Core premise is that addiction reduces overall QOL until indulging seems like the only good short-term activity.
Conversation
Replying to
oh.... hrrrm, I've been addicted twice, not my experience, or doesn't sound like it.
1
Replying to
I think there are holes in the analysis, but it seems to hold for e.g. smoking or MDMA. Fuzzier on opiates, I think.
3
Replying to
although perhaps I'm misinterpreting. At some point the addiction says "me or x/y/z - you can't have both"
4
Replying to
At that point, the drug starts feeling like the best alternative to many ppl. Friends abandon you. Job goes to shit.
2
Replying to
but a large part is that the drug no longer gives highs, it only prevents lows. You're getting nothing +ve
2
Replying to
Exactly. Addicts often quit for smth better: kids (if they care), good life options incompatible w/addiction...
2
Replying to
so it's only a better option in that it avoids the pain of withdrawal.
1
Replying to
And the pain of dealing with a life you have chosen to run to the ground... that's often the biggest problem.
1
1
Replying to
do bear in mind there are high functioning drug users. Honestly, most upper class women qualify.
3
Replying to
But mostly because people are pricks and don't respect you saying you don't want to drink, unlike smoking.