Good for you. I had to stop a 2 year long 16mg a day Dilaudid addiction cold turkey and it’s literal hell on earth. but got it done. hard shit. very hard
Unfortunately, they keep enabling addicts by calling it a disease. It’s a moral failing of the individual. As an ex-junkie, listening to people like this woman only made my life worse. It’s when I started taking responsibility for my life and my behaviors that I started getting better.
@@smelltheglove2038 its a disease the same way an std is a disease. Both require a conscious decision to take part in certain activities in order to contract said diseases. And I resent your explanation of it being a "moral failing." My cousins child died from a rare gene mutation shortly after she was born, causing my cousin to become severely depressed and self medicate on drugs. Do you really think she and people like her are "failing morally?"
@@levi9414 it’s a choice to use drugs , especially in a destructive way. You can lie to yourself and blame outside forces but no matter what happened to you you’re the one choosing to take drugs and self medicate. Eventually physical dependence will set in depending on what drugs you’re using and that’s where the “disease” part comes in.
The only reason why people now are so addicted to everything is because people now cant accept the reality out of anything. People now do everything that they can to just always be at the bottom and to never be at the top, so now they just have to blame their miserable lives upon others when their the ones who've made themselves that way. Always this juvenile victim blaming game that never ends amongst society.
The most powerful part of addiction imo is the way that we can easily self manipulate. You can manipulate your own thoughts to do things as if it is some type of mind control that you can't avoid. Own worst enemy.
you're right, it's so crazy. when i was using, i made myself believe that there was a logical reason to use every single time i did it. i made an excuse and made myself believe it was okay. bad day? i deserve to use, it'll make me feel better. good day? i should reward myself and get high. it was like that with every emotion, mood, and feeling. i still struggle with that mind set, and i haven't used in years.
To whoever is struggling with an addiction, just know that we are rooting for you. I hope that one day you will stop and never look back. God speed and good luck.
That's me. Addicted since 08. I have gained ton of weight bc I get high and eat unhealthy. Also I just had my 3 rd surgery on both arms bc of bone infection from years of shooting up. Trying to find the right treatment to deal with my addiction and mental health.
Why is that the only support ever, just quit? Some people really need these medications for serious chronic pain ... why is the conversation never "let's get you safe drugs so you don't die on us"
I was addicted to heroin for 9 years until I got locked up for a couple weeks. I would relapse but eventually I cleaned up. Now you couldn't pay me to do heroin. That shit is slavery. It's like a high interest loan on happiness
3 years clean from meth, 1 year from other substances and 4 months clean from pot. Could never imagined where I’d be right now. I’ve formed new addictions with gym and writing music, but I truly believe the addiction has made me appreciate life 10 fold compared to before hand. My motivation abs desire to succeed is way more than I ever could have imagined. And I never thought I’d say this but it does gave positives if you can escape
@@sporillasanchez1648 you’ve obviously never been a victim of drug endured psychosis, I was hearing, and seeing things that weren’t real. The lack of serotonin and belief I would ever come back was frieghtdning. I thought I was forever going to be “schizophrenic” not realising my brain could recover. Living in a crack den with my family gone and Dad on the verge of death. I understand I made the choice, but there’s a much darker side to methamphetamine use than you could ever imagine. It took 2 years for my serotonin levels to become normal, but I beat it. And I know you’re ignorance is due to being in a much more positive enviroment abd mindset than myself. And I commend you for never falling down that path. And understand why you’d have that opinion. But don’t discriminate users as they have most likely have been surrounded by a lot more trauma than yourself. I’ve escaped that shit hole and am proud, gaining back more than I ever could’ve imagined. My mind set was always extremely strong, that’s why I was able to escape. Trust me you never want to wake up suicidal or hope that you would stop hallucinating. Please open your eyes because it will only put those who are still suffering down a further hole. I understand that’s your mindset from being surrounded by greater things, but appreciate it and maybe try have a positive impact on ALL of those around you
My mother met my father in prison - she was a prison guard, my father a prisoner. Mom was (and still is) always a “normal” woman with no addictions past cigarettes. My father is and always has been a repeat offender and Heroin addict. At age 14, I was so conflicted by the duality of life that I had seen, my mother’s side V my fathers side, I was truly lost.. and wanted to feel closer to my father. “What is so good about this life and heroin that he would love it more than me..?” That was the question. I was shot up with heroin by my father at age 14. It has taken a HUGE toll on my mental health, my growth, emotionally, physically, and mentally. I’m 26 years old now. 6 years clean. But life is not easier in certain aspects. Addiction is VERY prominent in my blood.. and it shows itself in many aspects. I just have to be aware of it, and keeping the empty void inside filled. Change is possible.. however most importantly.. I (you) HAVE TO WANT IT.
7 years clean that’s amazing congrats 👏 I wish I was as strong as people like you who get clean after so many years . I know it’s still hard to deal with addiction even after being clean for so many years , but experiences like these do help other people out there trust me you might’ve saved a few lives just by sharing your experience .
dude.. this comment gave me chills, but thanks for sharing , reading this just makes me want to be sober even more! 2 yrs n half without alcohol and almost 1 year without weed ! :D
The dopamine thing is my least favorite part about addiction. I can definitely feel that dopamine deficit and I think it's why I'm drawn to things with more sensory overload now.
Exercise is one of the best things you can do to restore your brain to normal. Takes time but is much faster than if you were to stay clean and not exercise
If she described the dopamine system correctly. It’s actually the opposite, where dopamine release is a motivational function resulting in us craving the drug. So with an increase of dopamine release will lead us to wanting the drug. Dopamine is not related to the reward. It’s related to the motivation of reward. So you don’t get a hit of dopamine after you take drugs, you get it before. Look up Dr. Berridge paper on what the role of dopamine plays in the reward pathway. Also look up the liking wanting theory
I was a injecting heroin addict for 2.5 years, then off and on addict for another 1.5 years. The best way I can explain it is it’s a progressing “disease.” The first couple times you do it you feel great. You can do it and go weeks before wanting to do it again. Over time the times you do it become closer and closer. Eventually you’ll do it everyday (I started off snorting). And I would hangout with people that shot up and they would do 1/4 of what I would do and get x2 higher. So naturally, I ended up shooting up. Once you cross a moral line tho, you never go back. If I snort it now I’m wasting it - so I mine as well shoot it every time. Then over time it gets to the point that if you do not do it you will get very sick. So you start justifying and rationalizing things you will do to get money. Every “I’ll never do that” you’ll cross. When you first started doing it you would see people “worse” off than you and say “I’m bad but I’m not THAT bad.” Then you slowly become that person. You become someone you don’t even know anymore. You don’t want to look at yourself in the mirror. Your filled with so much self pity regret and guilt for the things you’ve done. So you just say f*** it. I mine as well just keep using. It’s the only thing I have anymore. It’s kinda like Anakin becoming Darth Vader in ep3. When he crosses a certain line it’s too late.
You summed up the way it went down for me exact. I never got to shooting but i would sniff more and more to the point my kidneys wouldn't function properly. I had 3 nearly fatal overdoses from combining downers due to high tolerance. Been clean almost 10 years now, never went though a program just came to the conclusion that if i touch the shit again i'll die so i had to quit forreal instead of coming up with another reason to rationalize my use. It's an awful cycle and you hit the nail on the head how it starts.
This really got to me. I'm at the on and off stage right now. I use to injec when it was bad but now when I do use, i smoke. I relapsed a week ago. I haven't looked in the mirror since and been in bed basically for a week. The shame, cringe and remorse is so bad I can't even keep in my mind, I'll scream , basically talk to myself out loud. How did u get clean?
@@infectedmuhrom6039 I know what your going through its awful man, getting clean is the hardest thing I've ever been through but it was a bit easier because my 3 near death experiences the last one being the worst, I accepted at that moment that me using=death. I couldn't rationalize it anymore and I never was suicidal or wanted to die so I only had one option left, to live. After I got discharged from the hospital I was in for a week and a half I was already detoxed from all the ivs and fluids pumped into me, that the physical part of the withdrawal was over but the psychological issues were hard to deal with. I even had severe short term memories issues due to lack of oxygen to the brain that took nearly a year to fully recover. I basically became a shut in for quite a long time, rarely leaving my parents house, and had to lose contact with all my friends who were using and try to rekindle friendships I had with older friends who didn't go down that path. Turned my life around and worked my ass off at various jobs saving every penny until I could afford a small house a paid cash for 3 years ago. Held a job for 5 years, got in great shape physically, and taught my self how to trade in the financial markets and have done quite well for myself. Don't give up man I hit rock bottom and crawled myself out you can too you just have to make big changes in your life. The AA meetings didn't really resonate with me, but I've always been more of a loner. I believe if you accept if you don't change it is guaranteed death and you prefer to live, you will find some spark of motivation inside of you to make it happen even on your own terms.
