Any one tired of ABOVE the INFLUENCE??

Check this i went to their webpage to email them that they are wrong and then i was looking around and found more on how they are totally wrong go to http://abovetheinfluence.com/fun/know-the-facts-quiz.aspx. This is the link to the quiz that is absolutely ridiculous! Click on play the game and come back and post a comment

 

I think only some of their facts were actually true such as the one on TV commercials, teenage pregnancy, and a few others. The MJ one was ridiculous as I never known any teen to be actually addicted to it as they would be on hard kick ass drugs. Sure they may like it but MJ is really not addicting as I have smoked since my teens and can stop at anytime with no withdraw symptoms. In fact I take breaks now and then just cuz I feel like it. I have also stopped when I was pregnant and when I breast fed which meant I did not smoke for over 15 months or more and it did not bother me in the least. It is a herb and the THC sure will cause you to want or like it but not the side effects like other drugs cause where people get physically ill.


Now as far as the alcohol facts ..I would not be surprised if they were not true as there is a big issue with teens and drinking. Lots of kids killed due to drinking and driving or another person who is drinking hits them in a car accident. I would never drink and drive....never. Just stupid and you put other people lives in danger. Even adults are addicted to alcohol and drugs and it is addictive where they have major withdraw symptoms if they try to stop. Stop smoking weed for a day and you will not be hurling or sweating and all the crazy things that happen with other drugs. Seems that more teens are hooked on pills and all kinds of shit that yah will mess their mind up and neurological systems that are still developing.


IMO......I think they need to focus more on hard ass drugs & alcohol with teens then MJ. If my kid asked me my opinion, I could honestly say that I would not worry about them smoking pot but surely would worry if they got caught up in the drug or alcohol scene. I can't imagine how scary that is for any parent. We all know the damage that can cause.....lost many good frds during the party years and I am thankful I was too afraid to try anything more then pot. I went to college....always had a job and was a straight A student. I think sometimes when they say it makes ppl lazy ...it depends on the person too. Some kids are lazy before they started to fire one up yanno? Find out why some children and adults personalities are more addictive and cure that instead!! No they waste all this money on friggin weed commercials and lectures. If they figured out what stops the addictive personality issue or problem...then maybe they could fix what is wrong.

 

well thats more of what im talking about mj not alcohol. Its impossible for people to get addicted to mj. Your mind and body doesnt want it you phyically like it cause it calms nerves eases pain and makes tons of things more enjoyable. plus you usally dont make an ass of your self when smoked up but when you drink alcohol u stumble fall get into fights cause you think your ten foot tall and bullet proof now dont get me wrong drinking and partying is tons of fun but its moderation and being resposible with it is what takes

 

Though I agree that that site is propaganda nonsense, AND that marijuana is probably the least harmful by far of the available recreational drugs, let's not demonize alcohol use. Alcohol is present in the OLDEST tablets we have from the OLDEST civilizations we know about. It has contributed to our progress and to our health. The only problem with alcohol is that we have turned it into some taboo college-kid drug that people do not know how to use any more. I drink a lot of beer each day, but I do not stumble, pass out, puke, beat my fiancee, fail out of school, or miss work. Some people can't do that, I understand this fact: The problem with alcohol, JUST LIKE EVERY OTHER DRUG, is the USER, not the substance.

 

Lion.....wise words my frd! It is the user not the substance that is the problem. I know what you mean....never have I drank and hurt anyone, puked, passed out or did something stupid like some of the things I see kids doing now. Maybe got silly with frds but if I have a drink ...I am just happier and or tad silly. Dancing and singing is what I like to do when buzzed.


Now my ex-hubby could not handle his alcohol and which is why I divorced him. Very addictive personality and also has untreated ADHD which is why I think he drinks as that is his medication. Used to tell him to smoke instead as I figured it would sweeten him up but he looks down on people who toke. Funny how he can justify drinking and driving, getting physical and verbally abusive to a passive stoner eh? I do think they need to do more research on individuals who abuse drugs and alcohol who have these addictive personalities as I do believe most of them are either untreated for some mental condition or neurological which is why they can't handle it and show will power as we do. They need it and there has to be something differ in their brain then mine which makes them crave it. Like I said....I love my weed but I won't get all cranky if I do not smoke.


Why I think the government needs to spend this money on helping them with their addictions and leave stoners alone. Most stoners are very passive and hard working....least the ones I know. Moderation is the key with even pot....any drug and substance for that matter.


One has to be comfy in their own skin and love life or enjoy it....sure we all have bad days but you need to learn how to deal with life sober is all I am saying.

 

alcohol is man made, weed is god made, weed is illegal and alcohol is legal. who the fuck are we to argue with god? we dont know more than him. how many people die from drinking now how many die from smoking weed? IDK about you but I prefer natural high give me the weed. You can keep the alcohol and all the b/s in it.

 

A little devils advocate


Not arguing or anything, but alcohol is natural...it occurs in our bodies and those of other organisms. Man didn't create the fermentation process, god did. We just decide the ingredients to put in the brew. But, like we said, not for everyone.

