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InvisibleveggieM

Registered: 07/25/04
Posts: 17,504
Can You Cure Yourself of Drug Addiction?
    #14068312 - 03/04/11 09:10 PM (12 years, 10 months ago)

Can You Cure Yourself of Drug Addiction?
March 4, 2011 - Scientific American

Actor Charlie Sheen, known for his heavy cocaine use, has been stating in interviews that he freed himself of his drug habit. How likely is that?

When asked recently on The Today Show how he cured himself of his addiction, Two and a Half Men sitcom star Charlie Sheen replied, "I closed my eyes and made it so with the power of my mind."

Until last month, he was the highest paid actor on TV, despite his well-known bad-boy lifestyle and persistent problems with alcohol and cocaine. After the rest of his season's shows were canceled by producers, Sheen has gone on an interview tear with many bizarre statements, including that he is on a "winning" streak. His claims of quitting a serious drug habit on his own, however, is perhaps one of his least eccentric statements.

A prevailing view of substance abuse, supported by both the National Institute on Drug Abuse and Alcoholics Anonymous, is the disease model of addiction. The model attributes addiction largely to changes in brain structure and function. Because these changes make it much harder for the addict to control substance use, health experts recommend professional treatment and complete abstinence.

But some in the field point out that many if not most addicts successfully recover without professional help. A survey by Gene Heyman, a research psychologist at McLean Hospital in Massachusetts, found that between 60 to 80 percent of people who were addicted in their teens and 20s were substance-free by their 30s, and they avoided addiction in subsequent decades. Other studies on Vietnam War veterans suggest that the majority of soldiers who became addicted to narcotics overseas later stopped using them without therapy.

Scientific American spoke with Sally Satel, a resident scholar at the American Enterprise Institute for Public Policy Research and lecturer in psychiatry at the Yale University School of Medicine, about quitting drugs without professional treatment. Satel was formerly a staff psychiatrist at the Oasis Clinic in Washington, D.C., where she worked with substance abuse patients.

[An edited transcript of the interview follows.]

Is it possible to cure yourself of addiction without professional help? How often does that happen?
Of course it's possible. Most people recover and most people do it on their own. That's in no way saying that everyone should be expected to quit on their own and in no way denies that quitting is a hard thing to do. This is just an empirical fact. It is even possible that those who quit on their own could have quit earlier if they sought professional help. The implicit message isn't that treatment isn't important for many—in fact it should probably be made more accessible—but it is simply a fact that most people cure themselves.

How do addicts stop on their own?
They have to be motivated. It takes the realization that their family, their future, their employment—all these—are becoming severely compromised. The subtext isn't that they just "walk away" from the addiction. But I've had a number of patients in the clinic whose six-year-old says, "Why don't you ever come to my ball games?" This can prompt a crisis of identity causing the addict to ask himself, "Is this the type of father I want to be?"

If not, there are lots of recovery strategies that users figure out themselves. For example, they change whom they associate with. They can make it harder to access drugs, perhaps by never carrying cash with them. People will put obstacles in front of themselves. True, some people decide they can't do it on their own and decide to go into treatment—that's taking matters into one's own hands, too.

What do professional drug addiction programs offer that is difficult to replicate on one's own?
If you're already in treatment, you've made a big step. Even for court-ordered treatment, people often internalize the decision as their own. You get a lot of support. You get instruction in formal relapse prevention therapy. You might get methadone for withdrawal and medications for an underlying psychiatric problem.

Most experts regard drug addiction as a brain disease. Do you agree?
I'm critical of the standard view promoted by the National Institute on Drug Abuse that addiction is a brain disease. Naturally, every behavior is mediated by the brain, but the language "brain disease" carries the connotation that the afflicted person is helpless before his own brain chemistry. That is too fatalistic.

It also overlooks the enormously important truth that addicts use drugs to help them cope in some manner. That, as destructive as they are, drugs also serve a purpose. This recognition is very important for designing personalized therapies.

Don't most studies show that addicts do better with professional help?
People who come to treatment tend to have concurrent psychiatric illness, and they also tend to be less responsive to treatment. Most research is done on people in a treatment program, so by definition you've already got a skewed population. This is called the "clinical illusion," and it applies to all medical conditions. It refers to a tendency to think that the patients you see in a clinical setting fully represent all people with that condition. It's not true. You're not seeing the full universe of people.

