, 2008, 06:13 PM
Hannah,Have you read what you wrote?
Does what you stated make ANY sense to you,It sure confused me,and altenweg also.
Are you in the right frame of mind?
I am a little concerned for your mental state right now,what were you trying to say?
KBC
Alty
Nov 21, 2008, 06:23 PM
I'm beginning to think that she didn't wait for our advice, she took the drugs anyway.
Hannah, we would like to help you, but you aren't making any sense at all. We can't help you if you leave.
I know that you think we're all being harsh, but it's because we care and I for one know where this road can lead to, it's a dead end.
Please come back, talk to us.
J_9
Nov 21, 2008, 06:38 PM
Hannah, you want advice from the other side right? Why don't you come with me on a rotation to the ER in my hospital on a holiday night? Although I work in labor and Delivery, when it is slow there and busy in the ER, you can find me in the ER with a Code Blue because a teen tried Ex. That Ex was made in someone's home and contained poisonous materials. Would you like to be with me and the doctor when we have to tell the parents that we did all we could do to save their child's life, but the damage was too bad and we could not get their 16 year old back.
Or how about the teen that took speed, liked it and took some more when the effects seem to wear off, and then took some more... then their heart gave out?
Would you like to ride in the ambulance with me when we have to transport a teen to the mental hospital because the hallucinations were so bad that they were trying to scratch their skin off?
I have been on the other side of drugs too. I have taken them years ago. I choose to keep that part of my life private as I tend to be ashamed of some of the things I did back then. I now take care of people do drugs just cause they want to "try" it. I also take care of the babies of the women who take drugs while pregnant. Some of the babies live, others don't. Those that live experience extreme withdrawal symptoms, it's not a pretty site to watch a 5 pound baby go through withdrawals.
Alty
Nov 21, 2008, 06:46 PM
J9, I had to spread the rep.
If that doesn't get through, I don't know what will. Thank you for sharing all of that with us.
I think it should be mandatory at school for kids to spend one night at the ER to see what happens when they use drugs. The reality would be enough to scare anyone from trying them.
Sadly, for most of the kids out there, their experimentation will wind up killing them. The ones who get lucky may end up trying it once and then not ever doing it again, but chances aren't good. When you're homeless, on the street, selling your body to get money for a fix, well, then it's too late. Now is the time to think of the consequences, not after.
Really, don't do it. Drugs aren't cool, they're the biggest mistake you'll ever make, and it may be a mistake you only make once!
N0help4u
Nov 21, 2008, 07:16 PM
HOW is it being a hypocrite to tell somebody drugs are bad just because you never tried them? In that case it is hypocrite for suicide counselors to tell people not to kill themselves? Is it wrong for someone to comfort someone who has been abused in a relationship when they never had any abuse in their own life?
Why do you want to mess with your health in that way? Anti depressants, speed and other pills can, do and will often make you feel like you are in a fog. A psychiatrist prescribed Paxil for me one time and it made me feel fine and energetic in the morning but by noon I would feel sluggish and in a brain fog.
I hated it! It is bad enough that people who need the drugs have to take them but to purposely take them is not good at all.
Look at all the people who go to rehab and get out and start right back on their drugs. It is bondage!
If you need more energy there are better healthier ways to go about it.
linnealand
Nov 21, 2008, 10:12 PM
Firstly there is no "drugs" board so where else was I to put this. I know you are all right in your thinking, that this is a bad and stupid decision to make. The people who I love in my life all have, or do use drugs and this causes constant arguments, me wanting them to stop. I wanted to understand why they wont stop. Why they can't give it up and is it really as bad as I make out? Even if they only do it a few times a year? I know its ridiculous, but im in the situation and im here for advice.
I'm glad that you shared these thoughts with us. I wish you had included this in your original post. It doesn't change the fact that you shouldn't be setting yourself up to play with fire, and it doesn't change the fact that your motivations are being misdirected, but it does give us a better understanding of your situation.
There are only two reasons people take drugs: for fun, or as an escape. Neither one is healthy, and, ultimately, both are equally dangerous. If there are people in your life who take drugs, you can either convince them to stop, or you can't. You can either accept it, or you can leave them behind.
You talked about not wanting to be a hypocrite. Well, if you're against taking drugs and you take them, that's exactly what would make you a hypocrite. You said that you want to try speed and ecstasy so that you will know how you feel about them. Well, if they're fun, will it change how dangerous or bad for you they are? If you're unhappy with the experience, wouldn't that just be solidifying your feelings against them in the first place?
I realize that you might feel like some of us have been a little hard on you, but it's only because it would be impossible for any of us to encourage you to take speed or ecstasy. What kinds of people would tell a 19 year old that this sounds like a great plan? We care about your well being, and we want you to be safe. That's all.
linnealand
Nov 21, 2008, 10:24 PM
...Anti depressants, speed and other pills can, do and will often make you feel like you are in a fog. A psychiatrist prescribed Paxil for me one time and it made me feel fine and energetic in the morning but by noon I would feel sluggish and in a brain fog.
I hated it! It is bad enough that people who need the drugs have to take them but to purposely take them is not good at all.
Look at all the people who go to rehab and get out and start right back on their drugs. It is bondage!...
While I think I understand part of what you were trying to say, I really don't want anyone to consider equating anti-depressants with speed and "other pills". First of all, anti-depressants are not street drugs, and they're not used recreationally. Second, they are (often) life saving medications that *need* to be taken by people who would otherwise suffer from brain chemical imbalances that would leave them completely debilitated. Given the number of depressed people who already harbor distrust of anti-depressants in general, I just didn't want to let the comparison go without saying something.
J_9
Nov 21, 2008, 10:31 PM
first of all, anti-depressants are not street drugs, and they're not used recreationally.
I have to TOTALLY disagree with this statement. Xanax is a highly addictive antidepressant and is currently being sold on the black market. There are may others, I just used this one as it is very common.
While some people like the high of amphetamines (sp), others like the low of anti-depressants. I just rode in the ambulance last week to the mental hosptial with a patient who was addicted to antidepressants and alcohol.
Children now go through their parents medicine cabinets and get all the pills they can... stimulants and anti-depressants alike. They all get together and mix the pills then take a handful... it's called a Skittles Party.
Anti-depressants ARE addictive and ARE used recreationally.
asking
Nov 21, 2008, 10:40 PM
I have known meth addicts and it's not pretty. Why would you wan to risk addiction? It completely wrecks people's lives. I will admit once that I did try speed once myself by accident. It was in something else. It was just like drinking 10 cups of coffee. Not fun. I cannot recommend it. Obviously, some people like it or they wouldn't keep taking it an get addicted. So if you don't like it, you haven't gained anything and if you do like, you'll probably become an addict. It's a lose-lose situation.
asking
Nov 21, 2008, 10:45 PM
Correction:
Xanax and valium are tranquilizers, not antidepressants.
Xanax and Valium are completely different drugs from antidepressants such as the older tricyclics or the newer SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors).
linnealand
Nov 22, 2008, 12:02 AM
I have to TOTALLY disagree with this statement. Xanax is a highly addictive antidepressant and is currently being sold on the black market. There are may others, I just used this one as it is very common.
While some people like the high of amphetamines (sp), others like the low of anti-depressants. I just rode in the ambulance last week to the mental hosptial with a patient who was addicted to antidepressants and alcohol.
Children now go through their parents medicine cabinets and get all the pills they can....stimulants and anti-depressants alike. They all get together and mix the pills then take a handful...it's called a Skittles Party.
Anti-depressants ARE addictive and ARE used recreationally.
I'm sorry, but your critique is absolutely wrong.
First of all, xanax is not an anti-depressant. It's an anti-anxiety medication. They are totally different. We're talking about a big, big difference.
Anti-anxiety medications fall into a completely different category of meds. Xanax and valium are benzodiazepines, which are a type of anxiolytic drug and contain varying levels of sedatives and/or tranquilizers.
Second of all, it usually takes several weeks for anti-depressants to begin working, and since anti-depressants are not based on the "highs" or "lows" of recreational drugs, there is no point in taking them unless you're depressed. That is, "fun" drugs have nothing to do with the modern day anti-depressants used in western medicine.
The following is a list of the most common antidepressants prescribed today:
Drug ↓ Brand ↓
Sertraline Zoloft
Escitalopram Lexapro
Fluoxetine Prozac
Bupropion Wellbutrin, Budeprion, Zyban
Paroxetine Paxil
Venlafaxine Effexor
Citalopram Celexa
Trazodone Desyrel
Amitriptyline Elavil
Duloxetine Cymbalta
Mirtazapine Remeron
Nortriptyline Pamelor
Imipramine Tofranil
Please refer to the following links for more information:
Antidepressant - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antidepressant)
"Most antidepressants have a delayed onset of action and are usually taken over the course of weeks, months, or sometimes years."