@@infectedmuhrom6039 tbh I’ve never been able to get clean without going to detox / treatment. If you have insurance go. If you don’t have insurance, there’s 2 routes you can do: 1. Get insurance (ONLY OBAMACARE / or through employer) Obamacare is healthcare gov . Make sure you ask them if it will cover treatment in other states (Florida California Texas) 2. Around the beginning of each month call every treatment center you can find in any/every city. And ask them for a scholarship. If they say no. Call them again the next day, the day after that, etc. They will want to see that you’re “willing” and that you actually want to get clean. - in the meantime look up AA / NA meetings in your area and see if anyone there can help you in terms of finding a halfway house / support group / sponsor etc.
Getting clean is the easy part... it's learning to live without drugs that's hard. That's why I need a program in my life. 11 months clean today thanks to N.A Wee do recover 🙏🙏🙏
@L Q I did NA, AA & therapy… I eventually did therapy only and now Im not doing anything bc Im mentally stable enough to where its not needed. Anyone can achieve this!
and for clarity, i had a whole mental health team. i paid a ton of money. it came to a point where they literally told me i met all of my goals and i didnt need any type of therapy anymore. they said to reach out if im sad etc. but other than that, my doctors & therapists said you’re all good lol
October 3rd will be 8 years sober from alcohol 😊, It's the smartest thing i ever did and if you are struggling with addiction or sobriety i promise you it gets easier and the juice is worth the squeeze .
Well done. I'm sober for almost 5 years and it was the best decision to quit before I died or became homeless. Alcohol leads to other things too. Take care.
Hands-down the best explanation I’ve ever heard in my life. Thanks JRE. . I have been saying, writing, and singing about some of the same things for the last five years but nobody gets to hear an addiction / recovery song by a nobody singer songwriter thanks to RUclips’s algorithms. So, if you’re reading this, I say thank you and please spread the word, and this video. For the fact alone that it makes us feel almost normal in comparison to someone, It’s more important to us then you may realize. Not everyone asks to be injured at work, then unknowingly get hooked on narcotics, and ruin their life, while trying not to ruin their life. I beat it so far ….. I’m a “ success “ again hopefully the future doesn’t throw many more days like today at me.
Shout out to anyone listening to this JRE clip that are currently going through an active addiction like me. Podcasts guest like Anna Lembke addressing addiction are extremely valuable.
Imagine... Hitting those free & based crystals and then just seeing a crummy 80s puppetmonster movie. I learned _nothing,_ and didn't even have a good time. _Mediocre._
This actually kind of explained why so many people say, “Love is Pain.” I know a little bit of a different takeaway on this, but that also popped into my head when she was talking about the teeter totter.
What I learned in addiction is that any addiction separates you from the self. After awhile, it’s difficult to remember who you are, and who you are because of how this substance makes you act/think. It’s scary.
I don't know about second dad and all but yes to the billion percent this amongst others I've gotten a real education from and not my actual "degrees". Fuck mainstream media and indoctrination education and they liberal bullshit!
I would say that yes first high could be a factor but even far down the road when one is physically addicted you still get a “rush” from heroin, fent, dilaudid ect. Ive been an opiate addict most of my life with many periods of clean time, overdoses and relapses. I now have four months clean. Bottom line is addiction is extremely powerful and misunderstood by 90% of people who havent experienced it so this type of education is important.
Cold turkey is one of my favorite terms as well. It’s a way to describe acute withdrawal. You feel like a cold dead turkey. Slimey and cold and in pain
Addiction can be anything that you do that gives you immediate gratification in the short term and negative consequences in the long term. Can be sugar, drugs, sex, gambling, shopping, internet, cell phone, working etc
2nd day sober from cannabis I know it’s not the hardest drug out there but I’ve been smoking for years so it’s a big change for me trying to avoid relapsing
Wow,i wish i was addictied to weed, i am a meth addict and its the worst thing ever, smoke up them trees guys, aint nun bad with weed, but if u wanna stop well best of luck to you
Man...as someone who is addicted to more than one substance this perfectly explains how I comprehend my own addictions. I've had one highschool ap psychology class yet I can understand my addiction logically without making any major changes in my behavior
The disease model does more harm than good regarding addiction. Addiction is not a disease, addiction is a means to solve a problem. A problem that is, consciously or unconsciously, rooted in past trauma, emotional pain or psychological hurt. As dr. Gabor Maté says: don't ask why the addiction, ask why the pain. Yes, addiction causes changes in brain chemistry and neural pathways, but that is a consequence of addiction, not the cause.
Thanks expert. That doesn’t really explain how someone could be living a life without trauma and decide to start using heroin or meth and then become addicted to the substance and can’t quit. So I’m that instance, addiction is the consequence to the cause of…. Just making a decision?
@@DropIt56 trauma doesnt always have to be loud and explosive, and the typical definition of trauma might give the wrong idea here. ‘Small’ things from your early years might cause some pain or emptiness inside that later in life, you might try to (unconsciously) fill through addiction. Like me, for instance. Had a great youth with all that I could ask for, Im blessed with my opportunities. Though one little thing from my past (my parents telling me that everything in life comes at me easily, like not having to do a lot of effort to achieve something special), gave me serious anxiety regarding what I should do with my life, fair of failing, fair of being alive with so many possibilities that it actually paralizes me, stuff like that. That was the cause of a 13 year addiction as soon as I left highschool, cause I didnt know what I should do while knowing I could achieve so much. So, not trying to be smart here, or trying to tell you how it works..: if you ask yourself if there might be some deep hidden pain, loss, anxiety or ‘trauma’ in your life which could explain why you try comfort yourself through an addiction, what would the honest answer be? For me, there is great healing in answering this question honestly. Hope it might do something for you as well. If not, no worries. Everybody’s got their own paths.
@John You are right about the difference between physical and psychological addiction, but both produce the same neurological changes described in this video. Abuse and dependence both are addiction. Abuse (psychological) and dependency (physical) differ in their onset and treatment. Though, it’s not either or. Both forms of addiction occur simultaneously 9 out of 10 times, therefore the pain-narrative applies in practically all cases.
This is a good mindset to keep people thinking they'll be addicts for life and keep them always talking about addiction this and addiction that. Gotta make sure you keep your clients.
Its common knowledge that “once an addict, always an addict” and its true in most cases If you find yourself addicted to stimuli that produce positive feelings or repeating stimuli that produce positive stimuli you are an addict and its not something people can just turn off; it is an overall trend or characteristic of a person
Thank you for explaining exactly what chasing the dragon means. Many people think it means what Joe said, but it's actually an old term that opium smokers began using in the 1800s and has gone on in modern times to describe smoking H off foil. This was an amazing description of addiction.
Joe I’ve been ragging on you about fatties and food addictions. You are such an open minded beautiful person. I appreciate you and your show. I learned a lot today guest Anna Lembke.
I'm 3 months sober from a 13 year narco addiction, definitely feel like my serotonin levels are still not back to normal. It's still really hard to get out and do normal things, and find happiness in normal things that I would be really happy and motivated to do taking narco. I'm NOT going back but hopefully things go back to a level balance.
I’ve been dealing with addiction since I was 21. I’m 43 now and I honestly can’t see it ever getting any better. It was so bad that I was an absentee father. Now I’m on Methadone and Oxycodone written by a doc every month and feel like a slave to it! I was molested as a kid and I think I started using to cope with the pain! I also have bi-polar depression and have thought about suicide many times but I don’t wanna go out like that. I wish I could snap my fingers and it be over but sadly that isn’t the case….
I just kicked a 20+ year alcohol addiction and will be 2 years off it in Jan. Just keep trying different things to get sober. Then try them again at a later time if it didn’t work. I got sober when rec marijuana became legal in my state and I switched to it. I was shocked when it worked, but it did. What I never realized was that I had a choice with what I needed. Yes, I had to have a fix. There was no getting away from that. I was completely hooked. But, it didn’t have to be alcohol. It could be anything else that gave me a sufficient buzz. Marijuana worked like a charm to my surprise. All the years I drank I didn’t realize I could switch to something else. The addiction wasn’t alcohol, it was needing a buzz. So why not try something that is non addictive. So, consider trying different things to get sober. And if you can switch to another drug that can replace what you are on, if it’s safer, do it. Just remember there are withdrawal considerations as some can be very dangerous. No kidding on that one. Be sure you don’t need detox to get clean.
