Posted by Larry Hoover on May 8, 2005, at 9:01:00
In reply to Re: chemist: alcohol? how much? » Larry Hoover, posted by AMD on May 7, 2005, at 20:32:34
> Well, I rarely drink /that/ much, and if you did it daily for /years/ and have recovered to a point indicative of your literate, intelligent posts, well ... I guess there is hope for those of us out there with the occasional habit.
If there is a benefit to others, hearing my story, so be it. However, that is not a license to misbehave.
> My problem is deeper. I went out Friday and, whaddyaknow, one drink too many and I'm flying, next thing I know it's cocaine, cigarettes, beers, and 36 hours in bed. I am up now, still feeling more-or-less horrible, mind-scattered, and generally ... well, I've been on here enough that you know how I get.
Do you note the effect of the first drink? That's where you need all your judgment. That's where the key decision is made.
> Are there any long-term effects from one bump? And what about cognition? How long should I expect the ketamine to be in my system and affecting my concentration and executive functioning?
No.
> Dammit -- this is vicious cycle. I calculate I do one night of hard partying out every two weeks or so. Is this extreme? Is this "moderate" or "heavy"?Heavy.
> Given the amount of time between "parties," should I relax about long-term damage and concentrate, instead, on quitting before it /does/ become a more habitual and (I assume permanently damaging) habit?
There are two issues. Acute exposure and chronic exposure. Acute exposure can cause long-term damage. There are many variables, but don't assume that your binges are safe.
Concentrate on that "Friday night, I'll have one drink" attitude. "The first drink is too many, and a thousand never enough."
> I am considering doing another geographic -- leaving New York and heading back to California, where I was drug and (mostly) alcohol free for 18 months, near family, and stable in my job. I know, this probably sounds like a "band aid," but I wonder if the East Villege is not the best mileau.
Just remember, you will go with you on that trip. Whoever you now are, i.e.
> More erudite thoughts welcome!
>
> And for the record, chemist (and you know this), erudite means "out of rudeness (ignorance)". So that was, in fact, a complement.
>
> aLar
poster:Larry Hoover
thread:492031
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/subs/20050506/msgs/495146.html