Aa
Weed aficionados celebrate '420' with music, marijuana discounts
Happy 4/20 day~ from the L.A.Times:
Weed aficionados celebrate '420' with music, marijuana discounts
April 20, 2012 | 9:26 am
Some people across Southern California will celebrate the underground holiday known as "420," aimed at celebrating the virtues of marijuana ingestion in all its forms
People across Southern California will celebrate what they consider an important holiday Friday by getting comfortable on a couch or finding a nice forest before entering a state of deep relaxation.
That might explain why the underground holiday known as "420," aimed at celebrating the virtues of marijuana ingestion in all its forms, is not attracting any special attention from Los Angeles law enforcement: Most "Weed Day" celebrants plan to be very, very mellow.
Authorities from the Los Angeles Police Department and the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department said they aren't planning any special measures to seek out those getting high. Spokespeople for the departments said they were personally aware of the significance of April 20.
"We're not doing anything special," LAPD Officer Rosario Herriera said. "We always have a sufficient amount of officers out on a daily basis."
The origins of celebrating marijuana on April 20 are hazy. Observers speculate that it started with the numbers of local penal codes related to marijuana possession or to a random date selected by weed enthusiasts.
The Wall Street Journal reports that there were 17.4 million marijuana users in 2010, up from 14.4 million in 2007, all signs that the underground pot holiday may be gaining more steam.
Some Southland residents will be celebrating 420 with music and discounted cannabis.
Outside of Coachella, the music festival where many have indulged themselves without the holiday, Festival 420 is set to hit the San Bernardino County Fairgrounds on Saturday with a musical slate chock full of bands and DJs. The festival explicitly states that no illegal drug use or possession is allowed.
A 420 Hangover Festival is also scheduled to be held at the Observatory in Santa Ana, though a day after the big holiday.
And according to local cannabis websites, some retailers are offering discounted product on Friday. Kushmart in Hollywood, for example, is advertising a "Huge 420 sale," with 50% discounts and more.
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2012/04/420-marijuana-southern-california.html
Weed aficionados celebrate '420' with music, marijuana discounts
April 20, 2012 | 9:26 am
Some people across Southern California will celebrate the underground holiday known as "420," aimed at celebrating the virtues of marijuana ingestion in all its forms
People across Southern California will celebrate what they consider an important holiday Friday by getting comfortable on a couch or finding a nice forest before entering a state of deep relaxation.
That might explain why the underground holiday known as "420," aimed at celebrating the virtues of marijuana ingestion in all its forms, is not attracting any special attention from Los Angeles law enforcement: Most "Weed Day" celebrants plan to be very, very mellow.
Authorities from the Los Angeles Police Department and the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department said they aren't planning any special measures to seek out those getting high. Spokespeople for the departments said they were personally aware of the significance of April 20.
"We're not doing anything special," LAPD Officer Rosario Herriera said. "We always have a sufficient amount of officers out on a daily basis."
The origins of celebrating marijuana on April 20 are hazy. Observers speculate that it started with the numbers of local penal codes related to marijuana possession or to a random date selected by weed enthusiasts.
The Wall Street Journal reports that there were 17.4 million marijuana users in 2010, up from 14.4 million in 2007, all signs that the underground pot holiday may be gaining more steam.
Some Southland residents will be celebrating 420 with music and discounted cannabis.
Outside of Coachella, the music festival where many have indulged themselves without the holiday, Festival 420 is set to hit the San Bernardino County Fairgrounds on Saturday with a musical slate chock full of bands and DJs. The festival explicitly states that no illegal drug use or possession is allowed.
A 420 Hangover Festival is also scheduled to be held at the Observatory in Santa Ana, though a day after the big holiday.
And according to local cannabis websites, some retailers are offering discounted product on Friday. Kushmart in Hollywood, for example, is advertising a "Huge 420 sale," with 50% discounts and more.
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2012/04/420-marijuana-southern-california.html
I cannot argue with that.
And I respect your willingness to leave the door open a crack.
I will too.
Mike
And I respect your willingness to leave the door open a crack.
I will too.
