Drug Dependency

[Simon]

I know this is slightly ot, but I have a real problem & need help & support
& advice and this looks like an active group. if there is a better group
please tell me.

I have just found out my girlfriend is spending £200 a month on cocaine. I
know nothing about drugs so loads of questions including - is this a lot or
a little, does that mean she is using it once a month or every day / week,
is it easy to get off cocaine if she wants to, should I be worried or is
half the country doing this and I don't know. how would she be taking it.

Thanks for any help

[ChazatWork]

Simon wrote:
[...]
> I have just found out my girlfriend is spending £200 a month on cocaine.
[...]

Hi Simon,

I not exactly an expert on drugs but I have had some experience with
most of them. £200 of cocaine is about 4 grams, i.e. about a gram a
week. That is not a massive amount (people that i knew considerd a
serious coke habit to ne 1 to 2 grams or more a *day*), however it is
definitely habitual use of the drug. Coke is pretty nasty thing to get
into as psychological dependency grows quickly, and people find they
cannot be "social" without it. Unfortunately, in some industries is it
widely used and accepted and even thought of as quite "normal". It has
down sides of irritability, depression, mood swings, paranoia. I would
try and speak to her about it, ask her what she is getting out of it,
does she feel like she *needs* it. If you can help her to stop taking it
with a bit of support from you, great. If not, maybe she should see a
drugs counsellor. She definitely needs to take action as that level of
use could easily lead to more, as the person tries to compensate for the
down side by taking more of the drug.

good luck.

Chaz.

[-rosie-]

simon,

does your girlfriend want to quit?
is she able to?

if not, you might be interested in this:

http://www.ca.org/

follow this link through to the FAQ'S.
there you will find numbers for your region.
call and ask for the nearest support group for family and friends of
cocaine addicts.

--
read and post daily, it works!
rosie

"Hell they won't lie to me/ Not on my own damn TV/ But how much is a
liar's word worth/ And whatever happened to peace on earth?"
.....................................Willie Nelson
REGIME CHANGE BEGINS AT HOME
****VOTE****



"Simon" <s@b.net> wrote in message
news:6_MMb.4208$oY3.22095@newsfep1-win.server.ntli.net...
> I know this is slightly ot, but I have a real problem & need help
& support
> & advice and this looks like an active group. if there is a
better group
> please tell me.
>
> I have just found out my girlfriend is spending £200 a month on
cocaine. I
> know nothing about drugs so loads of questions including - is this
a lot or
> a little, does that mean she is using it once a month or every day
/ week,
> is it easy to get off cocaine if she wants to, should I be worried
or is
> half the country doing this and I don't know. how would she be
taking it.
>
> Thanks for any help

[Little Monster]

On Tue, 13 Jan 2004 08:42:59 +0000, ChazatWork wrote:

> Simon wrote:
> [...]
>> I have just found out my girlfriend is spending £200 a month on cocaine.
> [...]

> try and speak to her about it, ask her what she is getting out of it,
> does she feel like she *needs* it. If you can help her to stop taking it
> with a bit of support from you, great. If not, maybe she should see a
> drugs counsellor. She definitely needs to take action as that level of

FWIW, my one (knowing about it) experience of a cocaine user was that it
made him feel fantastic and extremely confident, and he claimed to be in
complete control of his usage. My perception was that he was a complete
wanker while on it, and I watched his usage gradually increase. I've no
idea what he's doing now, got a job as a solicitor (lawyer) I think.
There is no way on earth this man would have considered seriously any
suggestion that he was developing a dependency at the time, however that
is how it appeared to me, as he went from "dabbling" to regular
several times a week usage, because of the way it made him feel.
AFIK, cocaine does not cause physical addiction, but as Chaz points out,
it does cause psychological dependency, which is just as bad.

Hth,
Monster
--
Of course I can! I'm British.

www.the-monstruum.co.uk

[-rosie-]

................... cocaine does not cause physical addiction,


no?

[Jonathan Bratt]

In message <_pGOb.92943$fq1.9474@twister.rdc-kc.rr.com>, -rosie-
<readandpostTAKETHISOUT@hotmail.com> writes
>
>.................. cocaine does not cause physical addiction,
>
>
>no?
>
>
Not as far as I was aware Rosie - I found I was taking more than I
wanted to and had no difficulty giving up. Unlike alcohol when I woke up
after doing coke - the idea of another line was the last thing from my
mind. Psychologically speaking is a different matter, but there weren't
the signs of physical withdrawal - maybe I wasn't taking enough.

Overall I found giving up drugs a piece of cake. When I moved out of
London I had no supplier so that was it - had it been booze, god knows
Ii would have _found_ a supplier. Maybe different things are more
addictive to different people.
--
Jonathan Bratt

[-rosie-]

>................ Maybe different things are more
> addictive to different people.
> --
> Jonathan Bratt


BINGO!
imo, just as there are "alcohol abusers" who never suffer with the
addictive qualities of that drug, the same is true for cocaine.

rosie

[The Other Harry]

[On Mon, 19 Jan 2004 13:46:29 GMT, " -rosie-"
<readandpostTAKETHISOUT@hotmail.com> wrote:]

> >................ Maybe different things are more
> > addictive to different people.
> > --
> > Jonathan Bratt
>
>
> BINGO!
> imo, just as there are "alcohol abusers" who never suffer with the
> addictive qualities of that drug, the same is true for cocaine.

