How to Do 'Ok' in Life

Off Topic
41

[quote]Dt546 wrote:

I am simply stating that my experience with addiction (personal and profesional) is that it is not a black and white issue. If telling people “Drugs are bad mmk,” kept them off drugs, than our prison systems would be a lot less crowded.

[/quote]
Well “Drugs are bad mmmkay” probably does a good job keeps the vast majority off drugs. I suspect the rest are pulled in by environmental factors, more so than genetics. I’m an EMT and most of the “patients” I transport who have either overdosed, or just can’t afford anymore crack/meth till the first of the month and are coming down hard come out of the same neighborhoods/trailer parks where we pickup all of the other crack/meth heads. I suspect the vast majority of the barefoot kids running around in front of my ambulance will be in the same shit before they reach twenty, and it’s not due to genetics. Most of the people I know who are recovering addicts who have stayed clean for any decent length of time have done so by removing themselves from that environment, which must be very hard when that’s all you know.

My main problem with the genetics argument is that it smacks of determinism, and the weak always want to clamp on to some excuse for their failings. I hope that instead of determinism, most of those barefoot trailerpark kids will instead believe in willpower and common sense.

I don’t whole heartedly support “drugs are bad mmmkay” the way it is taught in schools, because it demonizes marijuana, and is rather hypocritical when so many of the kids are already on behavior altering prescription drugs.

42

  1. Only thing you should buy on credit is a house or an investment. Cars lose money immediately and your better to wait and save (earning interest) until you can get what you want.
    Never have credit cards.

  2. Rainy Day Fund - You should always have a rainy day fund to cover you for when shit happens. You might lose your job, have a surprise medical/dental expense, etc. Not covering yourself leaves you need to get quick debt at high interest or making bad decisions.

  3. Not doing your homework - I am not thinking about schoolwork. Instead I am talking about researching and preparation for each decision. Doing your homework means researching where you are going to live to avoid regrets later.

  4. Not keeping things in balance. Sometimes you need to focus on something intently, but you also need to make sure you have some degree of balance or agreement. For instance you try to win a competition, but you lose your job and wife. You need work these things through to ensure you don’t screw up the bigger picture.

43

[quote]Uncle Gabby wrote:

[quote]Dt546 wrote:

I am simply stating that my experience with addiction (personal and profesional) is that it is not a black and white issue. If telling people “Drugs are bad mmk,” kept them off drugs, than our prison systems would be a lot less crowded.

[/quote]
Well “Drugs are bad mmmkay” probably does a good job keeps the vast majority off drugs. I suspect the rest are pulled in by environmental factors, more so than genetics. I’m an EMT and most of the “patients” I transport who have either overdosed, or just can’t afford anymore crack/meth till the first of the month and are coming down hard come out of the same neighborhoods/trailer parks where we pickup all of the other crack/meth heads. I suspect the vast majority of the barefoot kids running around in front of my ambulance will be in the same shit before they reach twenty, and it’s not due to genetics. Most of the people I know who are recovering addicts who have stayed clean for any decent length of time have done so by removing themselves from that environment, which must be very hard when that’s all you know.

My main problem with the genetics argument is that it smacks of determinism, and the weak always want to clamp on to some excuse for their failings. I hope that instead of determinism, most of those barefoot trailerpark kids will instead believe in willpower and common sense.

I don’t whole heartedly support “drugs are bad mmmkay” the way it is taught in schools, because it demonizes marijuana, and is rather hypocritical when so many of the kids are already on behavior altering prescription drugs. [/quote]

i think ur not allowing yourself to see anything other than 100% blame on person/enviorment. Take drinking for example. Encouraged by our society, legal, addicting mentally and physically. Are you saying there is no such thing as alcoholics from genetics at all? just by experience i find this to be false. Out of my friends the ones who’s families have it in them, show to be more drinkers than say me who’s family has only a couple glasses of wine at dinner but never gets drunk. This doubly supports genetics and enviorment which is why i think ur being one sided in saying genetics has no role. My friend literally loves the taste of alchohal, u think thats not partiually genetic? I hate it, cant even drink a beet without feeling sick and dont really enjoy ebing drunk all that much. Pot? Different story, friend who likes booze barely likes pot and the same is true for everyone in his family, u can say the same about cigs too. Sure its enviorment, but u cant say genetics dont have a role when u have a variety of cases living in the same place.
Also, u can do drugs and not be addicted. Its not hard for some, it is for others, but it is possible to get intoxicated recreationally, because after all life has no fucking point in reality so why not get a lil fucked up here and there?