Mike
Oh, OKAY, I give in. (kidding . . . but I will try to open my mind a little bit).
Remember that it is only a small portion of the Republican party that is hopefully dwindling in numbers at that as it appears ----- that goes on and on about government not playing a role in our lives. Republicans want to make as many laws as Democrats --- they just have different priorities.
I'm probably not making sense and apologize for that.
Someday I may come around on the issue, who knows? stranger things have happened. I see the other side and hope that my word that drugs are a bad idea is enough to convince my kids . . . but I do have little rule followers. I was too----- and know that something being against the law will resonate with my kids as they begin making decisions in their life. They still may make bad choices but it has more oomph if there is a law behind it.
Remember that it is only a small portion of the Republican party that is hopefully dwindling in numbers at that as it appears ----- that goes on and on about government not playing a role in our lives. Republicans want to make as many laws as Democrats --- they just have different priorities.
I'm probably not making sense and apologize for that.
Someday I may come around on the issue, who knows? stranger things have happened. I see the other side and hope that my word that drugs are a bad idea is enough to convince my kids . . . but I do have little rule followers. I was too----- and know that something being against the law will resonate with my kids as they begin making decisions in their life. They still may make bad choices but it has more oomph if there is a law behind it.
I know people of a different political party, faith and gender living in places other than the mid-west who feel exactly like you do. I get it. I'm an optimist though so I am stuck in the hope that facts can change people's minds even when the gut reaction is strong. I think it feels as though decriminalization is tantamount to giving up. It's not really giving up the war on drugs as much as it is changing the line of attack. If we reduce the incidence of drug use, the incredible cost of prosecuting the war on drugs and the sickness and crime and violence currently associated with criminalization of drugs then I think we win the war.
You said: "Many just don't feel drugs are right and don't want the laws to change."
I'm curious to know why a republican who presumably wants smaller government believes that the population needs the government to tell us what's right by making and enforcing laws. If we put half the money that's being spent on this 2012 election towards educating/marketing to our children they'd learn quickly to hate drugs because basically most drugs are really not a good idea. If drugs were legal tomorrow my life wouldn't change in any way. Drugs aren't right so we teach our children that simple lesson and they'll get it - just like they did in Portugal.
Mike
You said: "Many just don't feel drugs are right and don't want the laws to change."
I'm curious to know why a republican who presumably wants smaller government believes that the population needs the government to tell us what's right by making and enforcing laws. If we put half the money that's being spent on this 2012 election towards educating/marketing to our children they'd learn quickly to hate drugs because basically most drugs are really not a good idea. If drugs were legal tomorrow my life wouldn't change in any way. Drugs aren't right so we teach our children that simple lesson and they'll get it - just like they did in Portugal.
Mike
Oh, OH, I didn't mean for you to think I ignored what you wrote. If I'm wrong about something, I'm wrong. I am more throwing in the towel as I've exhausted my interest in the subject.
I think that there is plenty to read about why decriminalizing drugs has value as an idea, however, there are many that take a stance out of gut reaction to drugs. Do I really want that to go away? Hm. Not sure. I do not support drug use for recreation. Sorry, but I don't.
Many just don't feel drugs are right and don't want the laws to change. That is just the bottom line. So, I've read data on it that makes a great argument----- but my inner core will not let go of how I feel about drugs. That's me just being honest with you.
Hey, cut me some slack. I'm a Republican, Catholic woman living in the Mid West! Isn't this how I'm supposed to react with that kind of background?
I think that there is plenty to read about why decriminalizing drugs has value as an idea, however, there are many that take a stance out of gut reaction to drugs. Do I really want that to go away? Hm. Not sure. I do not support drug use for recreation. Sorry, but I don't.
Many just don't feel drugs are right and don't want the laws to change. That is just the bottom line. So, I've read data on it that makes a great argument----- but my inner core will not let go of how I feel about drugs. That's me just being honest with you.
Hey, cut me some slack. I'm a Republican, Catholic woman living in the Mid West! Isn't this how I'm supposed to react with that kind of background?
