Turns out newer community is in to Meth, and I'm sober/"substance"-free...
I became friends with some different people in the past year or so for various reasons, and many of them "indulge" or "self-medicate" in ways I don't agree with. Some of these people are even quite important to me. I've never done meth and don't want to. I quit anything more than rare use of drugs more then a few years ago, recently saying a no thanks to all, and went sober a few or so years ago.
It's really quite stressful and sad for me sometimes. I have tried to tell them there are better solutions out there. That health is something I care about. Their health. That they are beautiful. That God created them beautiful. I could go on and on. But many don't really take me seriously. Some have cut back and that makes me believe in humanity more. I say it's bad but I don't really want to push it too much. I don't want people to quit too fast... and have it be bad for their health? Some say that. I don't know. And I don't want people to change for me but because they want to. Maybe my approach is wrong? I don't really know anything about the drug. It just wasn't ever really around me.
I'm trying to keep compassion and care but I feel this issue creates such a distance.
Atleast I'm gaining patience and calm somewhat I guess.
I apologize. All of these ppl are important. I said only some of them. And, I can't expect to understand so easily, and I don't know everyones' story. I said I was friends when likely more like aquaintences. And, actually, I was too broad and accusational to say a whole community is on drugs. It isn't at all, it's not so many. I meant "someone I care about." ...I can try to understand and know I can't change people, only they can change themselves. I can compare it to drugs I do know and understand that it can be so tough to quit. It changes everything. I cannot expect anyone to take that on.
I'm going to find joy in small things in the world, and try not to stress. If it hurts me too much I probably need professional help or to find other answers.
Thanks for letting me vent.
@faithfulZebra8678
I might not be the expert on meth or anything, but I have done it in the past. I can see how it's addicting. It lifts you up, gives you an energy that can't quite be explained. The worst part (obviously besides all the other physical side effects) is the comedown - you feel worse than ever. When I did it in the past, usually for a day at a time, I would start losing that energy and my depression would hit me ten-fold. I would spend hours crying sometimes.
I haven't done meth for many years, but I did struggle with an addiction to other uppers for a good, long time. I struggle with a lack of motivation and energy, as well as creativity and confidence. Certain uppers would give me all of those things I felt I was lacking. I could talk more when I was normally very introverted. I could write when I normally felt like I had writer's block or just lacked the energy. I could become more physically active when my first instinct is to just relax. And I wouldn't feel so gloomy all day, mood-wise. The only thing was I didn't pay attention to the bad sides of the addiction:
1. It was expensive
2. It was physically harmful. I actually spent time in the hospital from prolonged use.
3. It was hurting my personal relationships
4. I looked sweaty all of the time
5. I was dependent
And the worst thing of all: now that I've stopped taking anything, I don't know how to naturally regain that energy or creativity. I suffer from depression, worse than before. I don't enjoy things like I used to.
It's a vicious circle, and one I'm not quite certain how to recover from.
@BigJer
Wow. Thanks for sharing. I'm glad you've moved on from that drug. I hope you've gotten better, maybe found other solutions, or what is good for you. I'm so sorry about the depression.
The freedom of not chasing "drugs" and having more time to work on myself and relationships really changed me for the better I'd say. I think we all have such awesome kinds of potentials.
I'm going to keep reflecting. This site has been so helpful to me.