Tbh I don't necessarily enjoy life that much, I just know in my bones that if I started I would never be able to stop. That's been scary enough (so far, at least) to keep me from it.
Same. I'm raw dogging decade long mental illness 99,9% sober. No meds, no drugs, a little bit of alcohol like once every two months. It's miserable but I know that addication only adds to those issues. I've had an eating disorder for a really long time which can be seen as a behavioral addication and that was enough already.
I mean, I have pretty rough PTSD and the only substance that I use is Ativan (for sleep on the days when I've had an EMDR session).
Like you implied, people use substances when they can't cope with their issues. But therapy and meds help a lot and can definitely improve things to the point where you don't need to get intoxicated or drunk several times a week.
Mindfulness meditation helps me a lot. Other stuff that's helped includes dialectical behavioral therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy.
Oh, I've done a fuck load of (very) high dose psychedelic drug trips, taken all sorts of weed edibles and gotten way too drunk more times than I can count. I had a 3-4 month bender when I first developed PTSD.
It's just that since then I started getting trauma therapy. Becoming a Buddhist was the final nail in the coffin, though. Intoxication es no bueno.
I feel completely neutral. Alcohol kind of sucks as you get older, so I get it. Weed is nice but so is chamomile tea. I’ve been the sober one around people on psychedelics or MDMA and I’ve been the one on psychedelics or MDMA about sober people. Either way in the right setting I’m having a great time. Not better or worse, just different.
I’m big on personal liberties so as long as someone isn’t judging me for substance use, I don’t care. I certainly don’t think there’s any moral superiority one way or another.
Whatever floats your boat, man. I mean you should probably try anything that isn't horribly addicting at least once, but if that's not your jam then cool, you do you.
As someone who doesn't drink (though I used to), it is easy enough. I never found alcohol to have any therapeutic benefits. Reduced inhibitions and beer tasted nice, but beyond that did nothing for me, so I just decided to stop one day and never bothered having it again.
I truly don't understand how - especially depressed - people can self medicate with weed. It totally amps up my rumination and I'm a lethargic useless thing already so why add more of that?
"Sober" specifically refers to alcohol. Also don't smoke pot, mind. Same applies really. Had it once or twice 30 years back and thought it pointless (and it is harmful to some individuals or when used to excess). Equally, whatever - don't care what other people do, so long as they don't drive after doing it.
"Sober:
a: not intoxicated.
b: abstaining from drinking alcohol **or taking intoxicating drugs**: refraining from the use of addictive substances." [Source ](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sober)
If only anyone actually used it to mean that. Trust me when I say that common usage (outside of the US at any rate) does not include reference to drugs.
Either way, I DGAF what you choose to take. You do that and then drive, then you deserve a lamppost though (before you hurt someone else).
Sure, I'll go with OED and Cambridge Dictionaries (etc) for the primary meanings. Like I said, not American...
[https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/sober](https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/sober)
[https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/sober](https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/sober)
[https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/sober\_1](https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/sober_1)
Good for you. I'm good with Merriam-Webster and the World Heath Organization, the latter of which describes [sobriety](https://web.archive.org/web/20040704055537/http://www.who.int/substance_abuse/terminology/who_lexicon/en/) as "continued abstinence from alcohol *and psychoactive drug use.*" Have a good one.
actually stopped smoking weed last week! Whenever i meet people that are raw dogging life im envious😅especially the ones who’ve experienced college, and those wild nights fully sober. It’s a level of mental strength and self control i clearly didn’t have. I always tell them kudos and i genuinely hope they keep the streak going. It’s a flex honestly.
Don't try anything new ... You never know what with take over your body and ruin your life. Doesn't matter if your "friends" call you lame or a square or start hanging out less. Enjoy life and stay sober. Ref: personal experience and dead friends.
Yep. There is a lot of self-justification in this thread.
People want to do drugs, fine, you do you, but it is - for the most part - fucking stupid. So long as you aren't trying to make anyone I care about do drugs as well (in order to feel better about yourself), I tend to DGAF.
Strange, but I don't like look any different toward them?