More on Portugal from Richard Branson:
Time to end the war on drugs
In 2001 Portugal became the first European country to officially abolish all criminal penalties for personal possession of drugs, including marijuana, cocaine, heroin and methamphetamines.
Jail time was replaced with offer of therapy. (The argument was that the fear of prison drives addicts underground and that incarceration is much more expensive than treatment).
Under Portugal’s new regime, people found guilty of possessing small amounts of drugs are sent to a panel consisting of a psychologist, social worker, and legal adviser for appropriate treatment (which may be refused without criminal punishment), instead of jail.
Critics in the poor, socially conservative and largely Catholic nation said decriminalizing drug possession would open the country to “drug tourists” and exacerbate Portugal’s drug problem; the country has some of the highest levels of hard-drug use in Europe. The recently realised results of a report commissioned by the Cato Institute, suggest otherwise.
The paper, published by Cato in April 2011, found that in the five years after personal possession was decriminalized, illegal drug use among teens in Portugal declined and rates of new HIV infections caused by sharing of dirty needles dropped, while the number of people seeking treatment for drug addiction more than doubled.
It has enabled the Portuguese government to manage and control the problem far better than virtually every other Western country does.
Compared to the European Union and the US, Portugal drug use numbers are impressive.
Following decriminalization, Portugal has the lowest rate of lifetime marijuana use in people over 15 in the EU: 10%. The most comparable figure in America is in people over 12: 39.8%, Proportionally, more Americans have used cocaine than Portuguese have used marijuana.
The Cato paper reports that between 2001 and 2006 in Portugal, rates of lifetime use of any illegal drug among seventh through ninth graders fell from 14.1% to 10.6%. Drug use in older teens also declined. Life time heroin use among 16-18 year olds fell from 2.5% to 1.8%.
New HIV infections in drug users fell by 17% between 1999 and 2003.
Death related to heroin and similar drugs were cut by more than half.
The number of people on methadone and buprenorphine treatment for drug addiction rose to 14,877 from 6,040, after decriminalization, and the considerable money saved on enforcement allowed for increase funding of drug – free treatment as well.
Property theft has dropped dramatically (50% - 80% of all property theft worldwide is caused by drug users).
America has the highest rates of cocaine and marijuana use in the world, and while most of the EU (including Holland) has more liberal drug laws than the US, it also has less drug use.
Current policy debate is that it’s based on “speculation and fear mongering”, rather than empirical evidence on the effect of more lenient drug policies. In Portugal, the effect was to neutralize what had become the country’s number one public health problem.
Decriminalization does not result in increased drug use.
Portugal’s 10 year experiment shows clearly that enough is enough. It is time to end the war on drugs worldwide. We must stop criminalising drug users. Health and treatment should be offered to drug users – not prison. Bad drugs policies affect literally hundreds of thousands of individuals and communities across the world. We need to provide medical help to those that have problematic use – not criminal retribution.
By Richard Branson. Founder of Virgin Group
Time to end the war on drugs
In 2001 Portugal became the first European country to officially abolish all criminal penalties for personal possession of drugs, including marijuana, cocaine, heroin and methamphetamines.
Jail time was replaced with offer of therapy. (The argument was that the fear of prison drives addicts underground and that incarceration is much more expensive than treatment).
Under Portugal’s new regime, people found guilty of possessing small amounts of drugs are sent to a panel consisting of a psychologist, social worker, and legal adviser for appropriate treatment (which may be refused without criminal punishment), instead of jail.
Critics in the poor, socially conservative and largely Catholic nation said decriminalizing drug possession would open the country to “drug tourists” and exacerbate Portugal’s drug problem; the country has some of the highest levels of hard-drug use in Europe. The recently realised results of a report commissioned by the Cato Institute, suggest otherwise.
The paper, published by Cato in April 2011, found that in the five years after personal possession was decriminalized, illegal drug use among teens in Portugal declined and rates of new HIV infections caused by sharing of dirty needles dropped, while the number of people seeking treatment for drug addiction more than doubled.
It has enabled the Portuguese government to manage and control the problem far better than virtually every other Western country does.