 

ummm gotta tell you I have BIG issues with the whole will power thing. That is just another way to blame the victim. Do the medical research, some people just do not have the necessary chemical enzymes needed to break down alcohol. That is why you see a huge number of native american, and certain asian groups who are alcoholics. They do not have the enzymes that are required to break down alcohol into the less harmful by- products.


Now, I am not a drinker, nor am I an alcoholic. I discovered soon after I turned 18 that old Berry here was not a good drinker. I am a puker, give me a few drinks, don't bother to shake or spin me, I spew like a fountain. It is hard to maintain my bigger than life persona if I have my head in the head so to speak.


Genetics have very little to do with will power. I really would like to not be 6'4" with 54" shoulders, and a sleeve length of 41, but it hasn't anything to do with will power. I think(no offense please mermaid) that will power is something people who don't have the issue think is lacking. I don't want to suffer from depression either, but I do. I can try to will it away, and I can take certain pro-active steps to help minimize the symptoms, but no amount of will power will stop the depression express if I don't have anti-depressants.


Alcoholics can also take very pro-active steps, AA, rehabs, mentors, but will power has never kept anyone sober.


I have to confess, I was carted off to rehab for marijuana "abuse" when I was 20 and 24. I stopped smoking not because of the rehab but because I graduated from medical school, joined the military, and had to do my internship. I don't know about you, but I don't really want my physician to be under the influence of anything but pure O2.

 

Berry no offense taken....in fact I learned something as I had no idea that some people do not have the chemical enzymes to break down alcohol. I also do not mean that everyone can have will power as I know first hand that is not true and why I did say it could be due to other reasons. Guess I worded it wrong...my apologies. Like my brother's significant other is BP and alcohol only causes more depression but has been used for self medicating until diagnosed. Which is why I do think we have many alchoholics who are not diagnosed. Their addiction is medically justified because they are self medicating and prolly need to be evaluated to find out what is wrong. My ex like I stated will not take medication for his ADHD just cuz his late father decided when he was a child that ridilin(sp) was no good for him. It not only affected him with learning but also sleep and many other things in his life. The sad part is he still does need it and now there are so many new medications that would help him. I am frds with him since even though we divorced and even tried to tell him to go to the doctor and try these new medications. I really do think it would help him and then maybe with AA and other support groups or therapy he could stop drinking. He is the father of my daughter and sad thing is.....he is destroying his liver which his own father did as well. I worry he too will die at a young age just like his dad as he has been drinking daily since he was a teen.


I am very sensitive to anyone who suffers depression or any medical condition for that matter. My best frd has depression and has been through so many medications to find the right one. It is no picnic and I can only be there for her when she needs me.....sometimes she gets so sad she won't even get out of bed so it is very crippling. She is on a new one which takes time to get used too but I will always be there for her. She did not suffer until after having children and it kicked in then. Many women have depression after childbirth or any hormone changes.


Anywhos....I agree with you not wanting my physician to be under the influence of anything but pure O2.


Thanks for teaching me something I did not know....that is interesting and I never knew about the chemical enzyme and alcohol. Another thing I find odd is now it takes my ex hubby less drinks to make him drunk....why is that? I have noticed that with other people when they have drank for years...seems it takes less alcohol to get them drunk. Just curious if you knew why?


Peace~mermaid

 

Ok, I do not want to start an argument here over alcoholism...people have VERY strong convictions because of personal experience that will never be swayed, even by the best of argument.


However, though I've heard of the lack of a certain enzyme causing certain groups to get drunk faster (Asians), I've never heard of it being attributed to alcoholism....Will you please lead me to some literature on this Berry?


And on will power: No, you can't change your physical appearance. I agree with that....But, yes, some people can fight depression without medication by using different techniques such as meditation and the like. I have extreme anxiety and mild depression, and though I do take a pill every few weeks, I usually use breathing techniques and my brain to say "no, this isn't me, its the anxiety." But that is just me and I would probably live a better life pilled up, I admit that, not to mention it depends on the DEGREE of your mental illness. And isn't it will power that makes a person go to AA (or the courts I guess...), or will power that allows the person to stay on a rehab program? They may use God or whatever as their catalyst, but ultimately it is the person who is deciding not to pick the drink back up or put the needle in their arm.


I am actually talking to my psychologist sis about this as well as trying to write down my thoughts. I think we all agree about the same shit basically, just not getting it down right....I think will power is what allows a persons to decide to get better, not exactly get better, but enable you to take the steps that lead to getting better. And comparing substance-addiction to mental disease isn't exactly fair: The alcoholic decided on their own to take that first sip, whether they knew they were at risk or not. The depressed didn't get to decide when their symptoms started.


Or another way NOT using the controversial alcohol: The heroin addict actively decides to shoot up the first time, the schizophrenic had no choice as to when the voices began.

 

Well, I would give my left, uh, something :qbluewacko: to be UNDER the influence for a few weeks!!


I always DID like the fried egg drug comercial. I LOVE bacon and eggs!!


Yeah, TV campaigns get old, the one with the mj cocoon made me smile, 'cause it SO me, from ages 17 'till 30 or so!!!!! :qbluewacko:


They can find a new flavor now, though. Its getting old.

 

about just dropping off the face of the world for a few days. I have been having big troubles on my little half acre. No computer thrown out the door this time. Just my OS frigged with in an attempt to destroy it. Alas it didn't work, I got it back hahahhahaha well after 3 days so I am not really laughing to damn hard.:idgaf:


Anyway, I will go out and find the research for you Lion. It is how they break the alcohol down. They lack the enzymes that evolved with the use of alcohol. Some cultures used it from the get go, and others, like the natives, did not have access to the wicked brews we(the white man) brought to them. They had no time to adjust to it, and evolution takes many many many generations. It doesn't cause them to be alcoholic, it just gives them a huge predisposition to it.


I said some asian cultures but mean more of the siberian and those folks out of the main stream of the super cultures. DNA is showing that there are several different "types" of natives. I think it is fascinating, the maternal dna tells you where they originated from and it isn't always across the land bridge they think existed. Many sailed to our shores from places they didn't think possible. I am excited about the genealogical uses of DNA. Yeah I know takes so little to excite some people.


I am not an addiction specialist, well unless you died, and I had to decide why, and then it was pretty easy if you drank yourself to death. Here is my understand of why drunks get drunk on less as they progress...they never sober up to start with.


If you are drinking let's say 12 beers a day, you need twelve hours to detoxify that. My experience with my partner, who is admittedly a "drunk" is that she starts drinking before she is sober, and it just adds it all up. Not only that but as the liver gets impacted it can't detoxify as quickly as it use too. Now in her case, well fuck it, she knows better and she makes a choice everyday to drink. She tells me that for now she is choosing not to use her "skills".


So I have had to chose to shut down all of my growing stuff because she is not paying her bills, and is drinking up all of her money. I guess I am passive-aggressive as I figure if she can't help pay the bills, or to help grow it, then I don't have the time or the desire to do it.:icon_confused:

 

I too hate those Above the influence...just some more bullshit propaganda. I like the one of the kids at the drive thru who speed off into a child on a bike! Thats good tv! Then theres the one with the dog who talks to the dude whos smoking a joint. Classic!

 

i agree that chemical dependance is a problem that has to be dealt with a lot differently. a persons chemical makeup will greatly influence how they react to substances, as well as social factors.


i recently had a friend of mine overdose on pain meds, (the acetaminophen made his liver shut down,) and i gotta say it was due to a chemical imbalance, and social issues he never overcame.


basically what ive learned is that some people are plagued with mental, and emotional obstacles far more challenging than person viewed as having a strong will is.

 

that is a huge issue, the tylenol or acetaminophen builds in the system and once you get to a certain level it will kill you dead whether you intended it or not. That happens a lot when people have the flu and get meds that have tylenol in it, and they combine them with other meds that have tylenol in them and your liver just says to hell with it and stops.


I autopsied a infant once whose mom didn't realize what she was doing but she gave the baby adult cough syrup and adult tylenol and the baby died within 24 hours. It was so sad because she had no clue how dangerous tylenol really is. Talk about a black box drug!

 

Berry....thanks for the info and it makes sense as to why one would take less drinks to get drunk.


bout your partner and you having to close down your grow...


I hope things get better as I know all too well what it is like to be with someone who drinks up the bill money. I am still frds with him since the divorce as he is the father of my children. I worry he will die young like his father did as he now has that "bloated" look and does not look healthy at all. Think it is why he is skeered to go to the doctor for a physical due to the fact he knows they would find so many things wrong and even admits that is why he does not go. Just hope he would for his daughters sake but you cant make people do anything they choose not too. Sad as he looks so old from drinking and smoking ciggies and he was a really good looking guy back in the day. When he has tried to quit he got physically ill so I think someone like him would need medical help if he should try to quit again.


And he lectured me on weed and would say that is illegal and blah blah. I think I smoked more when I was married as a stress relief but once I was on my own I needed little. We all have vices in life....so I really do feel sorry for anyone with an addiction and would not wish it on anyone.


Again thanks for the info.

 

My dogs talk to me all the time....I thought that was normal.

 

geez I talk for my dogs, in their own voices, you mean that isn't normal either????? :dog:

 

HA! I was like "They've finally reached their target audience, this shit is AWESOME!"


JC, man. How much of our tax money is wasted on shit like this?

 

Funny quiz. I liked the one about the cough medicine. I loved the DXM back in the day, but it is really only for a select few. If I remember correctly, it doesn't cause any brain damage (I feel it actually made me more intelligent). What causes the damage is if you get the wrong mix. For example, the baby mentioned earlier was given DXM and acetaminophen, which can react dangerously. Yet they are often combined in OTC meds. Same with pseudoephedrine and DXM, but I digress...


So, you're supposed to think for yourself, yet listen to what they say without question?