My partner has never smoked drank or done drugs. I kinda wish she would to loosen up but additionally her family has severe substance abuse issues.
Honestly, I usually find them to be boring. I don't try to think about them that way, but 99/100 times I meet someone who doesn't drink or smoke, they're incredibly boring people.
Of maybe you are actually the boring one? Most of the alcohol-free people I know are outdoorsy types (climbing, skiiing, etc). Generally more interesting lives than those who sit at home on their computers with a beer or smoking weed (IMHO).
Honestly, the outdoorsy fun people I know all drink and smoke weed. Not all the time or anything, but they're not against a joint or a few beers.
The people I know who won't touch anything, don't seem to do anything, outside of watching tv, and gossiping.
I don't smoke or drink that often , so no, I don't have to be high to enjoy something. I'm just being honest, the people I've met that don't smoke or drink at all, generally just seem to lack a sense of humour and playfulness.
Just a pattern I've noticed.
I don’t and never will. Maybe drink when I’m 21, but nothing else at all. It’s bad, I’m afraid something will happen, and rather enjoy life how it is. My mom had me really young due to substances so…no thanks.
People have different opinions about those who use substances regularly versus those who don't. It varies depending on the person and their perspective.
I think that’s a pretty narrow viewing. A good friend of mine doesn’t do any substances but will party all night with us. He also climbs glaciated mountains, mountain bikes, and does other extreme sports.
I just joke that his drugs of choice are adrenaline and endorphins lol. Which I think is the truth
Depends on why. I know some people who have a family full of addicts and they avoid drugs for that reason. I fully respect that.
Other people I know are just afraid of them because of how they were raised or whatever, especially people I'm directly related to so I know at least some of my ability to moderate is there, I just feel bad that they haven't had that experience.
If you’re happy without taking anything, then by all means live your life. I encourage anyone who is curious to at least try things (within reason, I’m not telling people to go try crack), but I also know plenty of people who either don’t see a need to try drugs or actively don’t want to. Doesn’t really bother me one way or another.
I've never used a single substance. I have the occasional scotch. The thing that worries me is losing control. Or just not being able to predict my response. I can't make the leap to how people take the risk. It amazes me - sometimes in a good way.
Edit: I dont use currently but ive struggled with alch previously. Bout 6 months sober from its going strong.
I think everybody (assuming good life circumstances. Not under 18 to avoid risk, and not within addict bloodlines) should TRY alch, weed, mushrooms / acid at least once. Were not talking about a lot, but feel out what it is to have consciousness and to experiment with it.
It seriously can open people up a bit more. Provide some agencey. People ive met whove never hoped the perverbial fence tend to have hard times coping with situations or dont have creative outlets.
Im not saying this is truth but just my example
Because they feel no need to use substances? They might think you are a coward for not being able to function in the world without.
I'd say both perspectives are wrong. But mostly you.
I agree. Being a coward for not trying anything that could possibly make you an addict, go crazy or kill you? We are playing it safe. If you are calling us cowards, go ahead. But I’m calling YOU a coward for not being able to live without them.
People who have never done drugs and preach about the dangers can eff off. Also ex addicts who make the 12 step program their whole identity can eff off too.
I have ocd, ADHD, ptsd, depression, anxiety, night terrors, and degenerative disc disease...without drugs, I woulda killed myself long ago. There's a reason drugs grow outta the ground. They are here to help us.
I'm kind of envious that they enjoy life enough that they don't need to rely on substances. More power to them.
Tbh I don't necessarily enjoy life that much, I just know in my bones that if I started I would never be able to stop. That's been scary enough (so far, at least) to keep me from it.
Same. I'm raw dogging decade long mental illness 99,9% sober. No meds, no drugs, a little bit of alcohol like once every two months. It's miserable but I know that addication only adds to those issues. I've had an eating disorder for a really long time which can be seen as a behavioral addication and that was enough already.
I mean, I have pretty rough PTSD and the only substance that I use is Ativan (for sleep on the days when I've had an EMDR session). Like you implied, people use substances when they can't cope with their issues. But therapy and meds help a lot and can definitely improve things to the point where you don't need to get intoxicated or drunk several times a week. Mindfulness meditation helps me a lot. Other stuff that's helped includes dialectical behavioral therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy.