Compared to the European Union and the US, Portugal drug use numbers are impressive.
Following decriminalization, Portugal has the lowest rate of lifetime marijuana use in people over 15 in the EU: 10%. The most comparable figure in America is in people over 12: 39.8%, Proportionally, more Americans have used cocaine than Portuguese have used marijuana.
The Cato paper reports that between 2001 and 2006 in Portugal, rates of lifetime use of any illegal drug among seventh through ninth graders fell from 14.1% to 10.6%. Drug use in older teens also declined. Life time heroin use among 16-18 year olds fell from 2.5% to 1.8%.
New HIV infections in drug users fell by 17% between 1999 and 2003.
Death related to heroin and similar drugs were cut by more than half.
The number of people on methadone and buprenorphine treatment for drug addiction rose to 14,877 from 6,040, after decriminalization, and the considerable money saved on enforcement allowed for increase funding of drug – free treatment as well.
Property theft has dropped dramatically (50% - 80% of all property theft worldwide is caused by drug users).
America has the highest rates of cocaine and marijuana use in the world, and while most of the EU (including Holland) has more liberal drug laws than the US, it also has less drug use.
Current policy debate is that it’s based on “speculation and fear mongering”, rather than empirical evidence on the effect of more lenient drug policies. In Portugal, the effect was to neutralize what had become the country’s number one public health problem.
Decriminalization does not result in increased drug use.
Portugal’s 10 year experiment shows clearly that enough is enough. It is time to end the war on drugs worldwide. We must stop criminalising drug users. Health and treatment should be offered to drug users – not prison. Bad drugs policies affect literally hundreds of thousands of individuals and communities across the world. We need to provide medical help to those that have problematic use – not criminal retribution.
By Richard Branson. Founder of Virgin Group
I'm fine with not agreeing.
I do feel that you say something such as, you're sure most people in jail for drug offenses did more than just use the drug, and when I show the fact, you ignore it.
We all believe what we choose but have you even read the article ?
I do feel that you say something such as, you're sure most people in jail for drug offenses did more than just use the drug, and when I show the fact, you ignore it.
We all believe what we choose but have you even read the article ?
Ha, well----------- let's just give up on convincing one another here on this subject. Probably not going to happen and who cares! We all can have our own opinions on it. I'm not saying anyone else's is wrong. I'm just saying I'm not changing my mind on how I feel on this one.
I know. I'm not getting any invites to the party. But hey . . . I'm still a fun party guest! I make a great dip and laugh at everyone's jokes!!
I know. I'm not getting any invites to the party. But hey . . . I'm still a fun party guest! I make a great dip and laugh at everyone's jokes!!
Sigh, yes the idea that most drug offenders are in jail for committing crimes more offensive than smoking pot, is oft quoted and not substantiated by fact.
The same goes with the idea that decriminalization of drugs poses a threat.
If you read my post above about those behind the prison industrial complex, you'd see the real reason why drugs are illegal.
From Forbes, 7/05/2011
Ten years ago, Portugal decriminalized all drugs. One decade after this unprecedented experiment, drug abuse is down by half.
from:
http://www.drugpolicy.org/facts/drug-facts/marijuana-facts
Fact: More than 800,000 people are arrested for marijuana each year, the vast majority of them for simple possession.
Police prosecuted 858,408 persons for marijuana violations in 2009, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s annual Uniform Crime Report. Marijuana arrests now comprise more than one-half (approximately 52 percent) of all drug arrests reported in the United States. A decade ago, marijuana arrests comprised just 44 percent of all drug arrests. Approximately 46 percent of all drug prosecutions nationwide are for marijuana possession. Of those charged with marijuana violations, approximately 88 percent (758,593 Americans) were charged with possession only. The remaining 99,815 individuals were charged with “sale/manufacture,” a category that includes virtually all cultivation offenses.
The same goes with the idea that decriminalization of drugs poses a threat.
If you read my post above about those behind the prison industrial complex, you'd see the real reason why drugs are illegal.
