Things you learnt about autism since joining forums

[Boogs]

Sound like the effects of LSD.

Well, that's not far from it, but obviously LSD and similar psychedelics have a far more intense effect in that fashion, and can disrupt and change thought patterns on a much longer term - the changes can be at a lower level of burnt in behaviour and produce bigger modifications.

It has been said that excessive use of Mary destroys brain cells.

Everything destroys brain cells!
But the terpenoids that are the active constituent of cannabis are actually not very toxic at all. Compared to even modest amounts of alcohol, cannabis is far safer on that level. That's not to say it's a safe drug, but the physical toxicity is remarkably low. The effects of combustion though are a different matter. Lots of carbon monoxide for example, very toxic, and many other undesirable compounds are formed in the high temperature reactions. But I've not ready any published research on the matter so I don't know how toxic.

Like Oxycontin.

Oxy is a big and (now) publicised example and particularly grievous, but actually the whole pharma industry tends to run on developing the drugs that will generate the best profits over those that which benefit people the most. So a drug that alleviates symptoms of a long term illness are preferred to be targeted for development over a drug that actually cures something outright and isn't required long term. Obviously they do also develop proper cures too, and not all companies act the same, but focus is profit for them not health for others in general.

You would make a terrible Aussie.

I absolutely would! You are spot on! Imagine an Aussie who hates the amber nectar!
Probably grounds for prosecution over in the antipodes!

 

[Seladon]

Sometimes he can go weeks without touching a beer, then he impulsively buys large amounts of beers and once he starts drinking them he doesn't know when to stop. This changes his personality, which is why I don't like it. I understand how it is to be greedy when something is there, as I'm the same with candy. If there is candy in the cupboard I can't leave it alone until I have eaten the whole lot. And I enjoy it.

I understand your worries about coming across as a nagging or controlling hypocrite, or of upsetting the balance in your marriage that seems to mean a lot to you. Most people don't like to feel as if they're rocking the boat, whether that's what they're actually doing or not.

With that said, I'm sorry but this is a false equivalence, even if only from a personal safety standpoint. A similar comparison might be: 'sometimes my partner gets his gun out of the case and tries to shoot anything that moves. There's no room for me to talk, though, as I'm a similar way, though--sometimes I pick up a video-game controller and just play for hours or until I finish a level/game'. Do you see?

Having grown up in a family with a few abrasive violent alcoholics, and having dealt all my life with a damaged parent and estrangement because of it, I can say that it's nothing to take lightly or live with if you don't absolutely have to. The psychological after-effects alone are pernicious and painful. We don't have the power to save other people from their addictions, only ourselves.

Of course, it's your life and your partner, you have to decide what's best for you. Sending you all the love and luck, however you choose to proceed. Please take good care of yourself in this difficult circumstance.

 

[Seladon]

the whole pharma industry tends to run on developing the drugs that will generate the best profits over those that which benefit people the most. So a drug that alleviates symptoms of a long term illness are preferred to be targeted for development over a drug that actually cures something outright and isn't required long term. Obviously they do also develop proper cures too, and not all companies act the same, but focus is profit for them not health for others in general.

Very well said, no notes.

There was a book or article I read once that pointed out how improved sanitation/hygiene and vaccination have far done more for human health & longevity than any p harmaceutical in history, even penicillin. Hard to refute! And I imagine psychedelics/psychotropics and soi-disant 'holistic' medicine would also pip OTC or scrip drugs for efficacy, should anyone care to study it and risk life & limb to publish findings (probably inadvisable).

Though I am someone who has sustained chronic iatrogenic harm from a mis-prescribed drug, so I am a little bit biased.

 

[Misty Avich]

I understand your worries about coming across as a nagging or controlling hypocrite, or of upsetting the balance in your marriage that seems to mean a lot to you. Most people don't like to feel as if they're rocking the boat, whether that's what they're actually doing or not.

With that said, I'm sorry but this is a false equivalence, even if only from a personal safety standpoint. A similar comparison might be: 'sometimes my partner gets his gun out of the case and tries to shoot anything that moves. There's no room for me to talk, though, as I'm a similar way, though--sometimes I pick up a video-game controller and just play for hours or until I finish a level/game'. Do you see?

Having grown up in a family with a few abrasive violent alcoholics, and having dealt all my life with a damaged parent and estrangement because of it, I can say that it's nothing to take lightly or live with if you don't absolutely have to. The psychological after-effects alone are pernicious and painful. We don't have the power to save other people from their addictions, only ourselves.

Of course, it's your life and your partner, you have to decide what's best for you. Sending you all the love and luck, however you choose to proceed. Please take good care of yourself in this difficult circumstance.

Thanks.
But no relationship is going to be perfect, just like no job is going to be perfect. I like my job but even I have difficult days where I feel so stressed at work due to staff shortages and other things that usually go wrong in the workplace. It happens. Also because I have an anxiety disorder, things like that feel bigger to me and sometimes I'm unable to handle it and become tearful and can't cope. The only way I'll truly be happy is to lock myself away from society, but apparently it's wrong to do that and is just self-destructive, so I've just got to carry on living in this frightening society.

With my relationship, things are great. We can work through issues life throws at us, and we are soulmates. I can't imagine life without him. And all is well when he's sober.
But unfortunately he does like a drink sometimes. And not just one, but fifteen on average. I'm often told to have empathy and understanding for alcohol-drinkers, as some use alcohol to self-medicate, while for others it's an addiction that they become unable to control. I don't really like these reasons though, as the government allow people to abuse their bodies as a "choice", but it can hardly be a choice when addiction is involved.
My husband isn't an alcoholic so isn't addicted to alcohol but he still likes a drink and doesn't know when to stop once he starts.

As a teetotal person I never get how people can drink one glass after another for hours. I mean, don't they get sick of the taste of it? It'd be like drinking like sixteen glasses of orange squash one after the other.

 

[Boogs]

As a teetotal person I never get how people can drink one glass after another for hours. I mean, don't they get sick of the taste of it? It'd be like drinking like sixteen glasses of orange squash one after the other.

Alcohol deadens experience, including the perception of that deadening, so most drinkers are unaware.
Maybe you've heard the saying that after a few drinks, the taste gets better?