One thing I have noticed since becoming a bluelight member is how conservative the information and advice here often is. Then, I realized (doh!) that the intention (and mission) of this and similar sites is to REDUCE the harmful effects of recreational drug use. With that in mind, it makes sense that moderators and many "regular" members of this site would tend to give more conservative advice about using ecstasy (i.e. spacing rolls out every few months, not consuming more than one pill each night, etc.)
The same is true for sites about alcohol use. On harm reduction sites about alcohol, moderators would never suggest that one should drink every weekend, or drink more than a moderate amount of beer (2-3 glasses) at a time. Otherwise, one could get drunk and increase their chances of harm, etc. Of course, those of use who drink to get drunk will regularly go beyond those recommended, safe guidelines prescribed by harm reduction advocates. So to will those of us who use ecstasy to roll balls or smoke weed to get all high.
As one who has used drugs and alcohol recreationally (and responsibly) throughout my life, I understand that my use is usually BEYOND what harm reduction advocates or (addiction experts) would generally recommend. Sure, sometimes I stay within recommended doses and have one glass of wine with dinner. But other times, I go out with friends and have 5 long island iced teas!
To that end, I have learned that debating the conservative opinions on this site is not only futile, but counterproductive to the mission of this site that serves us so well. Conservative views on drug and alcohol use (as well as diet, exercise, sex, etc.) serve an important role in speaking to the spectrum of individuals and behaviors out there. The reality is, not everyone can drink recreationally without drink becoming a problem for them. Some people can't smoke crack a few times without it ending up being a 3 week binge session and lifelong addiction. People are wired differently.
People react differently to drugs and alcohol. Our physiological, psychological and emotional responses to substance use varies. To that end, the more responsible advice to the widest population tends to be more conservative than some of us consider necessary. Reducing harm means playing to the least common denominator.
I hope that this makes sense.
We should appreciate the folks here at bluelight for looking out for everyone's best interest; even if it seems contradictory to our own experiences. What they are doing is being done with the best intentions and with the admirable goal of reducing harm for the greatest number of people.
The most important thing for each of us to do is to always remain aware of how we are each personally responding to our behavior with drugs and/or alcohol. By being aware, we will realize firsthand if our use is causing problems for us either physically, mentally or emotionally.
Regularly ask yourself the following questions (and not just when you're rolling
)
Am I happy?
Am I healthy?
Am I productive?
Am I attentive to others in my life?
Am I attentive to myself?
Am I responsible?
Am I dependable?
Am I motivated?
Am I safe?
Did I shower recently? 8)
So, don't expect everyone at bluelight to agree with you always or to be reassured that it's fine if you want to roll 3 weekends in a row because there are three awesome events lined up this summer back to back and you plan on going to each one of them. Or if you should go out to the pub and get drunk every night this week because you have family and friends in town and they want to celebrate. That sort of carte blanche acceptance about drug or alcohol use isn't what this site is about.
But always keep listening to yourself and watching yourself and making the best decisions for yourself and being safe.
...and buy a test kit!
The same is true for sites about alcohol use. On harm reduction sites about alcohol, moderators would never suggest that one should drink every weekend, or drink more than a moderate amount of beer (2-3 glasses) at a time. Otherwise, one could get drunk and increase their chances of harm, etc. Of course, those of use who drink to get drunk will regularly go beyond those recommended, safe guidelines prescribed by harm reduction advocates. So to will those of us who use ecstasy to roll balls or smoke weed to get all high.
As one who has used drugs and alcohol recreationally (and responsibly) throughout my life, I understand that my use is usually BEYOND what harm reduction advocates or (addiction experts) would generally recommend. Sure, sometimes I stay within recommended doses and have one glass of wine with dinner. But other times, I go out with friends and have 5 long island iced teas!
To that end, I have learned that debating the conservative opinions on this site is not only futile, but counterproductive to the mission of this site that serves us so well. Conservative views on drug and alcohol use (as well as diet, exercise, sex, etc.) serve an important role in speaking to the spectrum of individuals and behaviors out there. The reality is, not everyone can drink recreationally without drink becoming a problem for them. Some people can't smoke crack a few times without it ending up being a 3 week binge session and lifelong addiction. People are wired differently.
People react differently to drugs and alcohol. Our physiological, psychological and emotional responses to substance use varies. To that end, the more responsible advice to the widest population tends to be more conservative than some of us consider necessary. Reducing harm means playing to the least common denominator.
I hope that this makes sense.
We should appreciate the folks here at bluelight for looking out for everyone's best interest; even if it seems contradictory to our own experiences. What they are doing is being done with the best intentions and with the admirable goal of reducing harm for the greatest number of people.
The most important thing for each of us to do is to always remain aware of how we are each personally responding to our behavior with drugs and/or alcohol. By being aware, we will realize firsthand if our use is causing problems for us either physically, mentally or emotionally.
Regularly ask yourself the following questions (and not just when you're rolling
)Am I happy?
Am I healthy?
Am I productive?
Am I attentive to others in my life?
Am I attentive to myself?
Am I responsible?
Am I dependable?
Am I motivated?
Am I safe?
Did I shower recently? 8)
So, don't expect everyone at bluelight to agree with you always or to be reassured that it's fine if you want to roll 3 weekends in a row because there are three awesome events lined up this summer back to back and you plan on going to each one of them. Or if you should go out to the pub and get drunk every night this week because you have family and friends in town and they want to celebrate. That sort of carte blanche acceptance about drug or alcohol use isn't what this site is about.
But always keep listening to yourself and watching yourself and making the best decisions for yourself and being safe.
...and buy a test kit!