From Forbes, 7/05/2011
Ten years ago, Portugal decriminalized all drugs. One decade after this unprecedented experiment, drug abuse is down by half.
from:
http://www.drugpolicy.org/facts/drug-facts/marijuana-facts
Fact: More than 800,000 people are arrested for marijuana each year, the vast majority of them for simple possession.
Police prosecuted 858,408 persons for marijuana violations in 2009, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s annual Uniform Crime Report. Marijuana arrests now comprise more than one-half (approximately 52 percent) of all drug arrests reported in the United States. A decade ago, marijuana arrests comprised just 44 percent of all drug arrests. Approximately 46 percent of all drug prosecutions nationwide are for marijuana possession. Of those charged with marijuana violations, approximately 88 percent (758,593 Americans) were charged with possession only. The remaining 99,815 individuals were charged with “sale/manufacture,” a category that includes virtually all cultivation offenses.
Sorry hit the post too soon. That was written by someone from the Drug Policy Foundation who could see that some of their efforts were in the wrong directions. Anway, I'll just add this to the thread at ths point but I think it makes some good points.
If this hasn't been posted before I think the strategy of "harm reduction" (this has some specific policies, some of which are already in effect) might help for illegal drugs in general. Legalizing marijuana (as that is in a different category as to long term effects) might or might not make sense but it should be carefully considered before it would go into effect as to the specifics of the law. Medical marijuana has shown to be specifically beneficial for people with certain medical conditions so that should be legalized through a doctor's supervision.. Drug abuse is sometimes a conscious choice but can be a form of self medication for a psychiatric disability for some people.
There is no easy solution for any of these concerns and it will take some time to figure out what the appropriate way is to address this. I do agree the war on drugs has been a failure. One book that is worth reading is "Drug Prohibition and the Conscience of Nations". That was written by someone from the
There is no easy solution for any of these concerns and it will take some time to figure out what the appropriate way is to address this. I do agree the war on drugs has been a failure. One book that is worth reading is "Drug Prohibition and the Conscience of Nations". That was written by someone from the
I read back on my posts and I can't even figure out my point anymore..lol. No idea how anyone else possibly could. Yep, time for that vanilla tea and a "night nights" as I say to Ryder. I'll try to dream up something profound that completely convinces you to see it my way..hehe.
Gibberish? or jibberish? Gar or jar? Gupid or stupid?
Ha, I hear you on this thread going on for a long time and in all different directions! I feel like I'm talking gibberish at this point. And to think the thread was started by OH to announce a special day celebrating pot! LOL Talk about a thread careening out of control!
And honestly, I don't think there are too many people in this world who haven't been touched by addiction in some way. For me it was my dad. I think that is one of the reasons this topic brings out such passionate conversation. It matters in a very personal way to so many of us.
Nope, not quite what I was saying..lol. I think this has been such a long thread that my thoughts have become jumbled and I'm not making sense anymore.
I guess what I would say is think prohibition. It didn't make people stop drinking, it just made it a black market product. The only people that did well during prohibition were the bootleggers. They turned into pretty violent characters. I equate them to drug dealers. When alcohol became legal again, it removed the criminal element from the equation. But nothing changed in terms of who drank. People that choose not to drink don't. And I would guarantee that there was no decrease in the number of alcoholics. So what I am saying is that decriminilization of drugs helps remove the dealer. WIth drug dealing (not always usage) comes violence, organized crime, gangs, etc. I would bet any amount of money that the number of users and/or addicts would not increase. Again, people that choose to do it will, and those that don't wont'. Decriminilazation will provide more options to folks such as easier access to rehab, etc.
And the only drug I think should be actually legalized is marijuana. For the rest I am not pro legalization, but pro decriminilization - it's different. With decriminilization it means don't punish the user, but go hard after the distributor. The user should be offered alternatives to jail. And no, I strongly disagree that it will turn rehab into jails. Because addicts who are arrested just for using don't belong in jail at all.
