What makes us crave opioids so much out of any other drug(s)???

[daveslaine]

Mods move if incorrect forum.

Seriously. Why are opiates such as Oxies, Heroin, so addictive and so sought after, even though it clearly causes a rapid downhill in life?

I mean why do people even seek the drug? What feeling does it give most of you that you love it so much? Now I know some of you might be uppers/psychadelic lovers, but I'm asking this for opiate lovers specifically.

Is there something that oxycodone gives you that maybe Adderall or a benzo does not? Ive never heard of a story where people go through extreme lengths doing crazy things to get another dose of Amphetamines, yet ppl will keep thinking about their next dose of oxies and obsess about it.

What feeling do you lack when youre not on opiates, and what feeling and mood do you seek when you take an opiate?

Perhaps this thread may shed some light on why so many of us so secretly seek opiates and take them so much, and even, steal them from other peoples homes when we visit. (dont lie ppl, we've all done this before lol)

For me, well at least in the past, opiates gave me an "overshield" feeling. I felt like I was protected, and could not be hurt no matter what, and not to mention, felt warm like I was constantly orgasming nonstop, and felt like Im on top of the world and nobody can do anything to me.

Unfortunately these days, even with ZERO tolerance now, all opiates do is making me feel pathetic, lifeless, dull, and like Im a sad cunt, and I hate that feeling tbh, like I cant escape the opioid world, where everything is a false bliss.... so these days, opiates make me feel like Im in a false bliss, and these days, I sick uppers, even ephedrine I prefer nowadays.

Please ppl, shed some light on the psychology of why you guys/girls take opiates, and continue using them and holding on with dear life.

 

[Treefa]

I think it's because opioids mimic natural endorphins that are released during feel-good activities like sex, accomplishing shit, and positive social interactions. Not to mention it exites dopamine (greater effects of dopamine), like so many other drugs(amphetamines, coke) at the same time that it saturates your opioid receptors.

So basically your receptors can't tell the difference between pills and a really good day in which you robbed a bank, fucked like 20 really hot girls, mowed the lawn, ran laps around the block, did weight training, and bumped some coke when you got home.
Your brain only cares about chemical's really..it doesn't necessarily PREFER opiates over endorphins, but opiates are a much quicker and easier form of reward.

Personally i've always liked opiates because #1. they kill pain,
#2. they make me feel rather normal (hyped up, and euphoric, but at the same time very normal)
#3. They are very safe drugs when used in the correct dosage, nearly as safe as cannabis (except the risk of o.d. and addiction)
#4. Combine all of these effects and it pretty much comes out to "i feel like i can function better on opiates", which may or may not be true for some people.

Opiates are a miracle drug for many, many people. However Stigma and fear of addiction are major red-flags not only to medical professionals, but to poeple like my dad(60 years old with bad sciatic pain) who rarley takes more than 1,000mg of tylenol in a day, and as far as i know, despises opioids. I just know i've never seen or heard of him mentioning opiates, however he always seems happy and outgoing.
This really makes me envy my dad, and i often wonder if he wasn't an addict at some point. As his 20 year old son, i take up to 3.5 grams of ibuprofen a day, and take some form of opiate almost everyday.

If weed was commonly prescribed for mild-to-moderate pain i would much rather take an Rx for that than opioids, as much as i love them. I just know that addiction is a bitch, and i'd rather burn money (quite literally) than keep repeating this cycle of highs and lows.

Good luck to you man
-Chief Treef

 

[F1n1shed]

^ he basically covered it all.
They kill emotional and physical pain. Many addicts, or drug seekers have a huge amount of built up guilt and pain. Opiates are the number 1 drug for killing that ,and making you content with your self.
It's that dopamine action, making you feel real pleasurable. Things you have like your computer or laptop or w.e , you usually don't really care about when sober(everything is more pleasurable not just material things) . But when on opiates you tend to appreciate them more. Also the crash off opiates isn't real bad, i mean you get a little hang over the next day but its nothing compared to uppers.

Basically it is a drug that makes almost everyone feel good about them self, with mild side effects. The main thing you have to worry about is addiction, which grabs most people by the balls.

 

[down508]

many people think of themselves as the exception to the rule. they think they will be able to control their use because they'r not like everyone else. you see it on here all the time, no body thinks it will happen to them.

 

[daveslaine]

But isn't that good feeling nothing but an illusion? There is nothing solid about that feeling. Can you imagine ridding yourself of your guilt or mental pain by accomplishing feats and being successful, or forgiving yourself for your previous guilty mistakes, and actually genuinely feeling good? Opiates all they do is cover it up, but the problem is still there

 

[brutus]

^ I agree, but I think a lot of opiate addicts continue to use just so they can escape from those problems for a short time.

 

[Thomas29]

Mental pain physical pain and for just straight up relaxing the fuck out and countless other things.