44

[quote]Samir wrote:

[quote]usmccds423 wrote:
What if you can buy the coach at 0% interest?

Agree with most of the list, I’d change overbuying on a house/car to buying anything above your means. Also it’s kind of hard to just “not get addicted”. I mean I doubt most addicts begin their addiction on purpose. [/quote]

Great question. The thing with 0% deals is that they’re not really 0% deals. They’re usually 0% for the first X months, followed by egregious interest, for the remainder of the loan. I’d say if you have the money aside already, why not let it sit for awhile and earn interest, and then pay off the loan.

However, the thing I have against this is that 0% interest is basically a crack deal. You get addicted to credit, you start on that slope… 0%, 1%, … 3%… before you know it you’re 50,000 in the hole. I have a friend who keeps moving 35k around from 0% plan to 0% plan, and believe me it still stresses him out.

Which brings me to the second topic: Addiction. We live in the age of information. If you don’t know something is addictive before you try it, in this day and age, you’re probably not the type to hit my 60% compliance factor anyway.
[/quote]

I agree if you have an addictive personality and you go from a 0% loan to 3 then 5 etc… you will end up with financial problems. That is an entirely different problem though. What I’m saying is a 0% loan can be helpful and even a smart idea. For example, I’m in the process of moving and will probably spend about $10K in furniture (some we need some we want). We have the money now, but why not use the stores 0% interest for a year and let the money we have sit in the bank? We earn interest and get the stuff while also increasing our credit. I don’t see a problem unless we then spend the money and are stuck with some astronomical interet rate after our year is up. I’m sure it happens.

I also think the idea of “letting money sit and earn interest” is great, except how much interest are you earning? I think my ingdirect account is less than 1%.

As far as addiction goes I agree you should be informed about some addictions. Like alcohol for example, but there isn’t information out there about every kind of addiction and I imagine people get addicted to new things all the time.

For example I know of at least 2 marriages that ended because of an addiction to some MMORPG. That of course is a newish addiction. There’s probably information out now about this kind of addiction, but 5 - 10 years ago a doubt it.

I don’t really disagree with you, honestly I think if you just simply “Act like a man and not a pussy” you’ll do just fine. I’m more or less just playing devils advocate.

45

Oh geez, one statement was blown way out of proportion. “Don’t get addicted to drugs” simply meant, if you know its addicting, don’t do it. I follow that rule simply enough. Oh crack? No thanks, I don’t want to get addicted to it. Easy way to not get addicted to it. Leave the genetics talk to someone with a lab and proof.

For fucks sake.

46

Love thyself.
Meaning, have enough self esteem to not be a doormat and don’t settle for 2nd best. For example, we all know people in bad marriages. But some people don’t want to be alone, so they…

  1. Go on a first date and see that there’s some character weakness
  2. Go out with them again and again until they are boyfriend girlfriend
  3. Get engaged to them hoping the other person will change
  4. Have 6 months to a year planning the wedding and seeing Bridezilla or whatever you call the groom in fullbloom and still get married
  5. Buy a house
  6. Have a child
  7. Marriage stinks so let’s have another child in hopes of saving the marriage and make the house even more dysfunctional.

If they were strong enough of an individual, they would have walked away. Now, facing child support, alimony and two housing payments they’re sentenced to 20 years of absolute misery.

47

Don’t buy a house on credit, it’s a historically horrendous investment. Rent.