I guess what I would say is think prohibition. It didn't make people stop drinking, it just made it a black market product. The only people that did well during prohibition were the bootleggers. They turned into pretty violent characters. I equate them to drug dealers. When alcohol became legal again, it removed the criminal element from the equation. But nothing changed in terms of who drank. People that choose not to drink don't. And I would guarantee that there was no decrease in the number of alcoholics. So what I am saying is that decriminilization of drugs helps remove the dealer. WIth drug dealing (not always usage) comes violence, organized crime, gangs, etc. I would bet any amount of money that the number of users and/or addicts would not increase. Again, people that choose to do it will, and those that don't wont'. Decriminilazation will provide more options to folks such as easier access to rehab, etc.
And the only drug I think should be actually legalized is marijuana. For the rest I am not pro legalization, but pro decriminilization - it's different. With decriminilization it means don't punish the user, but go hard after the distributor. The user should be offered alternatives to jail. And no, I strongly disagree that it will turn rehab into jails. Because addicts who are arrested just for using don't belong in jail at all.
And what kinds of drugs are you thinking should be legal? Pot, heroin, meth, coke, crack, etc??? Anything and everything?
Ya know what, I just can't fathom making drugs legal so that it can be cheaper for the addict so they don't have to steal to get it. ugh. I don't know if that is what you are saying------ but we have a major difference of opinion on that if it is.
I am guessing that this has a personal element to it for some here. It does me as well. I've seen what addiction does to people I've loved-------- and I have no problem with them suffering consequences and having something stand in their way of continuing the addiction.
Rehab would turn into jail for many of these folks if it is forced upon them and how many times can someone have the option to go to rehab?? Relapse is so common that rehab would turn into a revolving door just like jail can be.
I am guessing that this has a personal element to it for some here. It does me as well. I've seen what addiction does to people I've loved-------- and I have no problem with them suffering consequences and having something stand in their way of continuing the addiction.
Rehab would turn into jail for many of these folks if it is forced upon them and how many times can someone have the option to go to rehab?? Relapse is so common that rehab would turn into a revolving door just like jail can be.
I should clarify my comment about addiction being different for those living in poverty. What I meant was the repurcussions can be very different, not the strength of the addiction.
If someone commits a crime such as you describe, then absolutely, jail is appropriate. Unfortunately, no that is not always the case. Lots of people go to jail for possession of personal amounts...again, to me, intent to distribute is a very different thing. Purchasing and/or possession does not always carry a long jail sentence, but enough counts against you and it can get rather lengthy.
And honestly Kay, you kind of made one of my points for me. One of the big reasons theft, etc. happens to support a habit is because of the high cost, which is because it is an illegal black market product.
But again, I am not necessarily for legalization of all drugs, just marijuana. For the others I am more for decriminilization which means it's still not necessarily legal, but it doesn't mean jail time or even a criminal record. Just having the record makes it much more difficult for someone who has struggled with addiction to ever get a decent paying job etc. It's amazing the long term impact it can have. And the worst part is it makes it harder for people addicted to illegal substances to get help. As for the criminal activity and addiction going hand in hand - I would say sometimes. Lots of people use illegal drugs. They aren't all living in poverty. Lots are maintaining normal lives, able to pay for their addiction, and they never get caught. If you want to be totally honest, addiction is different for those living in poverty then it is for those who are not. That is the truth.
We have a pilot project in our city right now which is intended to keep people suffering from addiction out of the prison system. The idea is more to rehabilitate and offer other options, such as treatment. It's having a positive impact here. I hope it continues.
And honestly Kay, you kind of made one of my points for me. One of the big reasons theft, etc. happens to support a habit is because of the high cost, which is because it is an illegal black market product.
But again, I am not necessarily for legalization of all drugs, just marijuana. For the others I am more for decriminilization which means it's still not necessarily legal, but it doesn't mean jail time or even a criminal record. Just having the record makes it much more difficult for someone who has struggled with addiction to ever get a decent paying job etc. It's amazing the long term impact it can have. And the worst part is it makes it harder for people addicted to illegal substances to get help. As for the criminal activity and addiction going hand in hand - I would say sometimes. Lots of people use illegal drugs. They aren't all living in poverty. Lots are maintaining normal lives, able to pay for their addiction, and they never get caught. If you want to be totally honest, addiction is different for those living in poverty then it is for those who are not. That is the truth.