Antidepressants: Medications for Depression (http://www.healthyplace.com/Communities/depression/treatment/antidepressants/index.asp)
"Antidepressant drugs are not happy pills, and they are not a panacea."
Depression - Antidepressants (http://www.mental-health-matters.com/articles/article.php?artID=1201)
"Anti-depressants are drugs meant to alleviate the mood in order to escape from depression, while stimulants are considered recreational drugs not used to treat any illness."
Also, stimulants have nothing to do with antidepressants. Nor are they their parallel opposite. You're talking about a totally different category of drugs.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stimulants
I am aware of the fact that you are a registered nurse; considering them to be the same thing, and treating them as such, would have the potential to be very dangerous. If you don't believe me, speak with your doctor.
rex123
Nov 22, 2008, 03:51 AM
Firstly there is no "drugs" board so where else was I to put this. I know you are all right in your thinking, that this is a bad and stupid decision to make. The people who I love in my life all have, or do use drugs and this causes constant arguments, me wanting them to stop. I wanted to understand why they wont stop. Why they can't give it up and is it really as bad as I make out? Even if they only do it a few times a year? I know its ridiculous, but im in the situation and im here for advice.
You know I'm just sitting here shaking my head, to know that me a 16yr old can make a better decision than a 19yr old... So what you want to do drugs out of spite? Are you sitting there thinking that you know they do it so I am going to do it to get back at them, the only thing you are accomplishing here is killing even more of your braincells.:confused: is this what you want. If I thought the same way as you well my brothers do drugs so I should to, and while I'm at it I'll get drunk a couple a times a week because well that's what my dad does. I've been there through those arguments, I've locked myself in my room with the music blaring tears rolling down my face with nothing to keep me going but my dog liking my face. But do you know why I don't just leave why I don't just give up, because my family is worth it because even though they cause me so much pain, I love them so much and my mom well she is my hero, she's the strongest person I know she has to deal with everything I do and with her disease. She's one of the big reasons I stay at home and don't just go live with a friend or relatives. You can't seriously say that you want to try drugs because you want to know why they do it!
tickle
Nov 22, 2008, 04:34 AM
The OPs first post was misleading. All the 'cards were not on the table' and misunderstanding arose from that. I just read through some of her later posts and found out that some in her family take drugs; she wanted to understand why.
Maybe if she had explained herself, we could have circumvented some of the bad feelings that arose from her first responses. Too bad.
tickle
Nov 22, 2008, 05:17 AM
adam_89, the point is that you are putting the information here so it will enlighten other people other than the OP. Whether we disagree with you or not, they are your own opinions and I think, should be shared. :)
N0help4u
Nov 22, 2008, 05:19 PM
I have to TOTALLY disagree with this statement. Xanax is a highly addictive antidepressant and is currently being sold on the black market. There are may others, I just used this one as it is very common.
While some people like the high of amphetamines (sp), others like the low of anti-depressants. I just rode in the ambulance last week to the mental hosptial with a patient who was addicted to antidepressants and alcohol.
Children now go through their parents medicine cabinets and get all the pills they can....stimulants and anti-depressants alike. They all get together and mix the pills then take a handful...it's called a Skittles Party.
Anti-depressants ARE addictive and ARE used recreationally.
Have to spread the rep!
Exactly she is not asking about a prescription she was prescribed by the doctor she is saying she wants to take them as street drugs so yes they are for a get high addiction purpose.
tickle
Nov 22, 2008, 06:02 PM
Whoever thought from the original post that she was asking about prescription drugs (am I missing something here?). Does she sound completely innocent in any of her responses? I don't think so ?
Anyway, it is all over and done with, and as I said, the real reason she was here, which she didn't divulge, I am sure, is her family members are into drugs and she was trying to find out about the usage of same.
No prescriptions ever mentioned by her as far as I know
linnealand
Nov 22, 2008, 06:57 PM
Have to spread the rep!
Exactly she is not asking about a prescription she was prescribed by the doctor she is saying she wants to take them as street drugs so yes they are for a get high addiction purpose.
I want to be nice here, but this confusion is getting complicated.
I really suggest that you read the posts in this thread again.
Nohelp, you referenced Paxil, a commonly prescribed antidepressant. Antidepressants are not used as recreational drugs.
j_9 referred to xanax, which is an anti-anxiety medication. Xanax can lead to addiction. Xanax has been known to be abused as a recreational drug. Xanax is not an anti-depressant.
My last post covered all of this in great detail.
My apologies, but the arguments that confused those drugs, their use and their effects were factually incorrect.
