Monday, March 03, 2008

Oh grow up

Listening to: Rush - Limelight

I am a poster on a couple boards, one of which has many probably-underage people from the UK who brag about how many drugs they do ("so I did heroin, and I DON'T FEEL ADDICTED! Therefore, I will not get addicted!"). I shake my head and can only laugh at this destructive behavior, because my chidings that doing heroin is fucking stupid go ignored. Whatever. I've been interested in the drug-user scene for a while (apparently, I barely qualify) just to see how the psychology works, as well as studying the cultural aspects of it. Call it an anthropology thing. That's how I choose to look at it.

One common thread that has come up on a lot of the drug-related forums I keep an eye on is this concept of, well, I do drugs, and I get good grades, therefore drugs are good for me! Look at how amazing I am! This rationale makes my eyes roll like ball-bearings down a steep hill. I admit, I am not a particularly logical person, but I do know that just because a and b are present does not mean that if a, then b. That's just silly.

I will not excuse my own habits. I will not say that there are no repercussions for what I choose to do - my memory's not as great as it used to be, and I'm sure there's some relation. But it has its benefits; I certainly prefer being mellowed out to being painfully aware of my paranoia. And I like sleeping, too.

All that said, I do NOT understand bragging about drug use, from anyone of any age, coupled with claims of being spectacular, therefore making the implication that the user is so fantastic that they are able to accomplish great things in spite of the drugs. Good for you! You use substances! I try not to be obvious - with the exception of OT, where it's more of a caricature than anything else. You couldn't pin me for it in "real life." I stay clean when it's prudent. You will never see me making any irresponsible choices, such as going to class, or work, or driving, or leaving my apartment, while under the influence.

That's for stupid kids.