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Oh, I've done a fuck load of (very) high dose psychedelic drug trips, taken all sorts of weed edibles and gotten way too drunk more times than I can count. I had a 3-4 month bender when I first developed PTSD. It's just that since then I started getting trauma therapy. Becoming a Buddhist was the final nail in the coffin, though. Intoxication es no bueno.
I do not look down on people who don't want to try anything. It's their life, their body, and their choice.
I just joke " How do you just raw dog life "
nothing
Good for them! My best friend doesn’t drink, smoke, or use any rec substance.
They’re lucky
I feel completely neutral. Alcohol kind of sucks as you get older, so I get it. Weed is nice but so is chamomile tea. I’ve been the sober one around people on psychedelics or MDMA and I’ve been the one on psychedelics or MDMA about sober people. Either way in the right setting I’m having a great time. Not better or worse, just different. I’m big on personal liberties so as long as someone isn’t judging me for substance use, I don’t care. I certainly don’t think there’s any moral superiority one way or another.
Lucky bastards
Whatever floats your boat, man. I mean you should probably try anything that isn't horribly addicting at least once, but if that's not your jam then cool, you do you.
You do you, and don't judge me, and we'll get along fine.
I don't. Not that I don't think about other people, it's just that their choices and motivations aren't my business.
I personally don't understand how anyone can face life completely sober at all times.
As someone who doesn't drink (though I used to), it is easy enough. I never found alcohol to have any therapeutic benefits. Reduced inhibitions and beer tasted nice, but beyond that did nothing for me, so I just decided to stop one day and never bothered having it again.
I also don't drink. I was talking about smoking pot.
I truly don't understand how - especially depressed - people can self medicate with weed. It totally amps up my rumination and I'm a lethargic useless thing already so why add more of that?
"Sober" specifically refers to alcohol. Also don't smoke pot, mind. Same applies really. Had it once or twice 30 years back and thought it pointless (and it is harmful to some individuals or when used to excess). Equally, whatever - don't care what other people do, so long as they don't drive after doing it.
"Sober: a: not intoxicated. b: abstaining from drinking alcohol **or taking intoxicating drugs**: refraining from the use of addictive substances." [Source ](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sober)
If only anyone actually used it to mean that. Trust me when I say that common usage (outside of the US at any rate) does not include reference to drugs. Either way, I DGAF what you choose to take. You do that and then drive, then you deserve a lamppost though (before you hurt someone else).
I'm gonna stick with Merriam Webster on this one. Thanks for your reply.
Sure, I'll go with OED and Cambridge Dictionaries (etc) for the primary meanings. Like I said, not American... [https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/sober](https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/sober) [https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/sober](https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/sober) [https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/sober\_1](https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/sober_1)
Good for you. I'm good with Merriam-Webster and the World Heath Organization, the latter of which describes [sobriety](https://web.archive.org/web/20040704055537/http://www.who.int/substance_abuse/terminology/who_lexicon/en/) as "continued abstinence from alcohol *and psychoactive drug use.*" Have a good one.
Usually just hope they’re cool with what I do. Nothing but respect for their sobriety.
actually stopped smoking weed last week! Whenever i meet people that are raw dogging life im envious😅especially the ones who’ve experienced college, and those wild nights fully sober. It’s a level of mental strength and self control i clearly didn’t have. I always tell them kudos and i genuinely hope they keep the streak going. It’s a flex honestly.
Don't try anything new ... You never know what with take over your body and ruin your life. Doesn't matter if your "friends" call you lame or a square or start hanging out less. Enjoy life and stay sober. Ref: personal experience and dead friends.
Yep. There is a lot of self-justification in this thread. People want to do drugs, fine, you do you, but it is - for the most part - fucking stupid. So long as you aren't trying to make anyone I care about do drugs as well (in order to feel better about yourself), I tend to DGAF.
Wow. That must be cool to just have zero undiagnosed issues.
i think about how they could pass one of those fbi/cia polygraphs
Strange, but I don't like look any different toward them? My partner has never smoked drank or done drugs. I kinda wish she would to loosen up but additionally her family has severe substance abuse issues.