Based on his public interviews, does it seem likely that Charlie Sheen cured himself?
I doubt it. Of course, I haven't examined him, but based on what one sees, one would be concerned about ongoing drug use and underlying mental illness.

Is there brain damage from drug use? Is it possible to recover from such damage?
The only drugs that are neurotoxic are alcohol, methadone, LSD and some inhalants. Cocaine can lead to micro strokes. That's brain damage. Yes, addiction changes the brain but this does not doom people to use drugs forever. The most permanent change is memories. Some people have stronger memories and they are more cue-reactive [more reactive to stimulus that triggers the reward pathway]. Nonaddicts won't show that level of cue-reactivity.

For some people the addiction and withdrawal will be more intense through genetically mediated problems. Those people have a harder time stopping.

What else might account for Charlie Sheen's strange behavior in those interviews?
One would want to explore the possibility of underlying psychiatric problems. The grandiosity, the loose associations, the jumbled flow suggest a thought disorder. Heavy, heavy drug use could cause that. Stimulant use can cause temporary thought disorder or intensify an underlying thought disorder or hypomanic state. To try to make a good diagnosis, whatever ongoing drug use there is would have to stop. After the withdrawal phase is resolved clinicians would then need to see if an underlying thought or mood disorder persisted. That would aid in parsing how much of a confusing clinical picture is due to drug use and how much is due to a primary mental disorder.



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OfflineAzure Essence
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Re: Can You Cure Yourself of Drug Addiction? [Re: veggie]
    #14068349 - 03/04/11 09:19 PM (12 years, 10 months ago)

I'd actually read years ago that people who persue a private, solo method of treatment did better than all the others, from AA to cognitive behavioural therapy.

I thought this was common knowledge haha


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Invisiblebigmike7104
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Re: Can You Cure Yourself of Drug Addiction? [Re: Azure Essence]
    #14068422 - 03/04/11 09:33 PM (12 years, 10 months ago)

"It also overlooks the enormously important truth that addicts use drugs to help them cope in some manner. That, as destructive as they are, drugs also serve a purpose."

this is like the thread i posted in the pub, the brain disease model is in no way accurate

Quote:

Then there are the thousands of American soldiers who became heroin addicts during the Vietnam War. In an unrivalled demonstration of the effect of setting, a 1975 survey found that 88 percent of them simply stopped using the drug when they left the war zone. Their experience has been recreated by millions of hospital patients who have received (and become physically dependent on) morphine for severe pain.




http://www.shroomery.org/forums/showflat.php/Number/14037058


--------------------
Over thinking, over analyzing separates the body from the mind
Withering my intuition, missing opportunities and I must
Feed my will to feel my moment drawing way outside the lines


Edited by bigmike7104 (03/04/11 09:50 PM)


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Invisiblebigmike7104
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Re: Can You Cure Yourself of Drug Addiction? [Re: bigmike7104]
    #14068475 - 03/04/11 09:44 PM (12 years, 10 months ago)

also, lsd neurotoxic?


--------------------
Over thinking, over analyzing separates the body from the mind
Withering my intuition, missing opportunities and I must
Feed my will to feel my moment drawing way outside the lines


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Offlineshr
all hail discordia
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Registered: 08/12/10
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Re: Can You Cure Yourself of Drug Addiction? [Re: veggie]
    #14068849 - 03/04/11 10:57 PM (12 years, 10 months ago)

it took researchers to figure this out...?  :awewtf:


its true, common sense isn't common


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Invisiblebigmike7104
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Re: Can You Cure Yourself of Drug Addiction? [Re: shr]
    #14069023 - 03/04/11 11:37 PM (12 years, 10 months ago)

nope, not for the government or AA


--------------------
Over thinking, over analyzing separates the body from the mind
Withering my intuition, missing opportunities and I must
Feed my will to feel my moment drawing way outside the lines


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Invisiblechiquita_burrito
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Re: Can You Cure Yourself of Drug Addiction? [Re: bigmike7104]
    #14069069 - 03/04/11 11:51 PM (12 years, 10 months ago)

Quote:

bigmike7104 said:
also, lsd neurotoxic?