We have a pilot project in our city right now which is intended to keep people suffering from addiction out of the prison system. The idea is more to rehabilitate and offer other options, such as treatment. It's having a positive impact here. I hope it continues.
When you talk about a drug addict going to jail . . . isn't it often due to their actions rather than simply the addiction? As in they get caught stealing, driving under the influence, selling dope themselves, assault, etc?
Some get caught purchasing or in possession-------- but those that have long jail sentences are usually for crime related to their drug abuse rather than taking the drugs.
And as many have incredible habits to support, they do often get into criminal activity. Let's be honest---- it often goes hand in hand. Whether it is forging a script, stealing mom's pills, driving drunk to the liquor store to get more, etc.
Some get caught purchasing or in possession-------- but those that have long jail sentences are usually for crime related to their drug abuse rather than taking the drugs.
And as many have incredible habits to support, they do often get into criminal activity. Let's be honest---- it often goes hand in hand. Whether it is forging a script, stealing mom's pills, driving drunk to the liquor store to get more, etc.
I agree with showing your son some real life.
Having AIDs patients come and talk to my kids in highschool, really taught them more than I could have about practicing safe sex, especially when the next year, the speaker wasn't there because he'd passed on.
Having AIDs patients come and talk to my kids in highschool, really taught them more than I could have about practicing safe sex, especially when the next year, the speaker wasn't there because he'd passed on.
Well, both R and El, you deserve respect..disease or other, you dealt with it and that is something to be very proud of!
R, my comparision to cancer or other diseases was simply the genetic component. We know that some are more predisposed to both. Now, that doesn't mean that everyone naturally predisposed will have it, or that those who aren't predisposed will not, just that some people through dna are more likely in both cases.
So if that is the case (and science has essentially proved that it is), then should it not be thought of as a disease? Not disrespecting your opinion, but wondering how else to classify it? I mean, some people can have a drink and leave it at that. Other's cannot. I don't necessarily think that is due to habit, but that they already have alcoholism and that first drink is the trigger. I hope I'm making a bit of sense here..lol.
I have yet to meet a single person that wouldn't love to be off of whatever it is that has taken over their lives. But that addiction is stronger then they are at that time. So I know my goal is to always help them find things in their lives stronger then the addiction. It might be their children, or their desire to have a normal life or whatever. But I will say the vast majority are more successful when they do have a support group or system. It doesn't have to be AA or NA, but something that is there for them when that addiction becomes overwhelming. It's so hard. It breaks my heart as I see people struggle and struggle...take 2 steps forward then slide back again. And I really don't think it's about willpower...it's about how incredibly powerful that addiction is. And most I know would give anything to be done with it.
Problem is I don't think you are ever really done with it. It's always there tempting and ready to suck them back in again. Maybe that isn't the case for you, and I am sure am glad for that! But for so many it is.
I still cannot wrap my head around drug use as a criminal offense. I don't believe that keeping it illegal is a deterent. I think that at the age kids are trying this stuff, their peers have a far greater influence on them then parents do. And unfortunately these dealers are lurking (they really are) and are trying to entice our kids. So to me, decriminilization puts many of the dealers out of business and actually makes it tougher for our kids to get. And I still think the true answer lies in further education. I know that my son will be spending time at work with me as he gets older. Seeing what I see everyday is a perfect way to scare the absolute poop out of him with regards to drugs and alcohol. At least I hope so.
R, my comparision to cancer or other diseases was simply the genetic component. We know that some are more predisposed to both. Now, that doesn't mean that everyone naturally predisposed will have it, or that those who aren't predisposed will not, just that some people through dna are more likely in both cases.
So if that is the case (and science has essentially proved that it is), then should it not be thought of as a disease? Not disrespecting your opinion, but wondering how else to classify it? I mean, some people can have a drink and leave it at that. Other's cannot. I don't necessarily think that is due to habit, but that they already have alcoholism and that first drink is the trigger. I hope I'm making a bit of sense here..lol.