Jeff M it’s not recreational here in NC but I’ve always found ways around that. I think it’s gonna come down to getting my mind healthy! If I can do that, I really believe I can go to something else for the opioid addiction. I’ve tapered before and been clean for a year or so but I’ve always went right back to it when I would hit a rough patch. It’s bad to say but getting stoned on opioids is like the biggest warmest hug…. My dad passed a year and a half ago and I carried a lot of guilt for the things I did as an addict. It just broke me right back down to that level. Thank you for your kind words and advice. I really appreciate that. I won’t give up…
This is really a fantastic podcast. It was really delightful to see her so correct in her speech. She was very conscious of saying the right thing whilst still being careful not to offend Joe (as if that's possible hah) while simultaneously being quite aware of whoever might be listening and even still being real and authentic. What a delight. I would truly enjoy her as my therapist. I hope many more will enjoy her guidance and recover from whatever their dealing with.
This was actually very well explained, it gets to the point where youre only taking the substance to avoid feeling like shit where at first it was to have a good time 🤷♂️
4 years this Oct. I'm clean Off 💊 ... long story short i found my mother dead and tried over dosing myself cause I couldn't cope with life anymore.... I felt lost and honestly still wake up everyday and have to remind myself that there will never be a new memory with my mom and to hold on to the old ones why u can. God bless everyone who has overcome any type of addiction 🙏 that makes you a hero in ur own ways!
Yeah I thought he just didn't want to be there he was almost being a dick with the things he was pushing back on. Like 'think of a happy moment.' Joe: 'I have a very lucky life' .... like wtf man give her something
Addiction is crazy when you experience it yourself, I think of the film Trainspotting and how the guys tried to kick heroin but then couldn’t get use to a regular life so easily or a Sopranos quote where Christopher says he can’t deal with regular ness of life. That explains it all
I have a huge issue with addiction… 7 years sober from booze but I still smoke green, it really helps with anxiety and depression. I smoked crack for years, finally got off that but then had a meth phase. I’m an addict and know that. Even food I eat too much. When she said people who play video games! Wow, I was a gamer very early. My father took his life when I was very young, mom raised me alone. She had a bad phase after my dad died. So yeah, it was destiny for me. That was something we did together for fun, playing Mario Bros on NES 😬😔
I think the best thing my parents metaphorically drilled into me was "Every action has an equal and opposite reaction." I've found to applying that logic to a lot of things in life really helps, btw my hopes go out to all addicts or recovering addicts out there and hope you're doing good.
@@06fz1000 hey man no need to get defensive I've suffered from addiction myself but I was just giving a quote relative to the video that might help some people out, never said it would cure anything but I hope your life gets better and you can beat that shit though, stay strong my man
Those little gremlins are always there waiting for ya. I enjoyed this so much. Still wake up and make the sections not to drink or use today. It’s crazy how hard of a battle it is especially when life has been so amazing.
I know I'll always have that thing in my brain where I want relief. Relief from what? I dunno. But it's always their. Managing it and making the choice not to is where the battle happens. Been winning for 5 years now. Shhits been hard lately though.
I feel this. And I know people scoff and laugh at this... But finding faith and learning theology helped me get through addiction. Jesus saves. I met alot of people who were homeless heroin addicts who are now Bussines owners with families because of Jesus. Churches do ALOT for people struggling with addiction. It was an amazing experience and my life has changed dramatically because of it. I personally had someone close to me that beat alcoholism through Jesus and he introduced me toit.. as I was a lifelong atheist.. but I had a strong urge inside to hear him out. And give it a chance. He invited me to his church, I was very nervous. But I was welcomed with open arms.. tattooed and an addict at rock bottom.... Just saying you never know.. everyone's trying to fill a void they don't even know is there... Everything happens for a reason.
I appreciate it my dudes. I ain't given up. Hard times make the addict want to come alive. I keep him locked up. But I can still hear him talking. Hes a slick fuck. I'd know.
@@ServantofGod07 working out. Being constantly busy at work. My wife. Jocko. Jordan Peterson. Anything that'll help me have the mindset of not being a victim. Or that I'm helpless. Which I'm not. Trying to master my life the best I can. It's easy to feel sorry for your self and say tommorow I'll fix it. I know everyone is different. But for me it was. Cowboy up. Handle it. Ain't no one going to feel bad for my choices. And no kne is going to bail me out. I need a sink or swim. Cause for years I had a 1000 seconds chances. And I made the choice to make this my only shot to fix my life. I'm 35. So I feel like I have alot of ground to make up.
1 day, you will let it go and then wonder what took you so long. Bc the day you let it go, you also realize how easy it was to let go of. Your life is today! Right now. Live here! Nobody is in your past.
Addiction to pills, weed and cigs started at 11 during major development of the brain. Grew up in chaos, mama alcoholic. 20 plus years later, at least stopped smoking cigarettes but being sober is a nightmare. I have to at least smoke a joint. It absolutely sucks. I wish I never touched a drug or cig in my life.
True. During addiction your mind justifies your action so well, until you realise it's too late. And everytime you made an excuse to take drug, was actually just not to feel bad for the moment.
Dr. Gabor Mate is an expert on addiction and does not believe in disease model! Addiction is not a disease! Addiction is caused by the effects of early trauma!
Addiction is so powerful and I've wasted so much time of my life I pray that I find the strength to overcome it and live a happy life. I hate being looked down on for hurting I'm stuck inside my head and I don't know how to flip this chapter its been almost 5 years
I smoked crack for 15vyears and fentanyl for 7 yrs. I am 5 yrs clean off fentanyl in November and the last time I smoked crack was over 2 yrs ago. Today my credit score went up to 744 and I could actually feel my reward reaction rewiring in my brain! I'm addicted to paying off my credit now! Lol it feels pretty cool.
Someone once told me that "addicts are just people with a weak mind" This was approximately 10 years after I quit drinking. I was pissed off thinking that maybe I did have a weak mind. It bothered me so much I stopped smoking by telling myself I just had a weak mind. It's been 15 years of no alcohol, and 5 without a cigarette. Doesn't matter if you consider an addiction a disease, or a sickness. Just quit doing it, and suck it up, and take responsibility for your own actions. Start by making it 5 minutes being sober. Then double it... you can make it 10 minutes. Now go for thirty minutes. Pretty soon you can also be working on year 15. I still struggle, and at times it's just about making it to that next minute, you got this.
@@anjr6282 so it is about having a weak mind/will until it isn't. If you don't listen to, or have that "I should know better" voice in the beginning, you have a weak mind/will, but then it progresses so far that you can't listen to that voice anymore or else you'll get sick. You don't become addicted to something by trying it once. You become addicted to something by making it a habit.
I think someone has a weak mind if they can’t handle a substance in moderation. But hey, we’re all different right? And this is coming from someone who was hooked a couple years of Xanax. When I went to AA, they said you have to either be sober or you’re relapsing. I went for 3 months, and heard your point about how addiction was just weak minded so much. Cut to two years out of AA, and I still drink or smoke on occasion, and I do it in moderation. I think the strong minded ones are those who had an addiction, address the problems which led to a need to fill that hole, and resumed on with my life and can still have some fun from drugs but don’t don’t let it ruin their lives.
@@themonsterunderyourbed9408 I put myself Into treatment for alcoholism. I quit that with help, and support, and education. I am not saying addiction is just a weak mind. I'm just saying that calling something a disease, or calling it weak minded, it doesn't matter. What matters is Taking the first step, and letting go of excuses. My first step was admitting I needed help. Then I actively found it at a substance abuse counselors office, then being accepted into the program. I was able to quit smoking by testing myself to see if that was in fact just me making excuses, or being weak minded. I do wholeheartedly believe that some people are so far into their addictions, that the only way out is professional help, and an environmental change.
I respect everyone that has overcome addiction.. I'm currently a month and a half no alcohol.. Big binge drinker on the weekends and I would go all week working without a sip (doesn't make it any healthier).. Had plenty of falls, made horrible decisions, spent loads of cash and all in all it has not brought me anything positive other than completely drunk out of my mind nights with friends.. Which is fun and I'll cherish many of those nights but it developed into somewhat of an introverted drinking habit as well.. Drinking alone became commonplace later on which is really not a good thing.. Hopefully I can go longer than 4 months which is my personal longest sobriety time.. My mind tries to trick me into drinking any weekend, holiday, over any victory or even on a bad day.. It is readily available anywhere as well and is quite socially acceptable by most people.. Makes it that much harder.. Good luck to all of you, being sober definitely has its clarity!
I've been struggling off and on with an alcohol and coke problem, I say problem because I only use it every few weeks and only when I'm out at the bar drinking. Her information makes so much sense. I want long sobriety so much I won't quit till I get there.So many factors attribute to addiction, your not just born that way. I made a music video Stylez Major (Lost in a High) about my struggles with addiction and losing a close friend to overdoes. The comments I have gotten are mind-blowing, people seem to be touched by the song.
@@idontgetlaidbut is what it is. Song has done over 130k views on youtube with no label. Its a song for addicts, so no shame in plugging it, everyone who comes to the video says they are glad they did. But I understand where your coming from.
