First time high: Why saying "yes" makes sense
FAQs: Reasons to initiate drug use
FAQs is a collection of articles that address common questions & assumptions about drugs & people who use drugs (PWUD). We don’t ever claim to know all the answers, but we hope that, by articulating our thoughts and opinions, our readers will better understand our approach to substance use education. Ultimately, we hope that our FAQs will leave readers with more questions than answers.
Have you ever…
Do certain foods — like cheesecake or filet mignon — bring you pleasure? Have you ever felt the ecstacy of a runner’s high? What about a laugh attack so intense you thought you’d die?
Do you remember falling in love? That sticky sweet feeling tethering your brain and heart? It keeps you awake; it’s all-consuming. A love so fierce it makes you sick.
Were you ever gut-punched by a song? As if it was the only song in the world. And you were levitating — and you saw stars.
How about drugs? Did you ever experiment with marijuana or cocaine in high school? Do you remember your first (alcoholic) drink? What about your first time getting drunk?
Whoever you are, we bet you can relate to one, a few, or all of the above scenarios.
In Getting Better in Vancouver, the author describes drugs as ‘medicinal and/or chemical substances that produce physiological effects when consumed.’
Illegal drugs (like heroin and methamphetamine) are psychoactive, capable of altering our consciousness, moods, behaviours and perceptions.
But psychoactive chemicals are also found in common grocery, household and pharmacy products, like caffeine, nicotine, chocolate (and other sugary foods and drinks), cough/cold and allergy medications, antidepressants, non-prescription sleep aids, Tylenol, and Advil.
In Canada (and other Western countries/societies), we often rely on pharmacology to treat pain and other symptoms caused by physical/mental illnesses and conditions. So, it’s reasonable to conclude that psychoactive drugs are difficult (if not impossible) to avoid.
‘Drug use has been common since ancient times and has been common in almost every society.’ — Drug Use in History
Reasons to initiate drug use
Drug use is an attempt to change something, like a feeling or sensation.
Even though many psychoactive chemicals are legal, certain mood and mind-altering drugs are illegal.
Illegal drugs are often assumed to cause mostly negative side-effects and socioeconomic harms. Why, then, do so many of us seek drugs in the first place? Don’t the costs — to individuals and society — outweigh the benefits? Does initiation of drug use indicate a disease or injury?
No.
At least, illness should (probably) not be a first assumption.
Here are some of the many reasons people decide to use drugs:
To feel pleasure and joy
To escape a bad situation or feeling
To make a situation or feeling last longer
To escape boredom
To get energy
To invoke courage
To explore uncharted emotional or unconscious waters
To reduce pain and discomfort
To enhance sexual pleasure
To feel confident
To deal with mental health symptoms, like anxiety and depression
To feel less alone
To stave off withdrawal symptoms
To enjoy a sunny day
To emulate someone else
To feel cool
To look cool
To escape from painful memories
Because it’s a habit
Because you saw your parents do it
Because you want to piss off parents, teachers, cops
Because you’re curious
Because you’re looking for something you can’t find
Because you’re traumatized
Because you can’t be who you are
Because you’re restless
Because there’s nothing better to do
Because you feel stuck
To lift yourself up, up and away
To sleep
To stay awake
To feel loved
To stop loving someone
To deal with grief
To counter uncomfortable side effects from another drug
To make music
To generate inspiration
To get up in the morning
To reduce hunger
To get or stay thin
To keep working
To cover up an illness or injury
To win a race or competition
To give yourself a treat, a gift, a break
To feel beautiful
To disappear
To find God
To tolerate someone or something repulsive
To control your anger
Because you’re missing something
Because you want to feel or think less
Because you want to feel or think more
Because you’re trying to replace something lost (or something that never was)
Because another drug or substance stopped working
Because otherwise you’d kill yourself
Because you want someone’s attention
Because you made a mistake
Because you don’t love yourself
Because no one loves you
Because it’s all you’ve ever known
Because life is disappointing
Because life is pain
Because humans have used drugs of all kinds for centuries, or longer
First time bud: Where’s the fire?
It’s a mistake to assume that drug use is bad, causing only pain and misery to individual and those around them. First times can be sensational, or unpleasant. First times can also be neutral and confusing.
You may recall smoking marijuana for the first time. Perhaps you were one of many first-time smokers who didn’t feel that first time high. And since you didn’t know what to expect, you may have felt skeptical or embarrased — not to mention, let down.
“Feel anything yet?”
“…I think so…”
Maybe it took a few attempts before you experienced a definite change in sensation. A marijuana high, once elicited, tends to vanquish feelings of doubt or uncertainty (like your first orgasm).
Marijuana is beloved by many. But it can also incur negative side-effects. For example, some folks feel anxious or fearful when they smoke pot.
Some of us avoid drugs that elicit nasty side-effects. Others are not so easily deterred, especially if the drug has a reputation for pleasure enhancement.
One thing is certain: every high is different. Tolerance builds with repeated use. And the unregulated/illegal nature of our street drugs practically guarantees inconsistent effects.
Criminalization makes drug use riskier, fostering a need for harm reduction interventions (like safe consumption sites and availability of naloxone).
And still, the human desire seek and use drugs, despite the risks, does not indicate an abnormality or disorder. And yet, that’s the story many of us are told, and taught to uphold.
I am a fan of the new series Roots! I think it’s a great idea to address common questions from the crowd that isn’t as accepting.