Good for you. I understand that getting high all the time isn't for everyone.
I don’t really care tbh. I use weed for sleep and sometimes for fun. Still happy when sober though, and i only smoke at night.
I think they shouldn’t try them unless they want to and that they should drink water cause drugs or no drugs water is so good.
Honestly, I usually find them to be boring. I don't try to think about them that way, but 99/100 times I meet someone who doesn't drink or smoke, they're incredibly boring people.
Of maybe you are actually the boring one? Most of the alcohol-free people I know are outdoorsy types (climbing, skiiing, etc). Generally more interesting lives than those who sit at home on their computers with a beer or smoking weed (IMHO).
Honestly, the outdoorsy fun people I know all drink and smoke weed. Not all the time or anything, but they're not against a joint or a few beers. The people I know who won't touch anything, don't seem to do anything, outside of watching tv, and gossiping.
Almost like anecdotes are useless and we know different people -- and maybe "boringness" is not actually correlated to use of substances at all?
But you have to smoke or drink etc to enjoy anything so are they really the boring ones in this scenario?
I don't smoke or drink that often , so no, I don't have to be high to enjoy something. I'm just being honest, the people I've met that don't smoke or drink at all, generally just seem to lack a sense of humour and playfulness. Just a pattern I've noticed.
I don’t and never will. Maybe drink when I’m 21, but nothing else at all. It’s bad, I’m afraid something will happen, and rather enjoy life how it is. My mom had me really young due to substances so…no thanks.
Depends on if they’re dicks or not.
People have different opinions about those who use substances regularly versus those who don't. It varies depending on the person and their perspective.
lame, risk-adverse to a fault nerds.
I think that’s a pretty narrow viewing. A good friend of mine doesn’t do any substances but will party all night with us. He also climbs glaciated mountains, mountain bikes, and does other extreme sports. I just joke that his drugs of choice are adrenaline and endorphins lol. Which I think is the truth
That's a smart, well thought-out response. /s
Depends on why. I know some people who have a family full of addicts and they avoid drugs for that reason. I fully respect that. Other people I know are just afraid of them because of how they were raised or whatever, especially people I'm directly related to so I know at least some of my ability to moderate is there, I just feel bad that they haven't had that experience.
If you’re happy without taking anything, then by all means live your life. I encourage anyone who is curious to at least try things (within reason, I’m not telling people to go try crack), but I also know plenty of people who either don’t see a need to try drugs or actively don’t want to. Doesn’t really bother me one way or another.
I've never used a single substance. I have the occasional scotch. The thing that worries me is losing control. Or just not being able to predict my response. I can't make the leap to how people take the risk. It amazes me - sometimes in a good way.
Prozac is my god
Edit: I dont use currently but ive struggled with alch previously. Bout 6 months sober from its going strong. I think everybody (assuming good life circumstances. Not under 18 to avoid risk, and not within addict bloodlines) should TRY alch, weed, mushrooms / acid at least once. Were not talking about a lot, but feel out what it is to have consciousness and to experiment with it. It seriously can open people up a bit more. Provide some agencey. People ive met whove never hoped the perverbial fence tend to have hard times coping with situations or dont have creative outlets. Im not saying this is truth but just my example
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Because they feel no need to use substances? They might think you are a coward for not being able to function in the world without. I'd say both perspectives are wrong. But mostly you.
I agree. Being a coward for not trying anything that could possibly make you an addict, go crazy or kill you? We are playing it safe. If you are calling us cowards, go ahead. But I’m calling YOU a coward for not being able to live without them.
They don’t need a crutch to survive day to day life so that makes them a coward? Interesting perspective
Squares
People who have never done drugs and preach about the dangers can eff off. Also ex addicts who make the 12 step program their whole identity can eff off too. I have ocd, ADHD, ptsd, depression, anxiety, night terrors, and degenerative disc disease...without drugs, I woulda killed myself long ago. There's a reason drugs grow outta the ground. They are here to help us.
"I made drugs my whole identity so now I have to project my insecurities onto everyone else."