 

[daveslaine]

^

Not even, you cant keep telling yourself this and make it be true.

So many opiate users abuse it to escape from problems, perhaps problems such as obesity, family problems, relationship problems, being too skinny, acne, etc, and when they take opiates, they feel like no problems exist, but that is an illusion.

what Im saying is, can you imagine the genuine good feeling that also is long lasting obtained from losing weight if obese, talking to family members and hugging each other and talking over whats wrong, or talking with wife/girlfriend and healing relationship, or going to the gym and lifting weight to gain muscle, or going to a dermatologist and or eating/living healthy to lose acne, versus just popping an oxy and feeling like everything is good.

IMO, thats bs.

now imagine, you accomplish what is causing you pain, and take an oxy after. Would the euphoria be even more than before? I say most likely yes.

 

[down508]

those things are far easier said than done. if a person has the strength and discipline to take action and solve all their problems they wouldn't be doing opiates in the first place. everyone has problems, but a common trait I see among addicts myself included is they have a very difficult time acknowledging that they even have problems, let alone being able to solve them. people who have trouble dealing with the shit in their lives are especially susceptible to addiction, whether the problems are obvious and physical in nature or deep and hidden away deep inside the person. many addicts have severe past trauma, but then again some people with no trauma or ptsd get addicted too. I think suffering is relative, what may be considered by some to be no big deal because they've experienced worse is percieved by others as the end of the world. if someone witness a family being murdered with an axe needless to say they will be fucked up by it, but if 2 weeks beforehand they watched a full school bus go off a bridge and nobody survived they will be much less effected by the axe scenerio than someone who's never been exposed to anything like it. I think people are compassionate by nature, and while some are better than others at coping with trauma or stress others end up breaking down from it.

obviously if you can solve your problems without having to take drugs that's better than shooting dope, but people get locked into a cycle where the more they use the worst their problems get and the more daunting they seem. after numbing yourself to pain for so long so many things have fallen apart in your life and sobriety becomes even less appealing. look at homeless people o the streets, can you picture them turning their lives around shaving their beards starting a fortune 500 company and dying happy? at some point drugs become the only thing people have, and once you get to that point I think it becomes a lot more difficult to sober up.

 

[Bobbyptsd]

@Dave

Yeah but I think the point is, you probably wouldn't take the oxy in that hypothetical.

I don't think anyone is saying if you had a great life and got high, that you wouldn't feel better.

I think people are saying more that they get high because they aren't happy with their lives(to some extent) to begin with. I know that's why I have anyway.

 

[thelastclubkid]

opiates also relieve anxiety and stress and for many people block distractions and allow them to concentrate... personally i did some of my best engineering/coding work totally high on dope and/or methadone...

unfortunately (along with cocaine) they are almost impossible to control... but unlike cocaine they also carry the heavy physical WD...

if you could synthesize an opiate that did not manifest the mental and physical WD symptoms you would really have a miracle pill... unfortunately such a thing does not exist...

 

[down508]

@Dave

Yeah but I think the point is, you probably wouldn't take the oxy in that hypothetical.

I don't think anyone is saying if you had a great life and got high, that you wouldn't feel better.

I think people are saying more that they get high because they aren't happy with their lives(to some extent) to begin with. I know that's why I have anyway.

yeah thats the cycle I mentioned. the same goes for relapsing, every time I relapsed it wasn't because I was an emotional wreck (consciously at least) and I needed to dull the pain, it was more like I've gotten my life back, I have an apartment, job, friends, school etc so that must mean I'm not an addict any more, why not try some dope like old times.

I think people who are drug addicts will find any excuse to get high, I don't think it's a strictly pathological and the direct result of their environment, I thin addicts just love to get high, either you are one or you aren't. I think it is a case of nature vs nurture because looking back at my childhood I can recognize addict behavior as far back as I remember. I've talked to a lot of other people who feel the same way. even back when I was a toddler, before any of the bad shit in my past happened. I always felt different from other people, used to think that I was the only true human on earth and that everyone else were just programs, this is when I was like 6 years old by the way. I was also never satisfied with anything, if I got a new GiJoe for xmas or sonething like that 10 minutes later I'd already be picking out the one I want for my birthday.

another interesting thing is i didn't even know what drugs really were until I was in 5th grade and the cop from dare came in and told us about them. I wanted instantly, and a couple months later I was smoking weed every chance I got. I think most people who are addicted tp drugs fall into this category, the ones that have been that all their lives but it wasn't clear until they tried the shit.

another type of addict which I think is the exception to ones mentioned above are very common with opiates. these people had smoked pot growing up, drank their fair share of booze in college, but always had a solid grip on it. when the leave college they get married and put partying behind them and settle down. then after some time they get into an accident and are prescribed the pills. they dont even really like them, but they take em for the pain. after a couple months they are dependent and don't know what to do. they eventually get cut off and either go cold turkey or they go to a 4 day detox and go to some meetings when they get out. then they spend the rest of their lives clean from opiates since they didn't really like them that much to begin with.

generally the second one has the highest chances of staying sober. they may keep going to meetings for the social aspect and because they were told if they don't they will die. I've known several people like this, I dont think of it as an addiction, more of a physical dependence. these types are more likely to relapse after a surgery and take the pills as prescribed then they are to randomly buy a bag out of the blue. then they go through the detox and start back where they left off in recovery.