Yeah, that had me ??? as well:confused:


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Invisible5-HT2A

Registered: 01/30/10 Happy 14th Shroomiversary!
Posts: 1,794
Re: Can You Cure Yourself of Drug Addiction? [Re: chiquita_burrito]
    #14069174 - 03/05/11 12:23 AM (12 years, 10 months ago)

Quote:

mattyyy said:
Quote:

bigmike7104 said:
also, lsd neurotoxic?



Yeah, that had me ??? as well:confused:




Ya I was thinking that exactly.

Quote:

The only drugs that are neurotoxic are alcohol, methadone, LSD and some inhalants.




My list would go something like cocaine, methamphetamine, alcohol, MDMA, MDA etc.

I don't see how LSD would be neurotoxic at regular doses, aren't those compounds considered very non-toxic? Same with methadone, opiates are neurotoxic? I must not understand the definition.


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OfflineKonyap


Registered: 06/30/07
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Re: Can You Cure Yourself of Drug Addiction? [Re: 5-HT2A]
    #14069330 - 03/05/11 01:16 AM (12 years, 10 months ago)

it changes things i wouldnt go as far to say its toxic at all really

maybe if you like pretending to do things then yea its pretty bad


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OfflineAzure Essence
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Re: Can You Cure Yourself of Drug Addiction? [Re: Konyap]
    #14069342 - 03/05/11 01:23 AM (12 years, 10 months ago)

Guys, if it was ACTUALLY neuro toxic, I think someone HERE of all places would chime in and know. Furthermore, that is exactly the kind of info I would have already found out, if it were, so I'm guessing there's no actual evidence to back up that claim. Atleast not in this article or its sources.


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OfflineDarklight203
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Registered: 08/14/10
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Re: Can You Cure Yourself of Drug Addiction? [Re: Azure Essence]
    #14069571 - 03/05/11 03:40 AM (12 years, 10 months ago)

12 step programs, I've always hated one step. Having faith in a higher power, usually the Christian God. As far as I care, the thing that matters most is that you have faith in yourself and the strength to reach out to others when you're at your worst.


--------------------
In ancient times, when demons roamed with man, They hunted, loved and lost, hand in hand, As time went on, the difference between them faded. You couldn't tell anymore, demons and man were related, and some would say the same, but who would like to claim? In time, Gods had even forgot, Demons, too, once love had sought. In times recent I remember, Once I was a man, In my heart I had an ember, I'll relate the best I can but it was snuffed, one distant December. And yet here I stand, no flesh, no bones, no seed or semen, All that's left is this Demon.


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Offlinepsychedelico
day trippin


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Re: Can You Cure Yourself of Drug Addiction? [Re: Darklight203]
    #14070431 - 03/05/11 11:11 AM (12 years, 10 months ago)

The Christian God is usually chosen because it is easier for people to accept. Really, that higher power could be anything, it could be yourself, it could be a chair, it could be Charlie Sheen, all you need in the 12 step program is to believe that your higher power has the ability to cure you. Not standing up for the 12-step program in any way, I hate that shit. Just playing devil's advocate.


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Offlinemetall
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Re: Can You Cure Yourself of Drug Addiction? [Re: psychedelico]
    #14070454 - 03/05/11 11:18 AM (12 years, 10 months ago)

i quit drinking because i had a trip that made me realize how bad it is have not drank in over 3 months


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FUCK OFF FEDS PEOPLE NEED THEIR MEDS


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OfflineDarklight203
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Registered: 08/14/10
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Re: Can You Cure Yourself of Drug Addiction? [Re: psychedelico]
    #14070462 - 03/05/11 11:19 AM (12 years, 10 months ago)

Sorry to continue off topic, but I was particularly bored one day and with all the DIY stuff out there I googled, "how to create a religion". This is what I found:
http://www.apath.org/creating_religion.html
If I go to rehab, I'll choose The Great God Lardicus as my higher power. :thumbup:


--------------------
In ancient times, when demons roamed with man, They hunted, loved and lost, hand in hand, As time went on, the difference between them faded. You couldn't tell anymore, demons and man were related, and some would say the same, but who would like to claim? In time, Gods had even forgot, Demons, too, once love had sought. In times recent I remember, Once I was a man, In my heart I had an ember, I'll relate the best I can but it was snuffed, one distant December. And yet here I stand, no flesh, no bones, no seed or semen, All that's left is this Demon.


