temptations

[machinapl]

Being a student surrounded by people taking drugs can be hard. You start getting all sorts of ideas in your head about trying this or that. But I can't, I promised myself I wouldn't.

How do you deal with this?

 

[Captain.Heroin]

Be true to yourself. What do you like to do for fun? Hobbies and activities are important.

 

[machinapl]

Other than the internet I don't really do much for fun. I'm lonely, depressed and isolated

Last year I think I nearly died from md and research chemicals, luckily my roommate came home in time to find me.

I've got what seems like unbearable emotional pain, my heart is wounded but I don't want to resort to drugs for treating the emotional pain again. So I promised myself I wouldn't take them again (I still sometimes worry that I never woke up from that time my roommate found me and I'm in a coma in hospital and this is all a dream, or I'm a deluded ghost that still thinks they're alive). Apart from what valium I haven't taken anything else.

 

[Captain.Heroin]

Other than the internet I don't really do much for fun. I'm lonely, depressed and isolated

Last year I think I nearly died from md and research chemicals, luckily my roommate came home in time to find me.

I've got what seems like unbearable emotional pain, my heart is wounded but I don't want to resort to drugs for treating the emotional pain again. So I promised myself I wouldn't take them again (I still sometimes worry that I never woke up from that time my roommate found me and I'm in a coma in hospital and this is all a dream, or I'm a deluded ghost that still thinks they're alive). Apart from what valium I haven't taken anything else.

Well I congratulate you on your will to abstain.

You really should get into some hobbies, like exercise, going to the gym, vacations/camping, reading, writing, art, music, etc. Those things really help give you something to do and alleviate depression.

 

[Jabberwocky]

Are there groups of people at your school who aren't so involved in drug use you might try associating with? Perhaps a club or something?

When I was an undergrad I was invited by the Model African Union club to their Model AU in Washington DC. I mean, they drank a little, but they weren't the drug head crowd I normally associated with. It was a lot of fun, and I made some long time friends who's live didn't revolve around whatever drugs they liked.

Connecting with people can be hard, but it's so worth it. What kinds of stuff are you interested in? Being in school is such a great time to develop and expand your interests. Missing up those kinds of opportunities are things I still think about sometimes.

Regarding your experience OD'ing last year, bouncing back from a traumatic experience of near death like that can be really demoralizing and difficult. I'd strongly suggest you try and find yourself a therapist who specializes and is experienced in trauma therapy to help you move forward and get past what you went through. It might sound silly to some, but when it comes to the kind of first hand experience drug users have of extreme drug related harm like this, trauma work can be incredibly therapeutic.

 

[simco]

I'll second TPD's suggestion about finding a good therapist. The OD experience you described sounds traumatic in its own right. But it also sounds like you'd gotten into a very dark place. It's awesome that you've been able to stay away from drugs. But I think you might find that a good therapeutic relationship could help elevate your outlook while also providing some gentle steps toward greater social connection.

The sticky part, though, is that not all therapists are created equal. And even a good therapist may not be the right fit for a given person. All this is just to say that if you do give therapy a go, it's a good idea to try several therapists.

 

[tired of crap]

Although I never "od'ed" I had a traumatic experience at a music festival 5 years ago which nearly cost me my life. It took a long time (years) to get over. So I can relate to the reverberating effects that these sorts of events cause

How do you deal with this?

One instance at a time ...

Like others have suggest find some hobbies you enjoy. I recommend nature walks.

And now for my typical response "meditation". I find it helps to understand and accept these (and all sorts) of feelings, as well as get me through difficult times when I may be tempted. It takes some practice and patience (at first I could only sit for a few minutes at a time) but eventually it is worth it

 

[Jabberwocky]

Do you have a particular style of meditation or practice you have found particularly helpful TOC?

 

[machinapl]

Thanks for the suggestions guys. I should definitely pick up my old hobbies again, and I do meditate sometimes but I could try making that a daily practice. As for socialising, I've never been great at making new friends but I'll try.

 

[Jabberwocky]

Do you enjoy what you're studying as a student?

 

[machinapl]

Yes, although I haven't done much studying at all this past year. I had very low attendance and just stayed in my room feeling sorry for myself. Will have to redo everything in order to graduate.

 

[Jabberwocky]

Would you mind sharing a bit more about what you mentioned in your first post in the thread, about how/why you made the decision that you want to stay away from drugs?

 

[Havocsfool]

Complete separation or no cash seem to be the only ways I can deal with it. I'm weak like that though. For you're pain have you tried meditation or spirituality? I know they sound hokey, but they both really helped me when I had overwhelming emotions. Particularly shamanism. Also make sure you have a consistent bed time, my old emotional darkness comes back when I don't sleep well for a few days and then..... well I'm sure you know, it's a cycle, pay attention to what you can do that keeps you in an upward spiral.

 

[machinapl]

Would you mind sharing a bit more about what you mentioned in your first post in the thread, about how/why you made the decision that you want to stay away from drugs?

After I experienced how dangerous they could be I just didn't want to risk it anymore.

Complete separation or no cash seem to be the only ways I can deal with it. I'm weak like that though. For you're pain have you tried meditation or spirituality? I know they sound hokey, but they both really helped me when I had overwhelming emotions. Particularly shamanism. Also make sure you have a consistent bed time, my old emotional darkness comes back when I don't sleep well for a few days and then..... well I'm sure you know, it's a cycle, pay attention to what you can do that keeps you in an upward spiral.

Thanks for the advice. I've been looking into zen Buddhism and yoga.