I know that this isn't a complete list of all the different kinds of drug addicts out there, but these too illustrate the point I'm trying to make that a lot of people are born addicts, they just dont know it til they try drugs. I'm iin no way knocking 12 step programs, and I've seen many success stories in those halls. I dont think any one who gets sober in a program isn't a "real addict", I think it''s just a bit easier for someone who only has a physical addiction with no mental aspect to get clean as opposed to someone who's had the mind of an addict since birth.

 

[Mr.Scagnattie]

It really depends on the person... opiates don't grab everybody as deep as they do others.. for some it's meth or crack or whatever. But, what makes certain people more susceptible to opiate addiction specifically? No idea. Wish I knew. All I know is whatever it is... I got it and I got it bad.

 

[littlepenguin]

I think it is a case of nature vs nurture because looking back at my childhood I can recognize addict behavior as far back as I remember. I've talked to a lot of other people who feel the same way. even back when I was a toddler, before any of the bad shit in my past happened. I always felt different from other people, used to think that I was the only true human on earth and that everyone else were just programs, this is when I was like 6 years old by the way. I was also never satisfied with anything, if I got a new GiJoe for xmas or sonething like that 10 minutes later I'd already be picking out the one I want for my birthday.

Humans don't start developing [accurate] long term memories until well after ages 4-5. Most 'memories' even before age 10 are very skewed and highly innacurate to events that may have actually occoured.

As a child, believing that you're "different from everybody" or "thinking that everyone else is a robot and you're the only normal one" is completely unoriginal - kids and teens have this thought often. It has nothing to do with drug addiction. If it's anything besides a normal, fleeting, developmental idea of children/teens, it indicates a presence of or potential for mental illness like shitzophrenia, aspbergers, narcissistic personality disorder, or psychopathy.

The idea of constantly wanting something else, or being unsatisfied like you said about "wanting a new GI Joe ten minutes after I got a new one" is a product of being spoiled. Think about it - you wanted the new one because you knew you could get it, and it was available. A child who never got a new toy, or was aware that their parents had money or the ability to go get a new toy, never have a desire for it because they don't know that it exists. Wanting more is a trait that is learned, not something one is born with.

another interesting thing is i didn't even know what drugs really were until I was in 5th grade and the cop from dare came in and told us about them. I wanted instantly, and a couple months later I was smoking weed every chance I got. I think most people who are addicted tp drugs fall into this category, the ones that have been that all their lives but it wasn't clear until they tried the shit.

pretty sure the majority of kids who were exposed to the well-known failed DARE program felt the same way. The beginning of an interest = being exposed to it in some way.

I know that this isn't a complete list of all the different kinds of drug addicts out there, but these too illustrate the point I'm trying to make that a lot of people are born addicts, they just dont know it til they try drugs. I'm iin no way knocking 12 step programs, and I've seen many success stories in those halls. I dont think any one who gets sober in a program isn't a "real addict", I think it''s just a bit easier for someone who only has a physical addiction with no mental aspect to get clean as opposed to someone who's had the mind of an addict since birth.

The only possible way to be born an addict is if the mother carrying the child was consuming a specific drug herself.

When scientists look for "addiction genes," what they are really looking for are biological differences that may make someone more or less vulnerable to addiction. It may be harder for people with certain genes to quit once they start. Or they may experience more severe withdrawal symptoms if they try to quit. Factors that make it harder to become addicted also may be genetic. For example, an individual may feel sick from a drug that makes other people feel good. But someone's genetic makeup will never doom them to inevitably become an addict. Remember, environment makes up a large part of addiction risk. Scientists will never find just one single addiction gene. Susceptibility to addiction is the result of many interacting genes.
Social and environmental factors contribute to this risk of addiction. It is becoming increasingly clear that genetic factors also weigh in. Like other behavioral diseases, addiction vulnerability is a very complex trait. Many factors determine the likelihood that someone will become an addict.

want to read more on the subject? here ya go. http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/addiction/genetics/

 

