I think for a lot of people, what they end up hooked on has more to do with who they end up around than anything. People looking to escape tend to find the first available option. Maybe that leads to new sets of people and new sets of substances, but you get the point.
I'd heard that about that common receptor, but I never did any digging into it. Interesting. I'd definitely be willing to believe that we're each more or less susceptible to addiction to different substances depending on genetics or whatnot, and I'd love to know more on that, but I think ultimately people find an escape that works for them and go with it until it's a problem anyway. Regardless of weather it was easy or hard to become physically addicted.
She also told me some very strange things about her personal opiate addiction.
Like her addiction did basically the opposite of what it does to most users.
It made her into an excellent student and more productive person.
Which makes me suspect that she had more of a mood disorder than any sort of pain.
I just think it is good to think about exactly what people are using the drugs/alcohol specifically for.
I know that I use alcohol for anxiety, and the general desire not to think too much.
(post is archived)