I have yet to meet a single person that wouldn't love to be off of whatever it is that has taken over their lives. But that addiction is stronger then they are at that time. So I know my goal is to always help them find things in their lives stronger then the addiction. It might be their children, or their desire to have a normal life or whatever. But I will say the vast majority are more successful when they do have a support group or system. It doesn't have to be AA or NA, but something that is there for them when that addiction becomes overwhelming. It's so hard. It breaks my heart as I see people struggle and struggle...take 2 steps forward then slide back again. And I really don't think it's about willpower...it's about how incredibly powerful that addiction is. And most I know would give anything to be done with it.
Problem is I don't think you are ever really done with it. It's always there tempting and ready to suck them back in again. Maybe that isn't the case for you, and I am sure am glad for that! But for so many it is.
I still cannot wrap my head around drug use as a criminal offense. I don't believe that keeping it illegal is a deterent. I think that at the age kids are trying this stuff, their peers have a far greater influence on them then parents do. And unfortunately these dealers are lurking (they really are) and are trying to entice our kids. So to me, decriminilization puts many of the dealers out of business and actually makes it tougher for our kids to get. And I still think the true answer lies in further education. I know that my son will be spending time at work with me as he gets older. Seeing what I see everyday is a perfect way to scare the absolute poop out of him with regards to drugs and alcohol. At least I hope so.
No you read correct. I don’t believe Drug Addiction or Alcoholism is a Disease.
I was once an Alcoholic and Drug Addict (IVDU) which almost took my life on more than one occasion and I was looking at 15 years to life in prison but beat the rap on a technicality. I was addicted for at least 6 years and the only Disease I had was not from Drug Addiction but HCV from dirty needles. The CDC does not list Alcoholism or Drug Adduction in their list of Diseases.
I was once an Alcoholic and Drug Addict (IVDU) which almost took my life on more than one occasion and I was looking at 15 years to life in prison but beat the rap on a technicality. I was addicted for at least 6 years and the only Disease I had was not from Drug Addiction but HCV from dirty needles. The CDC does not list Alcoholism or Drug Adduction in their list of Diseases.
Please tell me you're both joking.
Addiction isn't a disease... it's a choice?
Head over to the "Substance Abuse" community, and ask the people there if they CHOOSE to live the life they're living.
You make it sound like addiction has something to do with will power. I went to college, got undergraduate degrees in both Marketing & Finance, then went on to get my MBA (all from Baylor). Would you say that someone capable of completing degree programs of this nature, from Baylor University, while holding down a 35 hour a week job, had a lack of will power?
I have no words to describe the frustration, anger & disgust I'm feeling at the moment. You guys have struck a nerve that is close to my heart. I never chose to be the way I am.
By the way, R Glass... in 1966, the AMA (American Medical Association) recognized alcoholism as a disease. In 1991, The AMA further endorsed the dual classification of alcoholism by the International Classification of Diseases under both psychiatric and medical sections.
Maybe I misunderstood what you both said (I hope that's the case)...
LMNO
Addiction isn't a disease... it's a choice?
Head over to the "Substance Abuse" community, and ask the people there if they CHOOSE to live the life they're living.
You make it sound like addiction has something to do with will power. I went to college, got undergraduate degrees in both Marketing & Finance, then went on to get my MBA (all from Baylor). Would you say that someone capable of completing degree programs of this nature, from Baylor University, while holding down a 35 hour a week job, had a lack of will power?
I have no words to describe the frustration, anger & disgust I'm feeling at the moment. You guys have struck a nerve that is close to my heart. I never chose to be the way I am.
By the way, R Glass... in 1966, the AMA (American Medical Association) recognized alcoholism as a disease. In 1991, The AMA further endorsed the dual classification of alcoholism by the International Classification of Diseases under both psychiatric and medical sections.
Maybe I misunderstood what you both said (I hope that's the case)...
LMNO
You must join this user group in order to participate in this discussion.
You are reading content posted in the Current Events . . . Group
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
Condoms are the most effective way to prevent HIV and STDs.
PrEP is used by people with high risk to prevent HIV infection.