I was addicted to herion for the better part of the past decade and I’m 28, I quit cold turkey about 1 year ago and doing great with a baby on the way, if it wasn’t for jre and a few other podcasts there were more than a few days I could if relapsed but this show really helped me take my mind off it
So true, i'll be quitting something only to ease the withdrawal with something else. It gets more maneagable from time to time but always start using again even if its less or barely anything, its still using.
ive heard a psychiatrist say that addiction is like a size of a cup - some people have bigger cups than others. but once u empty the cup u WILL need to fill it with something else. So the goal is to get addicted to useful things.
I didn't become addict until I was 25 and by that time I had experienced a reasonable quality of life, it took me 15 yrs to get clean but I genuinely think you have a better chance of beating the addiction if you know what your missing as apposed to people who've never experienced a reasonable quality of life. Take care everyone. fAz
as an addict that is just over 7 years clean i still have a super addictive personality and see it all the time in my life and im still fairly impulsive but much much less than when i was in my early 20s. and nowadays i see it and can change it if im doing something too much in order to fill a hole or issue that im dealing with
When one relies on substances to manufacture dopemine, serotonin and other feel good chemicals, the body loses it's ability to produce it's own endorphines. But most things are medicine in moderation and poison in excess. Even food. Life is art.
What happens to your brain during addiction? You lose everything of value you ever had. You even dig up things you forgot you had so you can sell them. My experience is my brain says nothing is worth more than the fix.
Especially when your in withdrawal, there's almost nothing I would not do to get something and be better when I was on Oxy 80s everyday 8 years ago. Can't speak for all addictions, but opiate addiction is a literal demon that grips you.
@@ryohio4706 if I was going through a withdrawal, by choice or just lack of a way to get a fix, my brain would work in overdrive plotting and planning with justification for anything or anyone I might have to step on or over. It’s truly a pathetic existence and I hate myself for all the bad things I’ve done. I’m glad I’m a lot healthier now and I’m in a better place but sometimes when I think back at all the disappointment and other things I’ve caused, it can bring me back down pretty quick. Such is life I guess, I can only hope anybody who truly wants help has a pathway to find it. It’s a daily battle, some days good some days bad, everyone has their own path I guess.
@@JohnfromWaterFrontVillige Ive been there man, and still kind of am, (I'm about to completely quit my Suboxone, I'm at 1Mg/day). I totally know what you mean, when your sick, it's actually amazing the things your brain will concoct to try and get something and feel better, like going to the ER, robbing somebody, getting ahold of people you absolutely shouldn't be getting ahold of, literally anything to just get right.
Witnessing the beginning 80's crack epidemic, I watched my sister over the years struggle with Cocaine, Crack, Heroin, pills and alcohol. She died from Hep C complications and AIDS. I miss my sister so much.
My over simplified description of a substance use disorder as an LCSW who is also in recovery: Hedonic Reward Circuit/pleasure center in the midbrain is hijacked by chronic substance abuse leading to addiction. Biological, developmental, & environmental risk factors contribute to individual vulnerability to developing mild to severe substance use disorders. addiction is clinically presented as a problematic behavior that continues regardless of negative consequences. Midbrain manages the next 15 seconds...also called the vulgar part of the brain (see the 4-F's of psychology 101)... displaces executive controls that should be exercised by regions of the frontal lobe. Complicated physiology... Well done Joe. This guest served up the evidence based disease model of addiction to the letter. A disease of choice, not moral defect.
I've been sober from alcohol for 2-1/2 years now. Stopped moking cigs 4 years ago and stopped Vaping 2 years. At one point I was lifting and eating clean for about 3 years, but recently I took a break from that. None the less I'm pretty happy with where I'm at.
![MAF Teeski - Whole Thing (feat. VonOff1700) [Official Music Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/SHWEj-ndz6g/mqdefault.jpg)
I was addicted to H for over a year, I quit on pure willpower & never went to a rehab once. Currently 4 years clean.
Proud of you man keep fighting
Nice 👍 could you explain how many days the psychical symptoms took to wear off from withdraw and how long term it affected you?
Some people won't like that but fuck em! Don't look back homie
Well done ! Never gone that far . Well done for getting out
Good for you. I had to stop a 2 year long 16mg a day Dilaudid addiction cold turkey and it’s literal hell on earth. but got it done. hard shit. very hard
"When you can stop, you don't want to. And when you want to stop, you can't. That's addiction"
Unfortunately, they keep enabling addicts by calling it a disease. It’s a moral failing of the individual. As an ex-junkie, listening to people like this woman only made my life worse. It’s when I started taking responsibility for my life and my behaviors that I started getting better.
@@smelltheglove2038 its a disease the same way an std is a disease. Both require a conscious decision to take part in certain activities in order to contract said diseases. And I resent your explanation of it being a "moral failing." My cousins child died from a rare gene mutation shortly after she was born, causing my cousin to become severely depressed and self medicate on drugs. Do you really think she and people like her are "failing morally?"
@@levi9414 it’s a choice to use drugs , especially in a destructive way. You can lie to yourself and blame outside forces but no matter what happened to you you’re the one choosing to take drugs and self medicate. Eventually physical dependence will set in depending on what drugs you’re using and that’s where the “disease” part comes in.
@@ZetsuboNoShima its a choice to have sex so I guess gonhorrea and AIDS aren't diseases either
The only reason why people now are so addicted to everything is because people now cant accept the reality out of anything. People now do everything that they can to just always be at the bottom and to never be at the top, so now they just have to blame their miserable lives upon others when their the ones who've made themselves that way. Always this juvenile victim blaming game that never ends amongst society.
The most powerful part of addiction imo is the way that we can easily self manipulate. You can manipulate your own thoughts to do things as if it is some type of mind control that you can't avoid. Own worst enemy.
It works in the other way as well. Beating addiction through self manipulation.
@@ScottDCS sure does man
Have you seen the video
Elon Musk meets Post Malone
It’s hilarious!! 👽 😂 😆
That's why the Mindfulness Therapy movement is so helpful with addicts of any kind.
you're right, it's so crazy. when i was using, i made myself believe that there was a logical reason to use every single time i did it. i made an excuse and made myself believe it was okay. bad day? i deserve to use, it'll make me feel better. good day? i should reward myself and get high. it was like that with every emotion, mood, and feeling. i still struggle with that mind set, and i haven't used in years.
To whoever is struggling with an addiction, just know that we are rooting for you. I hope that one day you will stop and never look back. God speed and good luck.
That's me. Addicted since 08. I have gained ton of weight bc I get high and eat unhealthy. Also I just had my 3 rd surgery on both arms bc of bone infection from years of shooting up. Trying to find the right treatment to deal with my addiction and mental health.
Thank you x
Thank you, in my journey of addiction and recovery I meet angels of people who try to help me. Now I'm on subutex small dose and soon I'll be free.
I don't think people realize how much a simple sentence like this can mean to someone. Thank you!!!!!
Why is that the only support ever, just quit? Some people really need these medications for serious chronic pain ... why is the conversation never "let's get you safe drugs so you don't die on us"
As an addict, once you get addicted to something one time, it’s hard to approach other things in life with a healthy mindset
This is true. U feel like a God when ur doing the addiction and when u go back to reality, it's just boring. To simply put it
ruclips.net/video/71fYpO12ohA/видео.html very right
ruclips.net/video/71fYpO12ohA/видео.html🤣
@Rik Michael yes I’ve definitely tried the psychedelic route, and I still can’t control my drug use lol.
Facts 😔
I was addicted to heroin for 9 years until I got locked up for a couple weeks. I would relapse but eventually I cleaned up. Now you couldn't pay me to do heroin. That shit is slavery. It's like a high interest loan on happiness
Well said mate
That is a profound analogy
That last line is straight KNOWLEDGE, thank you very much for sharing.
Damn that’s the truth. It makes you feel shackled and chained
having the name DiscoDynamiteTNT probably helped you kick heroin's motherfuckin ass
After reading the comments, I have read about different stories dealing with addiction. Bless you all who have overcome or still fighting addiction.
Have you seen the video
Elon Musk meets Post Malone
It’s hilarious!! 👽 😂
Thank u bro shits been hard I need stuff like this
That's kind of you to say.
Only way to “Fight” addiction is to surrender.
Bless the comment community 🤟💕
Almost 1 year sober and loving it! My new addiction is feeling good naturally.
Happy for you!
Good for u 👍
Congrats
Awesome!
Good job!! It keeps getting better
Weightlifting is great for addictive personalities
ruclips.net/video/71fYpO12ohA/видео.html not true
True story. I have a gambling problem and lifting helps maintain that urge.
cocaine too
@@yoshzlac2429 same for you. Y’all are annoying af.
I think anything that gets your heart rate going is a good option, like running or cycling too
I love when people are so good at explaining things simply. It's inspirational.
