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Addict or binge user? What's the difference?
sierra
Nights2 |
Addict or binge user? What's the
difference?
My s/o and I were talking
this weekend about my boy. He says my son is not an addict, just
a user. He says there is a difference. Is that true?
I know my son can go and not use meth for awhile. But when he does
use he will be messed for a good while. I read the other day
(here) about binges. They explained that to me and I think that
is what my son does.
Would this mean he is not an addict? |
| Replies... |
| Loraura |
Re: Addict or binge user?
What's the difference?
It depends on WHY he is
using. |
| Sfj |
Re: Addict or binge user?
What's the difference?
The debate over "What is
an addict" can go on forever.
Is the label really important?
What is his behavior? That's more important.
Is he responsible? Self-disciplined? Loving? Empathetic?
Generous?
Those qualities are often missing in addicts. |
sierra
Nights2 |
Re: Addict or binge user?
What's the difference?
Loraura, could ya give me
a bit more here. What ya mean?
Sfj, no I guess labels are not important. Just the fact that he
uses upsets me terrible. I'm afraid he will die. You know, like
it could be some that there was something wrong with and it
would kill right then and there.
As far as his behavior, he talks the talk but don't seem to be
able to walk the walk. If ya know what I mean. He is a very
spoiled young man and that is my fault so he is selfish and
self-centered, using or not. |
no more
mething
around |
Re: Addict or binge user?
What's the difference?
I think it's like saying
I'm not addicted to cigs, I'm just a smoker.
"I can quit whenever I want" mentality. |
| Loraura |
Re: Addict or binge user?
What's the difference?
Well, FOR ME, the reasons
WHY a person uses dictate weather their use is recreational, or
out of desperation/necessity.
Sometimes an addict can go for a few weeks doing "OK" not using,
but when life throws them a kink in the works, like something
not going well at work, or personal relationships having
problems, or money problems crop up -- and the person chooses to
use drugs to STOP feeling anxious or however they feel due to
these life stressors, then the person is using drugs TO COPE
rather than for fun. At this point, FOR ME, is when the person
become an addict.
Meth is very seductive. Everyone starts out using FOR FUN. Look
around the board here, and see how many slipped into using meth
JUST TO COPE at some point.
When the person relies on meth to cope, their ability to choose
not to use is significantly reduced. They can't find the power
to say no, even when they had sworn off using or said "not this
week", etc.
Life is difficult. For all of us. It's a fact of life that we
all must endure hard times, uncomfortable emotions, and just
plain crappy days.
But an active addict doesn't endure these tough times. They use
instead. They slowly (or sometimes quickly) learn to prefer to
use meth any time these tough times come up rather than to
endure them. Eventually ANYTHING that isn't just perfect and
peachy keen, is enough reason to use. This isn't their fault.
This is because their brains have memorized that using increases
comfort level. Our brains are SUPPOSED to help us comfort
ourselves. But meth is extremely comforting in the beginning.
It's very effective at removing any uncomfortable feelings! So
our brains continue to tell us that this tool for comfort, this
drug, is the answer to all our daily problems.
Physiological changes take place every time the user uses, which
make it more and more uncomfortable to go without.
Some people can have a drink or two, or even get sloshed, on
occasion, and never feel the need to use alcohol as a coping
mechanism when life is difficult.
Is this possible with meth?
Perhaps!
But each time it is used, the risk of the brain memorizing it as
a "cure to all that ails us" increases.
Eventually... for most people... if they continue to
use....addiction ensues. |
lover
ofa
meth
addict |
Re: Addict or binge user?
What's the difference?
A binge user is still a
addict.
In my personal experience. My s/o would go week or even months
at a time without using. He still was at addict the whole time
he was clean. He would be the first to tell you this fact.
Binge users eventually turn into full blown addicts. A little at
first, then your loose your a$$.
Don't let your s/o minimize the power of meth. It is like no
other drug. |
sierra
Nights2 |
Re: Addict or binge user?
What's the difference?
Jezze, I get so confused
by him, his actions. GRRRRRRR!
See, I'm thinking' right now he's not using. Now of course I
don't know. I just know he looks real good. He's not skin and
bones and his face is so clear.
He don't tell me much about his life. I'm thinking' maybe he has
a girl that he really likes. I don't think he is working much.
He can still be real short tempered. So I don't know. All
speculation.
I've kind of really got my hopes up here that he has stopped. We
had had some real good conversations about life and such. Yet, I
live like this bomb is going to drop on me. I know if he uses
now it will hurt me so bad.
I mean, I really and truly do think he has not used for some
time. I so wish he would talk to me. He's one you just got to
wait on. He'll talk when he is ready and it will be a
conversation about what he wants to it to be about. That is
simply the way he is and there will be no changing' that. I
don't push cause if I do it will run him away.
But Loraura I see what you are saying. If he has stopped cause
of some little gal he likes and it don't go good, I think he
will use. I've seen that in him. Life would get tough to his way
of thinking' and he would go get high.
Thank you everybody. I'll just trudge along I reckon. Not much
else can be done. I just pray he is done.
I guess what I'm doing now is worrying in advance. How stupid! |
| Guene |
Re: Addict or binge user?
What's the difference?
sierra, Your not stupid,
so please don't say that, Your a Mom who loves her son, nothing
wrong with that. You could think and think all you want, and
never find the answer sweetheart. |
See also:
What defines a light meth user compared to a heavy meth user?
Can a person be a casual meth user?
Question about low-intensity Meth user
Do people use crystal meth at the same time
everyday?
Can You Use Crystal Meth Every Now and Then?
Back to Crystal Meth & Methamphetamine Questions, Answers & Advice
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