Posted by Brainbeard on June 16, 2009, at 9:10:26
In reply to Re: Benzodiazepine, Heroin, and Nicotine reduction » rollingthunder, posted by yxibow on June 7, 2009, at 3:17:02
Theodore Dalrymple (aka Anthony Daniels) has written critically of the myths surrounding opiate withdrawal. As a doctor, he claims that the opiate withdrawal syndrome PHYSICALLY is like a bad case of the flu at worst, although it might SUBJECTIVELY and PSYCHOLOGICALLY (EXCUSE the capitals) be a nightmare.
As a contrast, sudden benzo withdrawal could literally kill you, just as sudden alcohol withdrawal could. It seems to be a medical fact that opiate withdrawal couldn't possibly kill anyone. The man has a point: that IS a significant difference.
Nicotine withdrawal is a similar story. Physically, it only takes three weeks, of which the first three days are worst. Psychologically, it takes a lifetime. Although admittedly there is a physical component: the brain tends to never forget those shortlived nicotine highs (or any other high, for that matter).
Anyway, I'm one of those people who smokes every now and then. On average not more than a cigarette a week. I have been a heavy smoker and I just wouldn't wanna go back. Mind over matter? It might not be as hard as some people think.
There have been experiments in which heroin junkies were taken off the drug and on exotic vacations, and guess what? They hardly even missed their heroin. That would never work with benzo addicts.
poster:Brainbeard
thread:899521
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20090611/msgs/901274.html