I don't know enough to distinguish between what is a physical
addiction and what is a psychological addiction.

It seems to me that in my case the physical addictive part of
alcoholism is relatively minor. I can detox (pretty much) in
a week. The psych part is my obstacle.

I messed around a little with some cocaine back in the 80's.
One way or another, I see that as being far more addictive --
for me, anyway. I have known someone who committed murder in
order to get money for cocaine. I know another person who
stole things from his parents to get money for crack.

We alcoholics do lots of bad things too, but the cocaine seems
to go to extremes where alcohol (usually) does not go. We
just wreck cars, run over babies, ruin families, and lose jobs
and relationships. Nothing much.

I was watching successive episodes of COPS on TV last night.
It is amazing how many of the calls are related to either
booze or drugs. You look at the lives these people are
living. It's hard to want that for yourself.

[Jonathan Bratt]

In message <nupn00hkn6vnorun0t7csiucbd2dibn10n@4ax.com>, The Other Harry
<hc.me@ix.netcom.com> writes
>I messed around a little with some cocaine back in the 80's. One way or
>another, I see that as being far more addictive -- for me, anyway. I
>have known someone who committed murder in order to get money for
>cocaine. I know another person who stole things from his parents to
>get money for crack.

Crack is horrendously addictive - physically AFAIK. Once one high has
finished, the body craves more - same with heroin. Hence much crime to
fund 'the next hit'. With powdered cocaine - at least in my case -
there was no desire to start again once one session had finished, and I
could quite happily go weeks, months or whatever before repeating.

Nicotine is also physically addictive - constant physical craving for
more. Oddly enough with me, I can have a few ciggies one day - then not
even think about another one for days. My father gave up years ago, yet
says if he had only one now that would be it again. Hence my comment
about different addiction for different people.
--
Jonathan Bratt

[-rosie-]

> Nicotine is also physically addictive - constant physical craving
for
> more. Oddly enough with me, I can have a few ciggies one day -
then not
> even think about another one for days. ...............
> --
> Jonathan Bratt


that is a perfect example of addiction affecting all of us
differently........................
the withdrawal i suffered, both physical and psychological from
nicotine, was the worst i have ever experienced!

good to see you back in here sharing jonathan!~

[Jonathan Bratt]

In message <DbTOb.93046$fq1.57684@twister.rdc-kc.rr.com>, -rosie-
<readandpostTAKETHISOUT@hotmail.com> writes
>
>
>> Nicotine is also physically addictive - constant physical craving
>for
>> more. Oddly enough with me, I can have a few ciggies one day -
>then not
>> even think about another one for days. ...............
>> --
>> Jonathan Bratt
>
>
>that is a perfect example of addiction affecting all of us
>differently........................
>the withdrawal i suffered, both physical and psychological from
>nicotine, was the worst i have ever experienced!
>
>good to see you back in here sharing jonathan!~
>
>
Been sorting a flat out. I now feel well enough to move out from my
parents, and move into my own place again Saturday.

I cannot tell you how good that makes me feel.
--
Jonathan Bratt

[Ron]

On Mon, 19 Jan 2004 15:55:36 +0000, Jonathan Bratt <jonnybratt@aol.com> wrote:

> Nicotine is also physically addictive - constant physical craving for
> more. Oddly enough with me, I can have a few ciggies one day - then not
> even think about another one for days. My father gave up years ago, yet
> says if he had only one now that would be it again. Hence my comment
> about different addiction for different people.

Physical addictions don't necessarily commence overnight. A few butts
here and there won't do it. But it *will* creep up on you. Keep going,
you'll have a few more, and a few more, and believe me, soon you'll be
addicted.

Starting smoking was one of the stupidest things I ever did. I
distinctly remember having almost this exact conversation with my
college roomate at the time. I said something to the effect of "I just
like to have a few once in a while, I'm not going to get addicted." I
just couldn't comprehend such a thing. A year or two later, I'd be
stalking the streets at four in the morning trying to find someplace
that sold them. Your dad is completely right not to even want one. Do
yourself a huge favor and don't start.

--
AB5DB9CC

[-rosie-]

> I cannot tell you how good that makes me feel.
> --
> Jonathan Bratt


congrats to you and your perseverance!

[Jonathan Bratt]

In message <tuTOb.83713$Rc4.301622@attbi_s54>, Ron <can@the.spam> writes
>On Mon, 19 Jan 2004 15:55:36 +0000, Jonathan Bratt <jonnybratt@aol.com> wrote:
>
>> Nicotine is also physically addictive - constant physical craving for
>> more. Oddly enough with me, I can have a few ciggies one day - then not
>> even think about another one for days. My father gave up years ago, yet
>> says if he had only one now that would be it again. Hence my comment
>> about different addiction for different people.
>
>Physical addictions don't necessarily commence overnight. A few butts
>here and there won't do it. But it *will* creep up on you. Keep going,
>you'll have a few more, and a few more, and believe me, soon you'll be
>addicted.