I hope the OP comes back so we can finally leave this behind in favor of a productive discussion.
J_9
Nov 22, 2008, 06:59 PM
J_9 agrees: Out of lack of sleep I was incorrect, Xanax is usually used in CONJUNCTION Oops, I hit the button before I was finished.
As I was saying, Xanax is usually used in conjunction with anti-depressants, a cocktail if you will.
Fr_Chuck
Nov 22, 2008, 07:05 PM
Kids today take all sorts of things, some have pill pariteis where they take prescription medication from there parents mix it all together and take them.
So anything is fair game to many teens today.
I know during my college days, post and all of the 'uppers' were used very excessive in college.
Many students went days without sleep.
The over all issue is that they will ruin your health, stop you from having normal concepts of life if you don't really need them.
J_9
Nov 22, 2008, 07:06 PM
i
my apologies, but the arguments that confused those drugs, their use and their effects were factually incorrect.
There were no arguments whatsoever, just a mistake and that mistake was corrected.
They were not necessarily factually incorrect either. Xanax is an anti anxiety medication used in conjunction with antidepressants. This was where my lack of sleep got the best of me.
Also, as noted above, children frequently go through their parents medicine cabinets that contain anti anxiety meds, pain meds and antidepressants, they mix these pills together and call it a Skittles Party. Very dangerous and sometimes deadly.
I know of people who are addicted to and sell Trazodone, this IS an anti depressant. You see, the nature, I have learned recently at a drug conference, is that certain drugs run in certain circles. While some are popular on the East Coast, they are not popular on the West Coast and so forth.
Ectasy has many forms and can be made in labs such as meth is. You never know what you are getting into.
linnealand
Nov 23, 2008, 04:02 AM
I just think it's important that people who actually need to take antidepressants don't go in thinking that they will make you high, where "high" means the same "high" that drug abusers go for. To the contrary, many depressed patients find themselves frustrated with antidepressants because they usually take weeks to even begin working.
Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications are commonly prescribed to be used together. The reason for this comes from the psychological and neuro-chemical relationships found between depression and anxiety.
I have also heard of the "skittles parties" kids hold, and I can think of few things more stupid or dangerous. I just have to assume that they have some idea of the things they're stealing, at least in the sense that they're not going to be taking a collection of prescription-grade laxatives, birth control pills and so on. Their jackpot is in pain killers and tranquilizers. This does not discount the possibility that antidepressants have been abused by people who were hoping to get high or who will layer things on top of it to see what it might be able to do for them. There are people who will take anything, paint cans and glue included.
Even people within the ecstasy communities know how dangerous ecstasy is. To them, however, the scariest possibility is that their pills have been made with poisons. That actually happens. I know that there are organizations out there that attend ecstasy based raves and will test pills for free. It's certainly a controversial move to say the least. As far as I'm concerned, ecstasy gets a high spot on the most dangerous drugs list.
MayfairLady
Nov 23, 2008, 09:23 AM
Sounds to me like someone Nichole loves is addicted to drugs and she wants to try them to try to understand why they won't stop.. what's the deal? Don't they love her enough to stop? That's the drug trap nichole, don't fall for it, its not smart to try drugs for ANY reason even if you are trying to convince yourself if is for someone else's benefit.
adam_89
Nov 24, 2008, 08:04 AM
Ok, I don't even remember my post, but I do say that I wanted to talk to her privately. My post was removed for a request to talk through messages on this site. I appologize for that. I have made some mistakes in my life and I wanted to share them with her and maybe make her change her mind. I just didn't want people judging me.
Thanks everyone & Sorry!
tickle
Nov 24, 2008, 10:21 AM
Adam-89, no big deal, we all like sharing here because it may help someone else somewhere the line. Someone just checking in and reading posts, and saying, hay, that's great. etc.
You have to be a pretty big person to want to share experiences, good and bad.
adam_89
Nov 24, 2008, 10:36 AM
Yea that is true. I usually do share my experiences but I just feel embarrassed about my past mistakes. So, I hope she doesn't have to learn any hard mistakes. She hasn't returned to this post for a long time now. I figured someone would have closed this by now.
linnealand
Nov 24, 2008, 12:31 PM
yea that is true. I usually do share my experiences but i just feel embarrassed about my past mistakes. So, I hope she doesn't have to learn any hard mistakes. She hasn't returned to this post for a long time now. i figured someone would have closed this by now.
This thread was only started three days ago. *wink
I hope you do share your opinion.