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When facing a terrible and unchangeable truth, is drug use still a bad idea? (lemmy.world)

submitted 19 hours ago* (last edited 19 hours ago) by MTK@lemmy.world to c/asklemmy@lemmy.world

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Title is a bit much so let me explain.

The world has all kinds of terrible things that the individual can do basically nothing about. Luckily, for most of us it has no direct impact and we are able to ignore the painful reality. But what if you were in a situation where it did impact you? In a way that is part of your everyday. What if for years you are struggling with the internal conflict of "there is nothing I can do about it" and "I can't continue like this"?

As for the drugs, I specifically mean weed and specifically for the days where I find it too hard to ignore. I find myself thinking that if I get high I will have an easier time ignoring the pain and doing something good like cleaning or working.

Notes:

Don't bother with telling me that even the individual has the power to make great changes, I believe it and I'm doing my best, but I am also aware of the fact that this situation will not be changed in my lifetime probably.
I'm not suicidal, I don't harm myself and while I can tell that lately I have been using weed too much, I don't think I am abusing it. I'm logging my usage and I review it weekly, If it get's out of hand I will know (I think)
I'm mostly asking about using external stimulation as a form of escapism
Yes, I need therapy, sadly it is expensive. Yes I am looking for options.

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[–] Zos_Kia@lemmynsfw.com 5 points 14 hours ago

I think that's too general and doesn't take into account the reality of one's situation.

Should depressed people feel their depression? To a certain extent, yes, but after a certain point it does not bring any more processing and just trains the brain to continue being depressed. At that point it becomes legitimate to repress those feelings with mind altering substances such as anti depressants.

I don't know the specifics of OPs situation but imagine you were in a war torn country. Would it be better to be paralyzed by anxiety and grief, or to smoke a joint and be able to function? Would the response be different if it was anxiety meds rather than weed?

My only reservation would be that weed is often a poor anxiolytic and can even become anxiogenous in certain usage patterns. But if it works for OP, all the power to them, as weaning from weed is generally easier and less risky than weaning from benzos.