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’P’ stands for ... pleasure
Wednesday, 16 May 2007.
Originally from express article 16 May 2007
By Di from Auckland Community Alcohol and Drug Services (CADS)
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| Di from CADS on 'P' stands for pleasure. |
Why do we take drugs? Well that’s a no brainer – it’s because its fun! We feel good, it gives us pleasure. The kicker with drug dependence is that use is not about fun, or pleasure, use is about just trying to feel normal (i.e. not in withdrawal).
Pleasure is a basic human need, and one that has to be addressed if we are considering changing our drug use.
OK – so let’s think about stimulating those ‘feel good’ neurotransmitters (dopamine, serotonin, noradrenalin etc). In the day of the cave people, these substances were activated when we engaged in activities that ensured our survival i.e.
- sex.
- eating.
- killing mammoths, and other large, fierce creatures that could potentially kill us...but will feed the tribe for a month.
So what are our modern day equivalents?
- Falling in love!!! The deep satisfying feeling when you make love with your soul mate.
- Laughing uncontrollably with your friends.
- Drinking double shot latte with lemon cake.
- Eating Chocolate – not only is it yummy, but new research has found “A 50 gram bar of dark chocolate (70% cocoa) can provide up to 95% of our daily iron needs. (It) is a very good source of B group vitamins, especially folic acid, and has good levels of vitamins A, E and K. They also contain psychoactive substances that make us feel good: theobromine, a stimulant: phenylethalamine, the love substance which makes us feel happy, content and more alert: tryptophan, a serotonin precursor and mood modulator: and anandamide – a brain cannabinol. (There are also) more anitoxidants in a 50 gram bar of dark chocolate than in two days worth of fruit and vegetables.” from Organic NZ – Juy/August 2005.
- Fishing – catching that 10 pound snapper.
- High excitement sports: mountain biking, skiing, rugby etc.
- Having the courage to speak your truth in a respectful way.
The list is endless... The trick is to make sure you plan how you are going to include pleasurable activities if and when you cut down or stop your drug use. It has to be said that it will take time to fully experience ‘natural highs’ because your body may be depleted, and drugs can be very strong, but if you persevere it will happen. This is where friends are invaluable – they can be your highway to natural highs. Try googling ‘Natural Highs’ – there are books and resources to help you.
Remember too that at CADS (Community Alcohol and Drug Services) – we know the importance of including pleasurable activities into future plans and goals – because without pleasure, change can seem just too hard.
If you have concerns about your own or someone else's alcohol or other drug use, or if you'd like more information, contact CADS on 845 1818 or www.cads.org.nz or if you live outside Auckland contact Alcohol and Drug Helpline 0800 787 797.
About express
express is NZ's newspaper of gay expression. It contains
information on NZ news, Community news & events, World news, Editorial &
reader feedback, Health, Travel, Food, Arts/Books, Living, Entertainment
& scene, GABA newsletter, and Personals.
For more information, visit their website:www.gayexpress.co.nz
> More items from Di's Drug Column