48

[quote]Dt546 wrote:
To touch on #6, you have oversimplified the “dont get addicted to drugs” thing. If it were that simple, than no one would get addicted to drugs. There is a whole lot that goes into it, and it is estimated 60% of drug addictions are the result of the individuals genetics. Pretty hard to avoid your genetics, not saying this as a cop-out, but a large portion of the population does not understand addiction (and make ignorent statements like “dont be a dumbass and get addicted to drugs”). I am an addict in recovery, and I can say with near certainty, that drug addiction was unavoidable for me, and no matter my surroundings it was going to run its course. I am not suggesting anyone who thinks they are an addict should go out and do as many drugs as possible so the addiction can “run its course.” I am saying that it is not a black and white subject, and cannot be simplified into “dont get addicted to drugs.”[/quote]

You don’t get addicted to drugs until you choose to do it the first time, right?

49

[quote]Eielson wrote:

[quote]Dt546 wrote:
To touch on #6, you have oversimplified the “dont get addicted to drugs” thing. If it were that simple, than no one would get addicted to drugs. There is a whole lot that goes into it, and it is estimated 60% of drug addictions are the result of the individuals genetics. Pretty hard to avoid your genetics, not saying this as a cop-out, but a large portion of the population does not understand addiction (and make ignorent statements like “dont be a dumbass and get addicted to drugs”). I am an addict in recovery, and I can say with near certainty, that drug addiction was unavoidable for me, and no matter my surroundings it was going to run its course. I am not suggesting anyone who thinks they are an addict should go out and do as many drugs as possible so the addiction can “run its course.” I am saying that it is not a black and white subject, and cannot be simplified into “dont get addicted to drugs.”[/quote]

You don’t get addicted to drugs until you choose to do it the first time, right?[/quote]

NO, you’re born with the addiction. Dang, don’t ya’ll read. Genetics.

50

[quote]Dt546 wrote:
To touch on #6, you have oversimplified the “dont get addicted to drugs” thing. If it were that simple, than no one would get addicted to drugs. There is a whole lot that goes into it, and it is estimated 60% of drug addictions are the result of the individuals genetics. Pretty hard to avoid your genetics, not saying this as a cop-out, but a large portion of the population does not understand addiction (and make ignorent statements like “dont be a dumbass and get addicted to drugs”). I am an addict in recovery, and I can say with near certainty, that drug addiction was unavoidable for me, and no matter my surroundings it was going to run its course. I am not suggesting anyone who thinks they are an addict should go out and do as many drugs as possible so the addiction can “run its course.” I am saying that it is not a black and white subject, and cannot be simplified into “dont get addicted to drugs.”[/quote]

Genetics is one thing, putting something in your body is another. To say “I’d be an addict no matter what” is not necessarily a bad thing. To aim that at something negative is. People addicted to beneficial things are usually called successful.

51

Here’s a rule to live by; don’t put a drug in your body that might have been made in a bathtub that you wouldn’t be willing to take a bath in.

I hear stories about drugs like ecstasy being made in run down trailer park bathtubs and made by the people who live in run down trailer parks. People will actually inject these drugs into their bodies! I wouldn’t eat a hamburger made by someone in one of those trailer parks yet some people will actually take those drugs. It baffles me.

52

[quote]on edge wrote:
Here’s a rule to live by; don’t put a drug in your body that might have been made in a bathtub that you wouldn’t be willing to take a bath in.

I hear stories about drugs like ecstasy being made in run down trailer park bathtubs and made by the people who live in run down trailer parks. People will actually inject these drugs into their bodies! I wouldn’t eat a hamburger made by someone in one of those trailer parks yet some people will actually take those drugs. It baffles me.[/quote]

You haven’t done drugs before, have you, OE?

I’d just say that if addiction runs in you family, avoid drugs and alcohol.

Addiction runs in my family and it’s not a good time for the people around them. Plus, many people get hooked on prescription drugs. So, it’s a little more complicated than just saying “no”.

53

Quixtar

Make 50k a week and never leave you home

54

[quote]imhungry wrote:

[quote]on edge wrote:
Here’s a rule to live by; don’t put a drug in your body that might have been made in a bathtub that you wouldn’t be willing to take a bath in.

