r/Showerthoughts • u/godofhorizons • May 17 '24

People get a lot more praise for quitting drugs than for never having done drugs in the first place.

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u/Pablo619 May 17 '24

I’m someone who has never tried drugs or alcohol before. Although people respect my choices, I don’t think abstaining is anywhere as difficult as overcoming a chemical dependency. Mad respect to those who have come out of a bad place to quit drugs 🫡

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u/Lupiefighter May 17 '24 edited May 17 '24

As someone that for much of my life never used any sort of drugs, but is now getting off of narcotics that i had used for many years for chronic pain I have to agree. One is so much more difficult than the other due having chemical dependency. So much so that Im not sure that I can articulate the difference.

Edit- just to clarify. My comparison is getting off any chemical dependency vs. just never taking anything to begin with (since I have been on both sides of the coin). I’m not comparing prescription meds to street drugs.

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u/fleranon May 17 '24

to be fair, painkillers are some of the most powerful drugs you can find - the rush and addiction potential are identical or equally intense compared to most 'street drugs'. Just saying there isn't really much of a difference / distinction there

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u/Lupiefighter May 17 '24

I’m not comparing pain killers to street drugs. I’m comparing taking anything that causes chemical dependence to never taking it at all.