Hi There -
I am a casual user (about 24-36 hours of fun every 2 - 3 weeks ... smoking ... maybe .25 - .5g per session). I typically schedule sessions with spouse who enjoys it as well. We schedule playtimes well in advance and really stick to that. This week, however, was unusual and 4 nights ago I used roughly two nights in a row by myself. Hence, tonight spouse feels wonderful alone in the bedroom while I sit here in the office wondering why I'm not feeling wildly horny while researching pharmacology instead.
After reading your generous contributions, I now understand the idea of dopamine depletion which makes sense and which also gives me relief that there is a natural metabolic "limit" on how often you can really use (Why would I possibly do it more frequently if I'm not getting the most out of it, right ? Could this be a potential point of discussion with people going down a bad path in terms of reasoning ?).
I've read what's been covered but a few questions remain:
1) Aside from using too frequently, are there other things I can do to ensure that wherever my "set-point" is for maximal effect NOW, I keep it there ?
We want to stay as healthy as we are.
2) Although the dopamine release won't happen when I pass my limit and I won't get "high", are there any other effects that will occur ?
Effects such as insomnia, depression, tachycardia, hypertension, anxiety, libido changes, lack of hunger, etc. I'm specifically interested in the cardiovascular effects. The lack of a rapid heart rate was the first clue that something was amiss.
3) How should I go about finding my "limit" and how will I know that additional use is not adding anything ?
I frequently 'push it' a bit but still have return on investment after greater use. Is there a way to determine my limit ? Is it retrospective ? Trial and error ?
3) How long should one wait between using in order to prevent tolerance from developing ?
This HAS been written about, but the estimates vary and aren't clear and don't really point out variable factors like AGE, WEIGHT, OTHER MEDS, USE PATTERN, ETC. I do realize that tolerance will likely happen with each use, but I'm looking for a frequency which optimally protects us.
4) Has anyone actually tried the NMDA-agonist strategy to avoid tolerance development (eg - DXM use) ? Are there any other simple strategies to mitigate tolerance ?
There are scattered remarks on this point but nothing substantial.
5) Am I missing anything ?
In all the time I've used his has never happened to me. This includes a really indulgent 3-month run in 2002 at around 1g/session at least. The dopamine supply explanation is rational and fits my understanding of neuropharmacology. Am I correct about this being a dopamine supply issue or could it be something different. Remember, spouse is feeling just dandy using same batch. I do feel "something" but it's not profound and my HR and BP are normal.
Thanks to all the contributors who gave me the knowledge that is here. Thanks also to anyone who contributes more.
Best -
CCJ
I am a casual user (about 24-36 hours of fun every 2 - 3 weeks ... smoking ... maybe .25 - .5g per session). I typically schedule sessions with spouse who enjoys it as well. We schedule playtimes well in advance and really stick to that. This week, however, was unusual and 4 nights ago I used roughly two nights in a row by myself. Hence, tonight spouse feels wonderful alone in the bedroom while I sit here in the office wondering why I'm not feeling wildly horny while researching pharmacology instead.
After reading your generous contributions, I now understand the idea of dopamine depletion which makes sense and which also gives me relief that there is a natural metabolic "limit" on how often you can really use (Why would I possibly do it more frequently if I'm not getting the most out of it, right ? Could this be a potential point of discussion with people going down a bad path in terms of reasoning ?).
I've read what's been covered but a few questions remain:
1) Aside from using too frequently, are there other things I can do to ensure that wherever my "set-point" is for maximal effect NOW, I keep it there ?
We want to stay as healthy as we are.
2) Although the dopamine release won't happen when I pass my limit and I won't get "high", are there any other effects that will occur ?
Effects such as insomnia, depression, tachycardia, hypertension, anxiety, libido changes, lack of hunger, etc. I'm specifically interested in the cardiovascular effects. The lack of a rapid heart rate was the first clue that something was amiss.
3) How should I go about finding my "limit" and how will I know that additional use is not adding anything ?
I frequently 'push it' a bit but still have return on investment after greater use. Is there a way to determine my limit ? Is it retrospective ? Trial and error ?
3) How long should one wait between using in order to prevent tolerance from developing ?
This HAS been written about, but the estimates vary and aren't clear and don't really point out variable factors like AGE, WEIGHT, OTHER MEDS, USE PATTERN, ETC. I do realize that tolerance will likely happen with each use, but I'm looking for a frequency which optimally protects us.
4) Has anyone actually tried the NMDA-agonist strategy to avoid tolerance development (eg - DXM use) ? Are there any other simple strategies to mitigate tolerance ?
There are scattered remarks on this point but nothing substantial.
5) Am I missing anything ?
In all the time I've used his has never happened to me. This includes a really indulgent 3-month run in 2002 at around 1g/session at least. The dopamine supply explanation is rational and fits my understanding of neuropharmacology. Am I correct about this being a dopamine supply issue or could it be something different. Remember, spouse is feeling just dandy using same batch. I do feel "something" but it's not profound and my HR and BP are normal.
Thanks to all the contributors who gave me the knowledge that is here. Thanks also to anyone who contributes more.
Best -
CCJ