How to Handle A Plague, 16) Better living through chemistry.

[gaudior]

So, all these entries are "works for some people not for others." This is extremely one of these, because plenty of people in overwhelming pain have gotten addicted to substances, and had to work extremely hard to stop, and if that is you, then please do use some of the other coping skills you have learned instead.

16) Better living through chemistry.

However, if you are like me, and usually turn to other coping skills first, but have nevertheless arrived where I got yesterday, which was dispirited and exhausted and stressed out, you might want to try what I did, which is to take some of a legal substance in your state, which you acquired legally*, and get incredibly fucking high.

Because, I don't know, sometimes all my coping skills will only do so much to persuade my body that it is okay to relax, but a psychotropic substance is much more persuasive. And then the next morning, I feel so much better-rested, and in so much better a mood, and so much more prepared to face all the pandemic shit.

I should note, also, that prescribed medications are also extremely valuable, and it's worth using those if you have them. I understand that people worry about getting addicted, and so may use, say, benzodiazepenes very sparsely, and that is wise. And at the same time, when you are actually feeling that terrible, this is probably one of those few times when it's the right medicine for you.

So that is why there was not an entry last night, because frankly, I had nothing good to say on leaving work. But now I do, and here we are. So, therefore.

--R

*in my case, my stepdad, who used to grow medical marijuana for himself, then discovered that CBD oil was much better for him, but was really enjoying growing the plants, and besides, found that they really mellowed out his cat who lives in the basement and is afraid of everything, especially the upstairs cats. So every once in a while, he will just present someone with a very nice present.

Comments

[asakiyume]

That's an adorable story about your stepdad--and the cat.

And yeah, I think there's room in the world for better living through chemistry, with all the caveats you mention.

[oracne]

I'm glad it worked!

[phi]

Ugghh, it's still illegal at the federal level, which means I can't, unless I want to lose my security clearance. Federal legalization can't come soon enough, IMO. But yeah, 100% with you here. Gotta schedule an appointment with my MD to talk about my anxiety meds -- what I'm prescribed right now is not cutting it. At all.

[marahmarie]

Agreed sometimes it's better to just relax for the moment than abstain completely. Have been seeing this for myself (though not usually via myself) more clearly lately. Taking a hardline against anything right now, if it's going to kill your mellow or sense of can-do entirely, doesn't seem worth it considering the present-day risks we're all up against.