[kwhat]

that needle ran deep in my veins, oh that beautiful sting, wish i cud erase it away but i remember every fuckin thing, from the rush to the touch of angels beside my hospital bed, layin there eyes all red almost dead, but it wasnt my time my time is now, to do better to feel better time to stack sum chedda instead of blowin it on herowan n klonapin been in a daze for sum years now the fogs startin to clear i see all my mistakes, trials n tribluations all the frustration gotta leave it in the past or itll catch up to my ass wit sum bills up my nose blowin roxis n oxys it aint no way to live, jus a way to survive n never give always take n take to replace the broken peices inside but im tryin to let it out wit my rhymes

my rap verse WoooT thats why its hard cuz we remember evverything

 

[Dobles]

Honestly i've never done meth or pcp but pretty much all of the more well known drugs and opiates are the only drug that ever lived up to how much it is hyped up. I'm on suboxone though and haven't been cheating any and i think bein' sober and being able to watch my son and have his mom actually want me around more rewarding. abstaining could end up better than using.

 

[down508]

Humans don't start developing [accurate] long term memories until well after ages 4-5. Most 'memories' even before age 10 are very skewed and highly innacurate to events that may have actually occoured.

As a child, believing that you're "different from everybody" or "thinking that everyone else is a robot and you're the only normal one" is completely unoriginal - kids and teens have this thought often. It has nothing to do with drug addiction. If it's anything besides a normal, fleeting, developmental idea of children/teens, it indicates a presence of or potential for mental illness like shitzophrenia, aspbergers, narcissistic personality disorder, or psychopathy.

The idea of constantly wanting something else, or being unsatisfied like you said about "wanting a new GI Joe ten minutes after I got a new one" is a product of being spoiled. Think about it - you wanted the new one because you knew you could get it, and it was available. A child who never got a new toy, or was aware that their parents had money or the ability to go get a new toy, never have a desire for it because they don't know that it exists. Wanting more is a trait that is learned, not something one is born with.



pretty sure the majority of kids who were exposed to the well-known failed DARE program felt the same way. The beginning of an interest = being exposed to it in some way.







The only possible way to be born an addict is if the mother carrying the child was consuming a specific drug herself.

When scientists look for "addiction genes," what they are really looking for are biological differences that may make someone more or less vulnerable to addiction. It may be harder for people with certain genes to quit once they start. Or they may experience more severe withdrawal symptoms if they try to quit. Factors that make it harder to become addicted also may be genetic. For example, an individual may feel sick from a drug that makes other people feel good. But someone's genetic makeup will never doom them to inevitably become an addict. Remember, environment makes up a large part of addiction risk. Scientists will never find just one single addiction gene. Susceptibility to addiction is the result of many interacting genes.
Social and environmental factors contribute to this risk of addiction. It is becoming increasingly clear that genetic factors also weigh in. Like other behavioral diseases, addiction vulnerability is a very complex trait. Many factors determine the likelihood that someone will become an addict.

want to read more on the subject? here ya go. http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/addiction/genetics/

that does make a lot of sense. if you read the article on the front page of bluelight you'll see it relates to this. It's kind of a shitty article but I think it makes some good points. the idea of middle class kids being more susceptible to addiction makes some sense, but I still think that regardless of environment some people are doomed to become addicted. I dont think "born an addict" is really the best way to describe it, what I mean is that from the moment they are born regardless of what happens after they will still become addicted to something at some point, granted they dont die before the addiction develops. People can be addicted to pretty much anything, and I think for every person who is addicted to drugs or alcohol there is another who is addicted to something non intoxicating. I think people either are or they aren't, and the things like trauma or other events in their life will only determine the degree or focus of the addiction, not if they will or will not become addicted.

 

[daveslaine]

Currently today went and bought bulk poppy seeds. But I will admit, after going on a Naltrexone spree of 200mg+ daily for a few weeks, I feel as if this is a major reward for tolerating the suffering I went through.

But right now, it just feels good. I didnt go and buy legal Morphine so I can cover up something or some pain, or me, I just wanted a pure pleasure/high... and its well deserved considering Ive been taking opiate antagonists which were blocking my own natural endorphins as well.

If you are wondering, yes my tolerance was completely killed. If I had 40mg oxy right now and did it up the butt, itd probably hit me very strong and hard, but it doesnt have that dirty and ineffectiveness when you are tolerant or addicted, this is a new and fresh feeling which I like.

Thanks Naltrexone

 

[Epsilon Alpha]

It all depends on the person, I personally find all opioids INTENSLY DYSPHORIC. Granted I'm the guy that loves me some L-amphetamine.

 

[Lady Codone]

Opiates are often my drug of choice, but I don't "crave" or obsess over them like I do with stimulants. Even during withdrawal, there is no jones-ing. But the opiate high has elements of all my favorite drugs. It's relaxing like benzos and boosts imagination/creativity like psychedelics or weed and even has a slight stimulant effect during the peak. Then there's that lovely opiate warmth that is unique to this wonderful family of drugs.

Damn. Now I want some hydro.