Ya these two are very high level communicators
Incredibly well spoken lady
3 years clean from meth, 1 year from other substances and 4 months clean from pot. Could never imagined where I’d be right now. I’ve formed new addictions with gym and writing music, but I truly believe the addiction has made me appreciate life 10 fold compared to before hand. My motivation abs desire to succeed is way more than I ever could have imagined. And I never thought I’d say this but it does gave positives if you can escape
It wasn’t the drugs, it was your mental state. Glad you were able to get your shot together but don’t ever blame the drugs.
God bless you and the very best of luck!
Congratulations. Keep up the good work and stay strong. I heard somewhere that Meth is one of the worst if not the worst drug to get off.
@@sporillasanchez1648 you’ve obviously never been a victim of drug endured psychosis, I was hearing, and seeing things that weren’t real. The lack of serotonin and belief I would ever come back was frieghtdning. I thought I was forever going to be “schizophrenic” not realising my brain could recover. Living in a crack den with my family gone and Dad on the verge of death. I understand I made the choice, but there’s a much darker side to methamphetamine use than you could ever imagine. It took 2 years for my serotonin levels to become normal, but I beat it. And I know you’re ignorance is due to being in a much more positive enviroment abd mindset than myself. And I commend you for never falling down that path. And understand why you’d have that opinion. But don’t discriminate users as they have most likely have been surrounded by a lot more trauma than yourself. I’ve escaped that shit hole and am proud, gaining back more than I ever could’ve imagined. My mind set was always extremely strong, that’s why I was able to escape. Trust me you never want to wake up suicidal or hope that you would stop hallucinating. Please open your eyes because it will only put those who are still suffering down a further hole. I understand that’s your mindset from being surrounded by greater things, but appreciate it and maybe try have a positive impact on ALL of those around you
Thanks guys I really appreciate it! It’s the people such as yourselves as to why I still have faith in this world 🙏
My mother met my father in prison - she was a prison guard, my father a prisoner.
Mom was (and still is) always a “normal” woman with no addictions past cigarettes.
My father is and always has been a repeat offender and Heroin addict.
At age 14, I was so conflicted by the duality of life that I had seen, my mother’s side V my fathers side, I was truly lost.. and wanted to feel closer to my father. “What is so good about this life and heroin that he would love it more than me..?” That was the question.
I was shot up with heroin by my father at age 14. It has taken a HUGE toll on my mental health, my growth, emotionally, physically, and mentally. I’m 26 years old now. 6 years clean. But life is not easier in certain aspects. Addiction is VERY prominent in my blood.. and it shows itself in many aspects. I just have to be aware of it, and keeping the empty void inside filled. Change is possible.. however most importantly.. I (you) HAVE TO WANT IT.
@@shelleydunkle7867 Thank you, that means a lot. 💯💯
Now that's a wild story, good on you for coming out of it a better person.
7 years clean that’s amazing congrats 👏 I wish I was as strong as people like you who get clean after so many years . I know it’s still hard to deal with addiction even after being clean for so many years , but experiences like these do help other people out there trust me you might’ve saved a few lives just by sharing your experience .
Anyone reading this wanna help me pls lmk
dude.. this comment gave me chills, but thanks for sharing , reading this just makes me want to be sober even more! 2 yrs n half without alcohol and almost 1 year without weed ! :D
The dopamine thing is my least favorite part about addiction. I can definitely feel that dopamine deficit and I think it's why I'm drawn to things with more sensory overload now.
Exercise is one of the best things you can do to restore your brain to normal. Takes time but is much faster than if you were to stay clean and not exercise
So true, even something like a good song hit way harder than before for me
If she described the dopamine system correctly. It’s actually the opposite, where dopamine release is a motivational function resulting in us craving the drug. So with an increase of dopamine release will lead us to wanting the drug. Dopamine is not related to the reward. It’s related to the motivation of reward. So you don’t get a hit of dopamine after you take drugs, you get it before. Look up Dr. Berridge paper on what the role of dopamine plays in the reward pathway. Also look up the liking wanting theory
I was a injecting heroin addict for 2.5 years, then off and on addict for another 1.5 years.
The best way I can explain it is it’s a progressing “disease.” The first couple times you do it you feel great. You can do it and go weeks before wanting to do it again. Over time the times you do it become closer and closer.
Eventually you’ll do it everyday (I started off snorting). And I would hangout with people that shot up and they would do 1/4 of what I would do and get x2 higher. So naturally, I ended up shooting up.
Once you cross a moral line tho, you never go back. If I snort it now I’m wasting it - so I mine as well shoot it every time.
Then over time it gets to the point that if you do not do it you will get very sick. So you start justifying and rationalizing things you will do to get money. Every “I’ll never do that” you’ll cross.
When you first started doing it you would see people “worse” off than you and say “I’m bad but I’m not THAT bad.” Then you slowly become that person. You become someone you don’t even know anymore. You don’t want to look at yourself in the mirror. Your filled with so much self pity regret and guilt for the things you’ve done. So you just say f*** it. I mine as well just keep using. It’s the only thing I have anymore.
It’s kinda like Anakin becoming Darth Vader in ep3. When he crosses a certain line it’s too late.
You summed up the way it went down for me exact. I never got to shooting but i would sniff more and more to the point my kidneys wouldn't function properly. I had 3 nearly fatal overdoses from combining downers due to high tolerance. Been clean almost 10 years now, never went though a program just came to the conclusion that if i touch the shit again i'll die so i had to quit forreal instead of coming up with another reason to rationalize my use. It's an awful cycle and you hit the nail on the head how it starts.
This really got to me. I'm at the on and off stage right now. I use to injec when it was bad but now when I do use, i smoke. I relapsed a week ago. I haven't looked in the mirror since and been in bed basically for a week. The shame, cringe and remorse is so bad I can't even keep in my mind, I'll scream , basically talk to myself out loud. How did u get clean?
@@infectedmuhrom6039 I know what your going through its awful man, getting clean is the hardest thing I've ever been through but it was a bit easier because my 3 near death experiences the last one being the worst, I accepted at that moment that me using=death. I couldn't rationalize it anymore and I never was suicidal or wanted to die so I only had one option left, to live. After I got discharged from the hospital I was in for a week and a half I was already detoxed from all the ivs and fluids pumped into me, that the physical part of the withdrawal was over but the psychological issues were hard to deal with. I even had severe short term memories issues due to lack of oxygen to the brain that took nearly a year to fully recover. I basically became a shut in for quite a long time, rarely leaving my parents house, and had to lose contact with all my friends who were using and try to rekindle friendships I had with older friends who didn't go down that path. Turned my life around and worked my ass off at various jobs saving every penny until I could afford a small house a paid cash for 3 years ago. Held a job for 5 years, got in great shape physically, and taught my self how to trade in the financial markets and have done quite well for myself. Don't give up man I hit rock bottom and crawled myself out you can too you just have to make big changes in your life. The AA meetings didn't really resonate with me, but I've always been more of a loner. I believe if you accept if you don't change it is guaranteed death and you prefer to live, you will find some spark of motivation inside of you to make it happen even on your own terms.
This sounds like an Alice in Chains song called "Angry Chair" the singer Layne Staley went out that way...
@@infectedmuhrom6039 tbh I’ve never been able to get clean without going to detox / treatment. If you have insurance go. If you don’t have insurance, there’s 2 routes you can do:
1. Get insurance (ONLY OBAMACARE / or through employer) Obamacare is healthcare gov . Make sure you ask them if it will cover treatment in other states (Florida California Texas)
2. Around the beginning of each month call every treatment center you can find in any/every city. And ask them for a scholarship. If they say no. Call them again the next day, the day after that, etc. They will want to see that you’re “willing” and that you actually want to get clean.
- in the meantime look up AA / NA meetings in your area and see if anyone there can help you in terms of finding a halfway house / support group / sponsor etc.
Getting clean is the easy part... it's learning to live without drugs that's hard. That's why I need a program in my life. 11 months clean today thanks to N.A
Wee do recover 🙏🙏🙏
You certainly have the makings of a varsity athlete. Good job!
@L Q I did NA, AA & therapy… I eventually did therapy only and now Im not doing anything bc Im mentally stable enough to where its not needed. Anyone can achieve this!
and for clarity, i had a whole mental health team. i paid a ton of money. it came to a point where they literally told me i met all of my goals and i didnt need any type of therapy anymore. they said to reach out if im sad etc. but other than that, my doctors & therapists said you’re all good lol
Currently 2 months clean tomorrow, still don’t really feel all that good but excited for the future. God bless 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
You damn quitter
@@sporillasanchez1648 😂 I had to I don’t need my kid finding me dead
Justin. I promise you that it starts getting better and better. Keep going. For what it’s worth, I’m proud of you
@@Justin-ve9oq kids are overrated, they need a little adversity in life. 🤣 totally kidding, one day at a time bud. One day at a a time.
This makes perfect sense. Never heard the concept of addiction So succinctly explained. Thank you.