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Offlinebateyes88
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Re: Can You Cure Yourself of Drug Addiction? [Re: Darklight203]
    #14071815 - 03/05/11 04:54 PM (12 years, 10 months ago)

I have been on methadone therapy for over 8 years, and have researched it from top to bottom. Not that I am a medical expert, but this is the 1st time Ive seen methadone, or ANY opiate, listed  as a neurotoxic.


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OfflineKonyap


Registered: 06/30/07
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Re: Can You Cure Yourself of Drug Addiction? [Re: bateyes88]
    #14071872 - 03/05/11 05:07 PM (12 years, 10 months ago)

some guy in my county died when he took heroin 24 hours after methadone from complications


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Offlinecrackawebsta
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Re: Can You Cure Yourself of Drug Addiction? [Re: Konyap]
    #14072596 - 03/05/11 07:56 PM (12 years, 10 months ago)

Can anyone besides yourself cure your drug addiction???

that is the real question


--------------------

 
  "It's all just a dream, babe
          A vacuum, a scheme, babe
                That sucks you into feelin' like this."


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Offlinefapjack
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Re: Can You Cure Yourself of Drug Addiction? [Re: crackawebsta]
    #14072909 - 03/05/11 09:12 PM (12 years, 10 months ago)

Quote:

Is there brain damage from drug use? Is it possible to recover from such damage?
The only drugs that are neurotoxic are alcohol, methadone, LSD and some inhalants. Cocaine can lead to micro strokes. That's brain damage. Yes, addiction changes the brain but this does not doom people to use drugs forever.




This guy is a fucking moron, he listed 2 drugs that aren't even neurotoxic and leaves out hundreds that are.  What do you expect from an addiction specialist though, they are fucking retards.  Wouldn't surprise me if this is Dr.Drew


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OfflineDarklight203
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Re: Can You Cure Yourself of Drug Addiction? [Re: fapjack]
    #14073847 - 03/06/11 01:06 AM (12 years, 10 months ago)

I've always had an "addictive" nature stemming from a shitty childhood, PTSD, and alcoholism running in my family aside from being native american which has it's own problems with alcohol and drugs.
I've done coke and meth dozens of times each, promising myself I would never pay for them. I used to live next to a drug dealer who wanted our loyalty and would often invite us over to smoke bowls, do lines and give us shake.
In high school I was diagnosed with ADHD, which is only a partial diagnosis for my head. I was prescribed welbutrin, imipramine, and ritalin. Ritalin and welbutrin didn't do much, imipramine was fantastic, but it made time slow to a halt.
My son was diagnosed with ADHD about a year ago, was prescribed ritalin... at 6 years old. He just seemed out of it and sluggish, so we stopped his taking it. I shortly after took his ritalin regularly and it helped me function like a normal human being. Snorting it was super.
Just a couple days ago, I bought half a gram of Meth, which is related to ritalin in the way it was used for ADHD. I'm low dosing it about twice a day. I don't think it's pure, or if it is, it's not the right chemical structure to help me along in life. I should try to get a scrip for ritalin when I move back home.
Anyhow, addiction sucks and thankfully I havn't had many encounters with it. I used to be "addicted" to marijuana when I was single and depressed, and that was about the worst withdrawals I've ever had.
Just my input, hope it helps.


--------------------
In ancient times, when demons roamed with man, They hunted, loved and lost, hand in hand, As time went on, the difference between them faded. You couldn't tell anymore, demons and man were related, and some would say the same, but who would like to claim? In time, Gods had even forgot, Demons, too, once love had sought. In times recent I remember, Once I was a man, In my heart I had an ember, I'll relate the best I can but it was snuffed, one distant December. And yet here I stand, no flesh, no bones, no seed or semen, All that's left is this Demon.


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