Should you feel shame for being a drug user or addict?

[falsifiedhypothesi]

I've been contemplating telling some of my close friends that I've been using moderate amounts of opiates for the past couple years. I want to tell them but there is a lot of stigma surrounding opiate use, I don't want them to view me as a different person or shut me out completely.

I'm not harming anyone else and the physical damage I'm doing to myself is practically null. I don't feel bad about using opiates but I do feel bad for lying about what I am doing. Should i be ashamed to use opiates just because it's taboo? Do you guys feel what you are doing is inherently wrong?

 

[Grinders Kiefers]

I don't think that using drugs is wrong, but coming from an addiction standpoint, it's easy to use that mentality to justify use. I've intellectualized and rationalized drug use a lot in the past, and while I still don't think the act itself is inherently negative, it can certainly become a debilitating and controlling influence on your life if you allow it to.

As far as telling others about drug use, it's very tricky because a lot of stigma exists, even among fellow drug users. Some people won't condone any drug/alcohol use, some only weed/alcohol, maybe psychedelics, and then there are others who have their own (often arbitrary) lines when it comes to drugs, i.e., "coke is fine, but opiates are bad news". These are just examples, of course, but you see what I mean. It's unfortunate that things are this way, but you have to respect that other people may have different opinions on drug use than you.

You shouldn't feel ashamed for using drugs, but I'd be extremely careful telling anyone else about it. You know your friends/family better than anyone here, so if you do decide to say something, use your best judgment when and how you tell them about it. I've never had anyone write me out of their lives or anything serious like that, but I've definitely noticed people treating me differently for something that really doesn't affect them at all. You may not feel bad about using, but if the lying aspect is causing you trouble, then your options are basically to continue using in private, quit altogether, or tell others about it while being prepared that their reaction might not be ideal.

 

[AlwaysHighandMad]

I have my breakfest on a piece of glass with a side of weed,then i go on with my day as if i haven't done a 6mg line of xan.in other words no i feel no guilt,remorse or anything.I feel no guilt for how i "earn" my money either.guess i have no feelings

 

[spacejunk]

Dont let The Man make you feel guilty.
Are you stealing to fund a habit?
Are you part of a violent drug cartel or gang?
If not, dont worry - your business is your business.

Do your friends drink booze or smoke tobacco? Shame is one of the manipulations used by prohibitionists (govt and law enforcement) - fuck em.
Just be careful and be as conscious as you can to avoid addiction/physical dependence. Its no fun.