October 3rd will be 8 years sober from alcohol 😊, It's the smartest thing i ever did and if you are struggling with addiction or sobriety i promise you it gets easier and the juice is worth the squeeze .
Well done. I'm sober for almost 5 years and it was the best decision to quit before I died or became homeless. Alcohol leads to other things too. Take care.
Congrats!
How much did you drink before? How long? Did you stop cold turkey?
Asking for a friend...
@@electronpusher604 how much do you drink ? Asking for a friend? As for me I drink way to much .
@@electronpusher604 it was alot and yes cold Turkey
This was a beautifully simplistic way of explaining addiction. Well done.
The disease model hasnt been used since the 80's to treat addiction. This woman is a dinosaur!
Hands-down the best explanation I’ve ever heard in my life. Thanks JRE. . I have been saying, writing, and singing about some of the same things for the last five years but nobody gets to hear an addiction / recovery song by a nobody singer songwriter thanks to RUclips’s algorithms. So, if you’re reading this, I say thank you and please spread the word, and this video. For the fact alone that it makes us feel almost normal in comparison to someone, It’s more important to us then you may realize. Not everyone asks to be injured at work, then unknowingly get hooked on narcotics, and ruin their life, while trying not to ruin their life. I beat it so far ….. I’m a “ success “ again hopefully the future doesn’t throw many more days like today at me.
Insane in the brain by Cypress Hill plays in your head when addiction hits
ruclips.net/video/71fYpO12ohA/видео.html🤣😂
@@yoshzlac2429 thanks
Thanks! Now I can skip another booring Dr.Guest episode.
Looool
Insane in the membrane
Shout out to anyone listening to this JRE clip that are currently going through an active addiction like me. Podcasts guest like Anna Lembke addressing addiction are extremely valuable.
Joe Rogan: “I’ve seen the gremlins on DMT.”
💀💀💀
Lmfao
Noice
That can mean two different things, also 69 likes, nice
Imagine...
Hitting those free & based crystals and then just seeing a crummy 80s puppetmonster movie.
I learned _nothing,_ and didn't even have a good time. _Mediocre._
I wouldn't say I'm addicted to milk and cookies since its a once a year kinda deal but I definitely think about them Jan-Nov
has god spoken to you accompanied by the sound of sleigh bells with will to appoint you as saint nick to spread the good word?
Santas Anonymous
😂 Santa please get help
LOL. Name checks out.
Hilarious 😂
This actually kind of explained why so many people say, “Love is Pain.” I know a little bit of a different takeaway on this, but that also popped into my head when she was talking about the teeter totter.
Pain is love, pain is life
Loved Anna Lembke on Huberman. Excited to watch this one!
What I learned in addiction is that any addiction separates you from the self. After awhile, it’s difficult to remember who you are, and who you are because of how this substance makes you act/think. It’s scary.
This girl is PERFECTLY articulate on this subject.
It’s mind boggling how much I’ve learned from The Joe Rogan Experience. It’s almost like Joe is my second dad.
I don't know about second dad and all but yes to the billion percent this amongst others I've gotten a real education from and not my actual "degrees". Fuck mainstream media and indoctrination education and they liberal bullshit!
@vincent vega Here is his interview:
ruclips.net/video/p3JLaF_4Tz8/видео.html
Oh geez this has got to be a bot
so you're addicted to leaving the same comment on all his videos?
I second that brother 👍🏼
I would say that yes first high could be a factor but even far down the road when one is physically addicted you still get a “rush” from heroin, fent, dilaudid ect. Ive been an opiate addict most of my life with many periods of clean time, overdoses and relapses. I now have four months clean. Bottom line is addiction is extremely powerful and misunderstood by 90% of people who havent experienced it so this type of education is important.
This is such a fascinating discussion. Thanks Joe for getting her on your show.
Cold turkey is one of my favorite terms as well. It’s a way to describe acute withdrawal. You feel like a cold dead turkey. Slimey and cold and in pain
I’d say that’s a perfect analogy and a simple way to explain this concept.
I find it interesting that alcohol and drugs are brought up, but what about SUGAR ADDICTION? That is real, too
Addiction can be anything that you do that gives you immediate gratification in the short term and negative consequences in the long term. Can be sugar, drugs, sex, gambling, shopping, internet, cell phone, working etc
Diabetes kill too. You are absolutely right.
@Gordon Vos it can cause sickness to the which is equally bad
Exactly, sugar and food addiction is such a difficult thing because we have to eat or we'll die.
2nd day sober from cannabis I know it’s not the hardest drug out there but I’ve been smoking for years so it’s a big change for me trying to avoid relapsing
Delete all the contacts from your phone and make it very inconvenient to buy. Good luck
I'm on the same boat rn I wish you the best of luck.
Wow,i wish i was addictied to weed, i am a meth addict and its the worst thing ever, smoke up them trees guys, aint nun bad with weed, but if u wanna stop well best of luck to you
@@randoclipz8912 thanks bro I took the advice out of sight out of mind
@@lordwntr7970 I know it sucks but after a week we’ll be back to our normal sober selves good luck on you journey as well
Man...as someone who is addicted to more than one substance this perfectly explains how I comprehend my own addictions. I've had one highschool ap psychology class yet I can understand my addiction logically without making any major changes in my behavior
This is beautifully explained. I’ve dealt with addiction since I was 15.
@Tiagito P lol
At least you are honest. Most on the juice just lie. Lol.
@Tiagito P Smooth insult
@Tiagito P Opiates and stimulants, but yes I have done a couple cycles.
@@imcoleyourenot8391 Is it true that roids make your member smaller?
The disease model does more harm than good regarding addiction. Addiction is not a disease, addiction is a means to solve a problem. A problem that is, consciously or unconsciously, rooted in past trauma, emotional pain or psychological hurt. As dr. Gabor Maté says: don't ask why the addiction, ask why the pain. Yes, addiction causes changes in brain chemistry and neural pathways, but that is a consequence of addiction, not the cause.
agreed
Thank you for pointing this out!!!!
Thanks expert. That doesn’t really explain how someone could be living a life without trauma and decide to start using heroin or meth and then become addicted to the substance and can’t quit. So I’m that instance, addiction is the consequence to the cause of…. Just making a decision?
@@DropIt56 trauma doesnt always have to be loud and explosive, and the typical definition of trauma might give the wrong idea here. ‘Small’ things from your early years might cause some pain or emptiness inside that later in life, you might try to (unconsciously) fill through addiction. Like me, for instance. Had a great youth with all that I could ask for, Im blessed with my opportunities. Though one little thing from my past (my parents telling me that everything in life comes at me easily, like not having to do a lot of effort to achieve something special), gave me serious anxiety regarding what I should do with my life, fair of failing, fair of being alive with so many possibilities that it actually paralizes me, stuff like that. That was the cause of a 13 year addiction as soon as I left highschool, cause I didnt know what I should do while knowing I could achieve so much.
So, not trying to be smart here, or trying to tell you how it works..: if you ask yourself if there might be some deep hidden pain, loss, anxiety or ‘trauma’ in your life which could explain why you try comfort yourself through an addiction, what would the honest answer be?
For me, there is great healing in answering this question honestly. Hope it might do something for you as well. If not, no worries. Everybody’s got their own paths.
@John You are right about the difference between physical and psychological addiction, but both produce the same neurological changes described in this video. Abuse and dependence both are addiction. Abuse (psychological) and dependency (physical) differ in their onset and treatment. Though, it’s not either or. Both forms of addiction occur simultaneously 9 out of 10 times, therefore the pain-narrative applies in practically all cases.
Love her way of explaining things. To the point but so calm and collected
This is a good mindset to keep people thinking they'll be addicts for life and keep them always talking about addiction this and addiction that. Gotta make sure you keep your clients.
Its common knowledge that “once an addict, always an addict” and its true in most cases
If you find yourself addicted to stimuli that produce positive feelings or repeating stimuli that produce positive stimuli you are an addict and its not something people can just turn off; it is an overall trend or characteristic of a person
@@alexprucnal4301 and that's my point
Thank you for explaining exactly what chasing the dragon means. Many people think it means what Joe said, but it's actually an old term that opium smokers began using in the 1800s and has gone on in modern times to describe smoking H off foil. This was an amazing description of addiction.
Two things about adulthood you find out when you grow up, cheese is expensive & everyone does cocaine
Bro I been complaining about these ten dollar packages of cheese
@@samyoung8480 😂😂😂
If you think Cheese is expensive go look at beef jerky prices
Thats true but cheese is better.
yes i do cheese
Joe I’ve been ragging on you about fatties and food addictions. You are such an open minded beautiful person. I appreciate you and your show. I learned a lot today guest Anna Lembke.
I needed to hear this today. Thank you.
