Keukasmallies Posted February 4, 2014 Share Posted February 4, 2014 Each time a celebrity suffers a fate similar to PSH, I wonder if somewhere in the outpouring of messages is one that actually "says" to addicts and others that such a fate is glamorous and thus to be copied. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BringBackFergy Posted February 4, 2014 Share Posted February 4, 2014 Holy Crap! He had 50 bags of heroin in his apartment. http://variety.com/2014/film/news/philip-seymour-hoffman-dead-50-bags-of-heroin-1201084430/ I read that article and on that page it has a link to his last interview at Sundance. He and the other actors from his latest movie "God's Pocket" talk about the emotional toll the movie had on them....to the point where they felt stressed out and emotionally spent. You have to wonder if this last movie put him over the edge. Each time a celebrity suffers a fate similar to PSH, I wonder if somewhere in the outpouring of messages is one that actually "says" to addicts and others that such a fate is glamorous and thus to be copied. Possible. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nervous Guy Posted February 4, 2014 Share Posted February 4, 2014 Since there is a fair amount of misconception about heroin addiction here, please allow me to clear some things up...as you may know I have up close and personal experience in this area and ironically, it's an area I conduct research in on a professional basis. IF you are interested, there are physical changes in the brain when one uses abuses drugs for a prolonged period of time...the types of changes that occur vary with the drug, but obviously, the more powerful the drug, the more profound the changes that occur. The scary thing is these changes last much longer than the length of use...some changes last for years. It changes the way you "think" and it's not just a matter of "will power" or "character"...long term drug abuse actually changes the DNA in your brain, it "rewires" the brain and changes the way it functions, even after you stop use. After an addict gets through the physical consequences of quitting, the brain remains rewired for who knows how long. Check out this link for very recent findings in this area, http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_142397.html I get very frustrated with the "dumbass" type of responses,but I do understand where they come from...also, I'm quite sure that very few addicts find their fate "glamorous", do you think someone dying of cancer thinks it's glamorous? Addiction is a lonely and sad experience...there is very little pleasure in it once you are trapped. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim in Anchorage Posted February 4, 2014 Share Posted February 4, 2014 Since there is a fair amount of misconception about heroin addiction here, please allow me to clear some things up...as you may know I have up close and personal experience in this area and ironically, it's an area I conduct research in on a professional basis. IF you are interested, there are physical changes in the brain when one uses abuses drugs for a prolonged period of time...the types of changes that occur vary with the drug, but obviously, the more powerful the drug, the more profound the changes that occur. The scary thing is these changes last much longer than the length of use...some changes last for years. It changes the way you "think" and it's not just a matter of "will power" or "character"...long term drug abuse actually changes the DNA in your brain, it "rewires" the brain and changes the way it functions, even after you stop use. After an addict gets through the physical consequences of quitting, the brain remains rewired for who knows how long. Check out this link for very recent findings in this area, http://www.nlm.nih.g...ory_142397.html I get very frustrated with the "dumbass" type of responses,but I do understand where they come from...also, I'm quite sure that very few addicts find their fate "glamorous", do you think someone dying of cancer thinks it's glamorous? Addiction is a lonely and sad experience...there is very little pleasure in it once you are trapped. Do you believe these same findings may apply to alcoholism? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keukasmallies Posted February 4, 2014 Share Posted February 4, 2014 Since there is a fair amount of misconception about heroin addiction here, please allow me to clear some things up...as you may know I have up close and personal experience in this area and ironically, it's an area I conduct research in on a professional basis. IF you are interested, there are physical changes in the brain when one uses abuses drugs for a prolonged period of time...the types of changes that occur vary with the drug, but obviously, the more powerful the drug, the more profound the changes that occur. The scary thing is these changes last much longer than the length of use...some changes last for years. It changes the way you "think" and it's not just a matter of "will power" or "character"...long term drug abuse actually changes the DNA in your brain, it "rewires" the brain and changes the way it functions, even after you stop use. After an addict gets through the physical consequences of quitting, the brain remains rewired for who knows how long. Check out this link for very recent findings in this area, http://www.nlm.nih.g...ory_142397.html I get very frustrated with the "dumbass" type of responses,but I do understand where they come from...also, I'm quite sure that very few addicts find their fate "glamorous", do you think someone dying of cancer thinks it's glamorous? Addiction is a lonely and sad experience...there is very little pleasure in it once you are trapped. With the rewiring of the brain that you describe, it seems possible that any number of things could seem "glamorous" to an addict. When one seeks approval for one's actions, seeing the adoration of another addict just might seem transferrable to him/her. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nervous Guy Posted February 4, 2014 Share Posted February 4, 2014 Do you believe these same findings may apply to alcoholism? Without a doubt, this rewiring is dependent on a lot of things, dose, length of abuse and of course predisposing genetics. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BringBackFergy Posted February 4, 2014 Share Posted February 4, 2014 Since there is a fair amount of misconception about heroin addiction here, please allow me to clear some things up...as you may know I have up close and personal experience in this area and ironically, it's an area I conduct research in on a professional basis. IF you are interested, there are physical changes in the brain when one uses abuses drugs for a prolonged period of time...the types of changes that occur vary with the drug, but obviously, the more powerful the drug, the more profound the changes that occur. The scary thing is these changes last much longer than the length of use...some changes last for years. It changes the way you "think" and it's not just a matter of "will power" or "character"...long term drug abuse actually changes the DNA in your brain, it "rewires" the brain and changes the way it functions, even after you stop use. After an addict gets through the physical consequences of quitting, the brain remains rewired for who knows how long. Check out this link for very recent findings in this area, http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_142397.html I get very frustrated with the "dumbass" type of responses,but I do understand where they come from...also, I'm quite sure that very few addicts find their fate "glamorous", do you think someone dying of cancer thinks it's glamorous? Addiction is a lonely and sad experience...there is very little pleasure in it once you are trapped. Not sure any one of us intentionally posted a "dumbass" comment. We all have different professions and expertise. The fact that you have a background in evaluating and treating addiction (and opiates especially) gives you the ability to approach this issue from a different perspective. On the other hand I do not have that background so I can only go with what I have seen: Morrison, Farley, Candy, Belushi, River Phoenix, Elvis...the list goes on and if young people idolize these stars while alive, is there a possibility that the attention given to one might lead a young person to try and garner similar attention from friends and family?? Not sure. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nervous Guy Posted February 4, 2014 Share Posted February 4, 2014 With the rewiring of the brain that you describe, it seems possible that any number of things could seem "glamorous" to an addict. When one seeks approval for one's actions, seeing the adoration of another addict just might seem transferrable to him/her. Believe me when I say this, most addicts do not want approval, they don't want to be addicts. They want to be "normal". The shame and depression this disease produces causes a vicious cycle. Some addicts may view overdose as a way out, but the vast majority of ODs are accidental. I have seen some statistics that suggest that for every fatal OD there are between 25 and 50 near misses....some times your luck runs out Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim in Anchorage Posted February 4, 2014 Share Posted February 4, 2014 Without a doubt, this rewiring is dependent on a lot of things, dose, length of abuse and of course predisposing genetics. How do you think exposure to alcohol, Heroin, etc in the womb may predispose infants to a latter life of addiction to these substances? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nervous Guy Posted February 4, 2014 Share Posted February 4, 2014 Not sure any one of us intentionally posted a "dumbass" comment. We all have different professions and expertise. The fact that you have a background in evaluating and treating addiction (and opiates especially) gives you the ability to approach this issue from a different perspective. On the other hand I do not have that background so I can only go with what I have seen: Morrison, Farley, Candy, Belushi, River Phoenix, Elvis...the list goes on and if young people idolize these stars while alive, is there a possibility that the attention given to one might lead a young person to try and garner similar attention from friends and family?? Not sure. I understand, but my expertise comes from experiences my own son who is currently back in treatment for heroin addiction...and ironically from my job which is trying to understand the brain changes that occur with addictions and trying to come up with an effective novel compound to reverse or block these changes. The complicating factor is there is often co-occurring conditions in addiction, anxiety disorders, depression, etc...compound these conditions with the anxiety and depression that addiction does produce and you have a recipe for disaster. I am 100% certain that all addicts wish they never started...but that is just my opinion. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nervous Guy Posted February 4, 2014 Share Posted February 4, 2014 How do you think exposure to alcohol, Heroin, etc in the womb may predispose infants to a latter life of addiction to these substances? Possibly, since they are "addicts" when they are born, besides the obvious fetal alcohol syndrome which is a totally different thing, if these substances change the workings of DNA (as it seems it does), they are most likely born with "bad wiring". In animals, exposure to drug in utero increases "drug seeking" in adulthood, and increases the rewarding properties of the drug...it REALLY feels good. There are a ton of factors, so I doubt it's a "certainty"...but it may indeed set things up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
K-9 Posted February 4, 2014 Share Posted February 4, 2014 Since there is a fair amount of misconception about heroin addiction here, please allow me to clear some things up...as you may know I have up close and personal experience in this area and ironically, it's an area I conduct research in on a professional basis. IF you are interested, there are physical changes in the brain when one uses abuses drugs for a prolonged period of time...the types of changes that occur vary with the drug, but obviously, the more powerful the drug, the more profound the changes that occur. The scary thing is these changes last much longer than the length of use...some changes last for years. It changes the way you "think" and it's not just a matter of "will power" or "character"...long term drug abuse actually changes the DNA in your brain, it "rewires" the brain and changes the way it functions, even after you stop use. After an addict gets through the physical consequences of quitting, the brain remains rewired for who knows how long. Check out this link for very recent findings in this area, http://www.nlm.nih.g...ory_142397.html I get very frustrated with the "dumbass" type of responses,but I do understand where they come from...also, I'm quite sure that very few addicts find their fate "glamorous", do you think someone dying of cancer thinks it's glamorous? Addiction is a lonely and sad experience...there is very little pleasure in it once you are trapped. Thank-you for shedding some light on the ignorance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nervous Guy Posted February 4, 2014 Share Posted February 4, 2014 Thank-you for shedding some light on the ignorance. Perhaps ignorance is too charged a term...I get it, If you haven't been touched by it (be thankful to God) you just have a different POV. I don't mean to "get on a soapbox", but I have been "doubly blessed" by personal experience and vocation. I am not looking of anyone to feel pity for addicts or anything like that...I just want to dispel some common misconceptions and give some scientific facts on what can be a nightmare for all those concerned. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BringBackFergy Posted February 4, 2014 Share Posted February 4, 2014 Perhaps ignorance is too charged a term...I get it, If you haven't been touched by it (be thankful to God) you just have a different POV. I don't mean to "get on a soapbox", but I have been "doubly blessed" by personal experience and vocation. I am not looking of anyone to feel pity for addicts or anything like that...I just want to dispel some common misconceptions and give some scientific facts on what can be a nightmare for all those concerned. Choose to disregard this question if too personal, but with respect to your son, is it possible to get him admitted for 6mths or a year to see if his brain will re-wire correctly? Like you said, the physical withdrawal will resolve itself after weeks or months, but the brain wiring takes longer. Just don't know how long it takes. Or is that something health insurance does not cover? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim in Anchorage Posted February 4, 2014 Share Posted February 4, 2014 Perhaps ignorance is too charged a term...I get it, If you haven't been touched by it (be thankful to God) you just have a different POV. I don't mean to "get on a soapbox", but I have been "doubly blessed" by personal experience and vocation. I am not looking of anyone to feel pity for addicts or anything like that...I just want to dispel some common misconceptions and give some scientific facts on what can be a nightmare for all those concerned. Good work. I have seen many Alaska natives destroyed by alcoholism and I can feel for them. They where born drunk, into a drunken family. What chance did they have? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
K-9 Posted February 4, 2014 Share Posted February 4, 2014 Perhaps ignorance is too charged a term...I get it, If you haven't been touched by it (be thankful to God) you just have a different POV. I don't mean to "get on a soapbox", but I have been "doubly blessed" by personal experience and vocation. I am not looking of anyone to feel pity for addicts or anything like that...I just want to dispel some common misconceptions and give some scientific facts on what can be a nightmare for all those concerned. Ignorance is a benign term. Lack of knowledge can be remedied and again, I appreciate your input as a way of doing that. Keep up the good fight. I would only add that while pity isn't desirable, it's better than some of the outright ridicule I've read concerning this sad event. I simply don't understand that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nervous Guy Posted February 4, 2014 Share Posted February 4, 2014 I can say his "latest" stint in rehab was great...90 days...clean as a whistle, came back buff as can be, motivated, clear headed and self directed. It didn't last that long until he was back at it and then he beat himself up for doing it, which caused more use, vicious circle...He back now and is on "scholarship", Most insurance covers 28 days...NOT EVEN A MONTH!! You are then deemed cured...that's why most addicts have multiple rehab visits. We are going to push for 6 months. We will see what happens. I am hopeful as always, but realistic...the thing is he's young so there's hope. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BringBackFergy Posted February 4, 2014 Share Posted February 4, 2014 I can say his "latest" stint in rehab was great...90 days...clean as a whistle, came back buff as can be, motivated, clear headed and self directed. It didn't last that long until he was back at it and then he beat himself up for doing it, which caused more use, vicious circle...He back now and is on "scholarship", Most insurance covers 28 days...NOT EVEN A MONTH!! You are then deemed cured...that's why most addicts have multiple rehab visits. We are going to push for 6 months. We will see what happens. I am hopeful as always, but realistic...the thing is he's young so there's hope. Prayers for you and your family. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keukasmallies Posted February 4, 2014 Share Posted February 4, 2014 Fortunately for me, I'm on the outside looking in at this topic. I do appreciate the candor and sharing of information occurring in this thread. I'm especially interested in the comments about the universal desire of addicts to be freed from their addictions, and the impact of rehabilitation efforts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nervous Guy Posted February 4, 2014 Share Posted February 4, 2014 Ignorance is a benign term. Lack of knowledge can be remedied and again, I appreciate your input as a way of doing that. Keep up the good fight. I would only add that while pity isn't desirable, it's better than some of the outright ridicule I've read concerning this sad event. I simply don't understand that. Thanks. Sometimes I just can't sit idly by and let stuff slide. This is truly an epidemic and although it might start out as simple experimentation, it quickly becomes a trap and often leading to a lifetime of misery for the addict and their loved ones. Prayers for you and your family. Thanks, that helps...seriously. I used to have a ton of shame and embarrassment about this "situation"...but that doesn't do anything. Without sounding "cheesy" prayer is what is helping my son right now, we were never really a religious family, but he has turned to faith now as a support...hey, you have to have hope and grab onto to whatever works. right? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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