I hear stories about drugs like ecstasy being made in run down trailer park bathtubs and made by the people who live in run down trailer parks. People will actually inject these drugs into their bodies! I wouldn’t eat a hamburger made by someone in one of those trailer parks yet some people will actually take those drugs. It baffles me.[/quote]

You haven’t done drugs before, have you, OE?

I’d just say that if addiction runs in you family, avoid drugs and alcohol.

Addiction runs in my family and it’s not a good time for the people around them. Plus, many people get hooked on prescription drugs. So, it’s a little more complicated than just saying “no”.[/quote]

There you go being all reasonable again, IH. It’s not like anybody here will ever get a shoulder or back injury that may require long term use of opiate based pain killers. And even if they did, why they’d just cowboy up and put that stuff down.

They’re all way more hard core than a huge percentage of professional athletes and body builders. Way more. And smarter. Cuz as has been stated, people who get hooked are just weak willed idiots.

55

Oh yeah, everyone who does crack is only doing it because they had a bad leg injury and they couldn’t stop.

In some circumstances, saying no is enough. There are circumstances where people get addicted to prescription drugs (a la House) or unwillingly/unknowingly take drugs. But know what? A lot of the cases, people just shoot up cuz they want to. They want to feel good. And the high from weed may just not be enough anymore.

56

[quote]Nikki9591 wrote:
Oh yeah, everyone who does crack is only doing it because they had a bad leg injury and they couldn’t stop.

In some circumstances, saying no is enough. There are circumstances where people get addicted to prescription drugs (a la House) or unwillingly/unknowingly take drugs. But know what? A lot of the cases, people just shoot up cuz they want to. They want to feel good. And the high from weed may just not be enough anymore.

[/quote]

Was that a silly attempt at a cogent response to a common occurrence?

You should quit while you are still way behind.

57

[quote]SkyzykS wrote:

[quote]Nikki9591 wrote:
Oh yeah, everyone who does crack is only doing it because they had a bad leg injury and they couldn’t stop.

In some circumstances, saying no is enough. There are circumstances where people get addicted to prescription drugs (a la House) or unwillingly/unknowingly take drugs. But know what? A lot of the cases, people just shoot up cuz they want to. They want to feel good. And the high from weed may just not be enough anymore.

[/quote]

Was that a silly attempt at a cogent response to a common occurrence?

You should quit while you are still way behind.
[/quote]

Sorry for not believing every case is the same. I understand what you and IH are saying, but I won’t go as far to say that the better percentage of drug addiction is due to injuries.

So put the defenses down, I thought adults could just have a conversation.

58

[quote]Nikki9591 wrote:

[quote]SkyzykS wrote:

[quote]Nikki9591 wrote:
Oh yeah, everyone who does crack is only doing it because they had a bad leg injury and they couldn’t stop.

In some circumstances, saying no is enough. There are circumstances where people get addicted to prescription drugs (a la House) or unwillingly/unknowingly take drugs. But know what? A lot of the cases, people just shoot up cuz they want to. They want to feel good. And the high from weed may just not be enough anymore.

[/quote]

Was that a silly attempt at a cogent response to a common occurrence?

You should quit while you are still way behind.
[/quote]

Sorry for not believing every case is the same. I understand what you and IH are saying, but I won’t go as far to say that the better percentage of drug addiction is due to injuries.

So put the defenses down, I thought adults could just have a conversation.
[/quote]

Who said every case is the same? Or that the better percentage of drug addiction is due to injuries?

There is no defensiveness in me, and the adults were having an adult conversation until you started slopping things up with that broad brush of yours.

You may want to re-read that post you have taken issue with before commenting further.

59

How did we get into a drug and genetics argument?

Some people are pre-disposed to addiction. People with family history of alcoholism and stuff will (in general) find it much easier to get hooked and a lot harder to get off of.

What is everyone’s problem with that?

It’s a lot like genetics in body-building. Some people gain mass easier than others, some get leaner easier than others, but at the end of the day everyone has it within their power to improve (or get help with their addiction/not try drugs in the first place).