I'm 3 months sober from a 13 year narco addiction, definitely feel like my serotonin levels are still not back to normal. It's still really hard to get out and do normal things, and find happiness in normal things that I would be really happy and motivated to do taking narco. I'm NOT going back but hopefully things go back to a level balance.
WOW. How great it is to see my fellow high school graduate do such great work. The doc was super smart from way back then (Class of '85).
Which high school?
@@vivek27789 Let's just say somewhere in the Midwest lol
Wow cool.
@@leonardascorpius5304 She graduated in 82..
Have you seen the video
Joe Rogan gets mad at Alex Jones
It’s hilarious! 😡 😂 😆
Very well spoken and explained mental and addiction in a very informative way.
Im on my recovering stage. This helped me A LOT! thanks Joe for this!
Wow...i learn something i never knew....
Shocked to know about me by her...
Thanku ❤️
I’ve been dealing with addiction since I was 21. I’m 43 now and I honestly can’t see it ever getting any better.
It was so bad that I was an absentee father. Now I’m on Methadone and Oxycodone written by a doc every month and feel like a slave to it! I was molested as a kid and I think I started using to cope with the pain! I also have bi-polar depression and have thought about suicide many times but I don’t wanna go out like that. I wish I could snap my fingers and it be over but sadly that isn’t the case….
Just don’t give up man. The mindset around addiction is changing, there is help out there who are not judge mental.
I just kicked a 20+ year alcohol addiction and will be 2 years off it in Jan. Just keep trying different things to get sober. Then try them again at a later time if it didn’t work.
I got sober when rec marijuana became legal in my state and I switched to it. I was shocked when it worked, but it did. What I never realized was that I had a choice with what I needed. Yes, I had to have a fix. There was no getting away from that. I was completely hooked. But, it didn’t have to be alcohol. It could be anything else that gave me a sufficient buzz. Marijuana worked like a charm to my surprise. All the years I drank I didn’t realize I could switch to something else. The addiction wasn’t alcohol, it was needing a buzz. So why not try something that is non addictive.
So, consider trying different things to get sober. And if you can switch to another drug that can replace what you are on, if it’s safer, do it. Just remember there are withdrawal considerations as some can be very dangerous. No kidding on that one. Be sure you don’t need detox to get clean.
Jacob Lynam thank u for the encouragement. I sincerely appreciate it.
Jeff M it’s not recreational here in NC but I’ve always found ways around that. I think it’s gonna come down to getting my mind healthy! If I can do that, I really believe I can go to something else for the opioid addiction. I’ve tapered before and been clean for a year or so but I’ve always went right back to it when I would hit a rough patch.
It’s bad to say but getting stoned on opioids is like the biggest warmest hug….
My dad passed a year and a half ago and I carried a lot of guilt for the things I did as an addict. It just broke me right back down to that level.
Thank you for your kind words and advice. I really appreciate that. I won’t give up…
don’t give up on yourself homie
Well-explained summary of how addiction works. Salute
Amazing clip. Great topic, outstanding explanation.
Love your podcast!
A podcast the U.S definitely needs to hear.
This is really a fantastic podcast.
It was really delightful to see her so correct in her speech.
She was very conscious of saying the right thing whilst still being careful not to offend Joe (as if that's possible hah) while simultaneously being quite aware of whoever might be listening and even still being real and authentic.
What a delight.
I would truly enjoy her as my therapist. I hope many more will enjoy her guidance and recover from whatever their dealing with.
Great comment about the difference between enthusiasm and addiction. Thank you for this topic.
One thing I surely won't get addicted to is listening to this lady.
This was actually very well explained, it gets to the point where youre only taking the substance to avoid feeling like shit where at first it was to have a good time 🤷♂️
She's excellent in explaining the mechanistics of addiction.
4 years this Oct. I'm clean Off 💊 ... long story short i found my mother dead and tried over dosing myself cause I couldn't cope with life anymore.... I felt lost and honestly still wake up everyday and have to remind myself that there will never be a new memory with my mom and to hold on to the old ones why u can. God bless everyone who has overcome any type of addiction 🙏 that makes you a hero in ur own ways!
Joe pushed back hard through the podcast defending his obsession over doing difficult things. She did great.
Totally agree he misunderstood the points she was trying to make with his own
He’s trying to justify to himself he isn’t addicted to anything
He’s probably not cuz he works a lot so unless that’s his addictikn
Yeah I thought he just didn't want to be there he was almost being a dick with the things he was pushing back on. Like 'think of a happy moment.' Joe: 'I have a very lucky life' .... like wtf man give her something
@@mattpassos5689 thank god someone said it! i thought the same thing...
Addiction is crazy when you experience it yourself, I think of the film Trainspotting and how the guys tried to kick heroin but then couldn’t get use to a regular life so easily or a Sopranos quote where Christopher says he can’t deal with regular ness of life. That explains it all
Thanks for putting the link!
This woman was amazing to listen to, and she made so much sense.
Joes coming to the conclusion he's an addict
I have a huge issue with addiction… 7 years sober from booze but I still smoke green, it really helps with anxiety and depression. I smoked crack for years, finally got off that but then had a meth phase. I’m an addict and know that. Even food I eat too much.
When she said people who play video games! Wow, I was a gamer very early. My father took his life when I was very young, mom raised me alone. She had a bad phase after my dad died. So yeah, it was destiny for me. That was something we did together for fun, playing Mario Bros on NES 😬😔
I think the best thing my parents metaphorically drilled into me was "Every action has an equal and opposite reaction."
I've found to applying that logic to a lot of things in life really helps, btw my hopes go out to all addicts or recovering addicts out there and hope you're doing good.
@@06fz1000 hey man no need to get defensive I've suffered from addiction myself but I was just giving a quote relative to the video that might help some people out, never said it would cure anything but I hope your life gets better and you can beat that shit though, stay strong my man
Those little gremlins are always there waiting for ya. I enjoyed this so much. Still wake up and make the sections not to drink or use today. It’s crazy how hard of a battle it is especially when life has been so amazing.
I know I'll always have that thing in my brain where I want relief. Relief from what? I dunno. But it's always their. Managing it and making the choice not to is where the battle happens. Been winning for 5 years now. Shhits been hard lately though.
I feel this. And I know people scoff and laugh at this... But finding faith and learning theology helped me get through addiction. Jesus saves. I met alot of people who were homeless heroin addicts who are now Bussines owners with families because of Jesus. Churches do ALOT for people struggling with addiction. It was an amazing experience and my life has changed dramatically because of it.
I personally had someone close to me that beat alcoholism through Jesus and he introduced me toit.. as I was a lifelong atheist.. but I had a strong urge inside to hear him out. And give it a chance. He invited me to his church, I was very nervous. But I was welcomed with open arms.. tattooed and an addict at rock bottom....
Just saying you never know.. everyone's trying to fill a void they don't even know is there... Everything happens for a reason.
Don't quit! Persevere! we are rooting for you!
I appreciate it my dudes. I ain't given up. Hard times make the addict want to come alive. I keep him locked up. But I can still hear him talking. Hes a slick fuck. I'd know.
exercise helps me a lot . what helps you the most?
@@ServantofGod07 working out. Being constantly busy at work. My wife. Jocko. Jordan Peterson. Anything that'll help me have the mindset of not being a victim. Or that I'm helpless. Which I'm not. Trying to master my life the best I can. It's easy to feel sorry for your self and say tommorow I'll fix it. I know everyone is different. But for me it was. Cowboy up. Handle it. Ain't no one going to feel bad for my choices. And no kne is going to bail me out. I need a sink or swim. Cause for years I had a 1000 seconds chances. And I made the choice to make this my only shot to fix my life. I'm 35. So I feel like I have alot of ground to make up.
I went through trauma as a child. Been struggling my whole life.
1 day, you will let it go and then wonder what took you so long. Bc the day you let it go, you also realize how easy it was to let go of. Your life is today! Right now. Live here! Nobody is in your past.
Addiction to pills, weed and cigs started at 11 during major development of the brain. Grew up in chaos, mama alcoholic. 20 plus years later, at least stopped smoking cigarettes but being sober is a nightmare. I have to at least smoke a joint. It absolutely sucks. I wish I never touched a drug or cig in my life.
True. During addiction your mind justifies your action so well, until you realise it's too late. And everytime you made an excuse to take drug, was actually just not to feel bad for the moment.
The way she corrected Joe about the meaning of "Chasing the Dragon," was incredibly thoughtful and intelligent.
Yeah, I noticed that. It doesnt have 2 meanings, she was just being kind
Dr. Gabor Mate is an expert on addiction and does not believe in disease model!
Addiction is not a disease!
Addiction is caused by the effects of early trauma!