>
>Starting smoking was one of the stupidest things I ever did. I
>distinctly remember having almost this exact conversation with my
>college roomate at the time. I said something to the effect of "I just
>like to have a few once in a while, I'm not going to get addicted." I
>just couldn't comprehend such a thing. A year or two later, I'd be
>stalking the streets at four in the morning trying to find someplace
>that sold them. Your dad is completely right not to even want one. Do
>yourself a huge favor and don't start.
>
I've been smoking like this for 20 years!
--
Jonathan Bratt

[Ron]

On Mon, 19 Jan 2004 16:43:20 +0000, Jonathan Bratt <jonnybratt@aol.com> wrote:

> I've been smoking like this for 20 years!

Ha! :)

Guess ya can't stop, huh? :P

--
AB5DB9CC

[Jonathan Bratt]

In message <nrUOb.101551$na.53790@attbi_s04>, Ron <can@the.spam> writes
>On Mon, 19 Jan 2004 16:43:20 +0000, Jonathan Bratt <jonnybratt@aol.com> wrote:
>
>> I've been smoking like this for 20 years!
>
>Ha! :)
>
>Guess ya can't stop, huh? :P
>
Don't want to.
--
Jonathan Bratt

[Ron]

On Mon, 19 Jan 2004 17:32:53 +0000, Jonathan Bratt <jonnybratt@aol.com> wrote:
> In message <nrUOb.101551$na.53790@attbi_s04>, Ron <can@the.spam> writes
>>On Mon, 19 Jan 2004 16:43:20 +0000, Jonathan Bratt <jonnybratt@aol.com> wrote:
>>
>>> I've been smoking like this for 20 years!
>>
>>Ha! :)
>>
>>Guess ya can't stop, huh? :P
>>
> Don't want to.

God bless you. Damn I love smokes.

I think you're right about different people being affected differently
by stuff, btw. I knew one guy in college that would light up red like a
beet after one beer, and be quite looped to boot. I wish my habit was
that cheap.

I think as with many things, it's a matter of degree, not absolutes.

--
AB5DB9CC

[The Other Harry]

[On Mon, 19 Jan 2004 17:54:36 GMT, Ron <can@the.spam>
wrote:]

> Damn I love smokes.

Me too.

I wonder if anyone has ever figured out why so many drinkers,
esp. alcoholics, also smoke. I know the two seem to go
together for me.

[Blue Moon]

On Mon, 19 Jan 2004 16:09:23 -0500, The Other Harry
<hc.me@ix.netcom.com> wrote:

>[On Mon, 19 Jan 2004 17:54:36 GMT, Ron <can@the.spam>
>wrote:]
>
>> Damn I love smokes.
>
>Me too.
>
>I wonder if anyone has ever figured out why so many drinkers,
>esp. alcoholics, also smoke. I know the two seem to go
>together for me.

Some time ago I read a study that showed smoking triggers a pleasure
centre in the brain, which becomes more acute in the absence of
alcohol. As such, many of those who are smokers when they quit
drinking have a propensity to smoke more heavily.

--
Blue Moon

[Christine]

>Some time ago I read a study that showed smoking triggers a pleasure
>centre in the brain, which becomes more acute in the absence of
>alcohol. As such, many of those who are smokers when they quit
>drinking have a propensity to smoke more heavily.

Ooo - good to know! I thought that when I finally put down the drink I would
find it easy to slow down w/the smokes, but find myself smoking almost twice as
much. I was looking at it as a crutch, something for my hands and mouth to do
....

I also thouught I would lose some weight quickly and easily, since beer was my
drink of choice. However, I eat a lot more now that I'm sober, and while I
haven't gained any weight, i have not lost any either.

Excersize is the key, me thinks, to both of this issues I'm dealing with
....getting my butt up and out. :)

[crayzKirk]

Give yourself time. It was three years after I quit drinking before I felt
able to quit smoking. Don't try to fix everything at once. We didn't get
broken all at once either.

Just my $0.02 worth...

Kirk

"Christine" <ctbean3@aol.com> wrote in message
news:20040120123727.21810.00000457@mb-m14.aol.com...
> >Some time ago I read a study that showed smoking triggers a pleasure
> >centre in the brain, which becomes more acute in the absence of
> >alcohol. As such, many of those who are smokers when they quit
> >drinking have a propensity to smoke more heavily.
>
> Ooo - good to know! I thought that when I finally put down the drink I
would
> find it easy to slow down w/the smokes, but find myself smoking almost
twice as
> much. I was looking at it as a crutch, something for my hands and mouth
to do
> ...
>
> I also thouught I would lose some weight quickly and easily, since beer
was my
> drink of choice. However, I eat a lot more now that I'm sober, and while
I
> haven't gained any weight, i have not lost any either.
>
> Excersize is the key, me thinks, to both of this issues I'm dealing with
> ...getting my butt up and out. :)