Overdose deaths in 2017

[Yppej]

No not always pathological. But I think the reasons people can't stop often are pathological. Because some without those underlying issues can take or leave the recreation, or can kick the habit on their first and only stint in rehab.

[JaneV2.0]

I agree it's not always pathological. Gabor Mate talks about his "addiction" to buying CDs. But I think the idea that our brains seek out "chemical amusements" (I like that term) is an interesting one. Biologically, why? How does the non-pathological pursuit of catnip, ethanol, cannibis, or magic mushrooms promote our survival?

They promote relaxation, pleasurable interactions with like-minded friends, and--in the case of the psychedelics--mind expansion. Also, small quantities of alcohol and cannabis have proved to be health-enhancing. Seeking pleasurable and/or novel experiences is a near-universal impulse.

[catherine]

Seeking pleasurable and/or novel experiences is a near-universal impulse.

Yeah, I guess it's as simple as that. Maybe I'm too puritanical or too stoic, or both to be happy with that answer. Don't get me wrong--I'm not a teetotaler, but maybe I've just seen too much of the pathological side of substance use and abuse to have faith that it can do us good--even in small measure.

[Ultralight]

mind expansion.

Any proof of this? Evidence?

[Gardenarian]

Oregon has instituted programs and protocols that have greatly reduced overdose deaths in just one year.
https://www.opb.org/news/article/opi...-prescription/

(This link has pop up ads, sorry)

[JaneV2.0]

Oregon has instituted programs and protocols that have greatly reduced overdose deaths in just one year.
https://www.opb.org/news/article/opi...-prescription/

(This link has pop up ads, sorry)

My friend is in Oregon. My understanding is that opioids aren't much more effective than NSAIDS for pain relief, so I'm thinking of the recent book Cure, which lays out how the mind can influence the body for good or ill--in this case creating analgesia beyond what normally occurs.

I'm glad Oregon is working on this; it's a real scourge.

[JaneV2.0]

Any proof of this? Evidence?

You don't get around much, do you?

[jp1]

You don't get around much, do you?

yppej thinks he gets around too much...

[jp1]

I suspect a lot of these are actually suicides in slow motion.

Indeed. Suicide can take many forms. My first BF, long after we broke up, committed suicide by HIV. Life wasn't going well for him, he became depressed, so he simply stopped taking his meds and six months later developed non-hodgkins lymphoma which killed him in just a few short months.

[Ultralight]

Indeed. Suicide can take many forms. My first BF, long after we broke up, committed suicide by HIV. Life wasn't going well for him, he became depressed, so he simply stopped taking his meds and six months later developed non-hodgkins lymphoma which killed him in just a few short months.

I am sorry to hear that. About what year did this happen?

Have you heard of "bug chasers" or "the gift?"