Addiction is so powerful and I've wasted so much time of my life I pray that I find the strength to overcome it and live a happy life. I hate being looked down on for hurting I'm stuck inside my head and I don't know how to flip this chapter its been almost 5 years
I smoked crack for 15vyears and fentanyl for 7 yrs. I am 5 yrs clean off fentanyl in November and the last time I smoked crack was over 2 yrs ago. Today my credit score went up to 744 and I could actually feel my reward reaction rewiring in my brain! I'm addicted to paying off my credit now! Lol it feels pretty cool.
Can you invite Dr. Gabor Mate on the podcast? One of the leading experts on addiction.
I'm really surprised he hasn't yet
Someone once told me that "addicts are just people with a weak mind"
This was approximately 10 years after I quit drinking.
I was pissed off thinking that maybe I did have a weak mind. It bothered me so much I stopped smoking by telling myself I just had a weak mind.
It's been 15 years of no alcohol, and 5 without a cigarette.
Doesn't matter if you consider an addiction a disease, or a sickness. Just quit doing it, and suck it up, and take responsibility for your own actions. Start by making it 5 minutes being sober. Then double it... you can make it 10 minutes. Now go for thirty minutes. Pretty soon you can also be working on year 15. I still struggle, and at times it's just about making it to that next minute, you got this.
Yes.
@@anjr6282 so it is about having a weak mind/will until it isn't.
If you don't listen to, or have that "I should know better" voice in the beginning, you have a weak mind/will, but then it progresses so far that you can't listen to that voice anymore or else you'll get sick.
You don't become addicted to something by trying it once. You become addicted to something by making it a habit.
I think someone has a weak mind if they can’t handle a substance in moderation. But hey, we’re all different right? And this is coming from someone who was hooked a couple years of Xanax. When I went to AA, they said you have to either be sober or you’re relapsing. I went for 3 months, and heard your point about how addiction was just weak minded so much. Cut to two years out of AA, and I still drink or smoke on occasion, and I do it in moderation. I think the strong minded ones are those who had an addiction, address the problems which led to a need to fill that hole, and resumed on with my life and can still have some fun from drugs but don’t don’t let it ruin their lives.
**fart noises**
@@themonsterunderyourbed9408 I put myself Into treatment for alcoholism. I quit that with help, and support, and education.
I am not saying addiction is just a weak mind. I'm just saying that calling something a disease, or calling it weak minded, it doesn't matter. What matters is Taking the first step, and letting go of excuses.
My first step was admitting I needed help. Then I actively found it at a substance abuse counselors office, then being accepted into the program.
I was able to quit smoking by testing myself to see if that was in fact just me making excuses, or being weak minded.
I do wholeheartedly believe that some people are so far into their addictions, that the only way out is professional help, and an environmental change.
VERY WELL EXPRESSED, THANK YOU!
I respect everyone that has overcome addiction.. I'm currently a month and a half no alcohol.. Big binge drinker on the weekends and I would go all week working without a sip (doesn't make it any healthier).. Had plenty of falls, made horrible decisions, spent loads of cash and all in all it has not brought me anything positive other than completely drunk out of my mind nights with friends.. Which is fun and I'll cherish many of those nights but it developed into somewhat of an introverted drinking habit as well.. Drinking alone became commonplace later on which is really not a good thing.. Hopefully I can go longer than 4 months which is my personal longest sobriety time.. My mind tries to trick me into drinking any weekend, holiday, over any victory or even on a bad day.. It is readily available anywhere as well and is quite socially acceptable by most people.. Makes it that much harder.. Good luck to all of you, being sober definitely has its clarity!
An ADHD diagnosis and treatment would do wonders for many, many addicts out there who still have a chance to reclaim their life
I've been struggling off and on with an alcohol and coke problem, I say problem because I only use it every few weeks and only when I'm out at the bar drinking. Her information makes so much sense. I want long sobriety so much I won't quit till I get there.So many factors attribute to addiction, your not just born that way. I made a music video Stylez Major (Lost in a High) about my struggles with addiction and losing a close friend to overdoes. The comments I have gotten are mind-blowing, people seem to be touched by the song.
I was with you till you hit that stealthy plug
@@idontgetlaidbut is what it is. Song has done over 130k views on youtube with no label. Its a song for addicts, so no shame in plugging it, everyone who comes to the video says they are glad they did. But I understand where your coming from.
Thanks for the explanation
I was addicted to herion for the better part of the past decade and I’m 28, I quit cold turkey about 1 year ago and doing great with a baby on the way, if it wasn’t for jre and a few other podcasts there were more than a few days I could if relapsed but this show really helped me take my mind off it
Really happy for you man keep going don't ever ever relapse
It's a daily fight, substituting one addiction for another.
So true, i'll be quitting something only to ease the withdrawal with something else.
It gets more maneagable from time to time but always start using again even if its less or barely anything, its still using.
@Brylee Lindsey hahah dude what the fuck kind of spamming is this 😂😂😂
ive heard a psychiatrist say that addiction is like a size of a cup - some people have bigger cups than others. but once u empty the cup u WILL need to fill it with something else. So the goal is to get addicted to useful things.
Coming up to a year abstinent from H and Benzos. Both withdrawals are hell but I’m getting there.. one day at a time :)
Howdy stranger
I didn't become addict until I was 25 and by that time I had experienced a reasonable quality of life, it took me 15 yrs to get clean but I genuinely think you have a better chance of beating the addiction if you know what your missing as apposed to people who've never experienced a reasonable quality of life. Take care everyone. fAz
as an addict that is just over 7 years clean i still have a super addictive personality and see it all the time in my life and im still fairly impulsive but much much less than when i was in my early 20s. and nowadays i see it and can change it if im doing something too much in order to fill a hole or issue that im dealing with
Let's talk about how 40+ hours a week doing the same monotonous task severely numbs brain function....no? Nobody gonna touch that?
@Vanessa Brooke Must be a bot to be so off base from my comment
When one relies on substances to manufacture dopemine, serotonin and other feel good chemicals, the body loses it's ability to produce it's own endorphines.
But most things are medicine in moderation and poison in excess. Even food. Life is art.
Awesome lady. Very well explained.
I like how much knowledge Joe has! And being a doctor she did not know the effects of Ibogaine and LSD!
I’ve been addicted to Lucky Charms since I was 3.
What happens to your brain during addiction? You lose everything of value you ever had. You even dig up things you forgot you had so you can sell them. My experience is my brain says nothing is worth more than the fix.
Indeed. Among many other things
Especially when your in withdrawal, there's almost nothing I would not do to get something and be better when I was on Oxy 80s everyday 8 years ago. Can't speak for all addictions, but opiate addiction is a literal demon that grips you.
@@ryohio4706 if I was going through a withdrawal, by choice or just lack of a way to get a fix, my brain would work in overdrive plotting and planning with justification for anything or anyone I might have to step on or over. It’s truly a pathetic existence and I hate myself for all the bad things I’ve done. I’m glad I’m a lot healthier now and I’m in a better place but sometimes when I think back at all the disappointment and other things I’ve caused, it can bring me back down pretty quick. Such is life I guess, I can only hope anybody who truly wants help has a pathway to find it. It’s a daily battle, some days good some days bad, everyone has their own path I guess.
Try subtraction... works for some.... sorry.
@@JohnfromWaterFrontVillige Ive been there man, and still kind of am, (I'm about to completely quit my Suboxone, I'm at 1Mg/day). I totally know what you mean, when your sick, it's actually amazing the things your brain will concoct to try and get something and feel better, like going to the ER, robbing somebody, getting ahold of people you absolutely shouldn't be getting ahold of, literally anything to just get right.
Witnessing the beginning 80's crack epidemic, I watched my sister over the years struggle with Cocaine, Crack, Heroin, pills and alcohol.
She died from Hep C complications and AIDS.
I miss my sister so much.
Amazing video, helped a lot
Having a hard time quitting cigarettes atm. Feel like a damn puppet.
Good luck xx
Eat a handful of shrooms and repeat, “I will no longer smoke cigarettes” the whole time.
Imagine being online and playing Quake, only to receive the following message from your opponent:
*ElkKiller:* "So...you do DMT?"
My over simplified description of a substance use disorder as an LCSW who is also in recovery: Hedonic Reward Circuit/pleasure center in the midbrain is hijacked by chronic substance abuse leading to addiction. Biological, developmental, & environmental risk factors contribute to individual vulnerability to developing mild to severe substance use disorders. addiction is clinically presented as a problematic behavior that continues regardless of negative consequences. Midbrain manages the next 15 seconds...also called the vulgar part of the brain (see the 4-F's of psychology 101)... displaces executive controls that should be exercised by regions of the frontal lobe. Complicated physiology... Well done Joe. This guest served up the evidence based disease model of addiction to the letter. A disease of choice, not moral defect.
I've been sober from alcohol for 2-1/2 years now. Stopped moking cigs 4 years ago and stopped Vaping 2 years. At one point I was lifting and eating clean for about 3 years, but recently I took a break from that. None the less I'm pretty happy with where I'm at.