EarlyBirdly
Recycles dryer sheets
- Joined
- Oct 24, 2016
- Messages
- 205
" First is the very common phenomenon of functional alcoholics -- people whose lives look fine on the outside but whose inner, relational, physical or spiritual lives are in trouble. "
I have always loved (not) the concept of the "High Functioning" alcoholic. I have known many. They drink every day, to excess. You know, like 6 or more beverages a day. Every day...
They have never been in trouble with the law, they have never been abusive physically or verbally to their friends and/or family. They have no ongoing health problems. They maintain their professional standards, their homes, their relationships and their lives. Many maintain healthy spiritual relationships and attend religious services regularly. Do they have inner Demons that they struggle with? Yes. Don't we all?
But, we as a Society must put them in their appropriate box with their appropriate name. Because one size fits all - 2 or more drinks a day, everyday, and you are an "alcoholic". Use cannabis everyday and you are a "pothead".
Years ago you were just a guy/gal who drank a lot and relaxed with some cannabis but took care of your business in Life - You know, like a real Man or Woman does. Now, you are a shameful, sad, helpless individual who we should look down upon and feel pity for and offer help to.
Nah. I must reject that common wisdom/group think.
That guy in the gutter, figuratively or literally, help him. Let's leave the responsible people alone and pin the labels elsewhere if we have to.
That said, I must agree with you that of the two, Alcohol vs. Cannabis , alcohol is by far the most destructive. In fact, I was watching a documentary* where many different types of Doctors were comparing alcoholism with heroin addiction and most said that the heroin use was actually less devastating medically and socially than alcohol. ( Hmm.. I dunno about that. ) Cannabis was, in their opinion, not even in the same league as the other two. As well, they acknowledged a wide range of potential medical and health benefits related to cannabis use.
I do know this...I've seen people destroy, or almost destroy, themselves with all the above.
Again, I will maintain that it is highly dependent upon the Individual and that labels and a one-size fits all attitude are not appropriate.
Birdly
* - Can't remember the show itself. I believe it was on CNN. It featured Dr. Sanjay Gupta among others.
I have always loved (not) the concept of the "High Functioning" alcoholic. I have known many. They drink every day, to excess. You know, like 6 or more beverages a day. Every day...
They have never been in trouble with the law, they have never been abusive physically or verbally to their friends and/or family. They have no ongoing health problems. They maintain their professional standards, their homes, their relationships and their lives. Many maintain healthy spiritual relationships and attend religious services regularly. Do they have inner Demons that they struggle with? Yes. Don't we all?
But, we as a Society must put them in their appropriate box with their appropriate name. Because one size fits all - 2 or more drinks a day, everyday, and you are an "alcoholic". Use cannabis everyday and you are a "pothead".
Years ago you were just a guy/gal who drank a lot and relaxed with some cannabis but took care of your business in Life - You know, like a real Man or Woman does. Now, you are a shameful, sad, helpless individual who we should look down upon and feel pity for and offer help to.
Nah. I must reject that common wisdom/group think.
That guy in the gutter, figuratively or literally, help him. Let's leave the responsible people alone and pin the labels elsewhere if we have to.
That said, I must agree with you that of the two, Alcohol vs. Cannabis , alcohol is by far the most destructive. In fact, I was watching a documentary* where many different types of Doctors were comparing alcoholism with heroin addiction and most said that the heroin use was actually less devastating medically and socially than alcohol. ( Hmm.. I dunno about that. ) Cannabis was, in their opinion, not even in the same league as the other two. As well, they acknowledged a wide range of potential medical and health benefits related to cannabis use.
I do know this...I've seen people destroy, or almost destroy, themselves with all the above.
Again, I will maintain that it is highly dependent upon the Individual and that labels and a one-size fits all attitude are not appropriate.
Birdly
* - Can't remember the show itself. I believe it was on CNN. It featured Dr. Sanjay Gupta among others.
Last edited:
