Posted by JahL on May 15, 2001, at 17:27:26
In reply to of course it's real » Nichole, posted by Elizabeth on May 15, 2001, at 8:47:05
> > There's a definite risk of that in people who have "reward deficit syndrome." This is a form of depression with significant anhedonia which is hypothesised to result from a dysfunction in the opioidergic system (since opioids are effective, it's unlikely to be due to the same morphological changes -- decreases in receptor-effector coupling -- that occur in opioid addicts). This is, IMHO, all the more reason to provide these people with appropriate medical treatment. The effects of addiction can be devastating -- particularly in countries like the US that have draconian anti-drug laws and cultural attitudes, and that choose to spend their money on law enforcement rather than on harm reduction and medical treatment.Hi Elizabeth.
I'm not looking to take sides here but I've been a long-time observer of yr posts (since back in '99) and I've never seen anything wrong in yr opioid use, given the context in which you place it.
What's caught my attn is this 'reward deficit syndrome'. Anhedonia & cognitive dysfunction characterise my 'depression'. I can honestly say (with the exception of brief SSRI-induced euthymia) I have never, ever, experienced pleasure. As young as 6 or 7 I wld openly express suicidal urges. Despite being suicidal I'm not so much depressed as emotionally desolate; I have this overwhelming 'craving' feeling, like something's missing.
I have been a heavy 'substance-(ab)user' (self-medicator) in the past but *never* had *any* addiction probs. Gave up a 30 unit a day binge-drinking habit overnight. Piece of p*ss. The only drugs I've never tried are the opiates-always felt I'd like them too much.
I guess my question to you is, does this ring any bells? Do the eternal anhedonia (like my mum, *zero* mood reactivity) & 'craving' sensation possibly signify anything to you?
*To anyone out there; I'm not looking for Elizabeth's tacit approval to take opioids. Just after her (what I consider to be) informed opinion on what I consider to be a viable treatment option for a *small subgroup* of depressives. & guess what? I've tried more meds than her (if that's possible). I'm not looking to get high. Been there, done that. Compared to shooting myself (the last option), *trialing* (*possibly*) opioids is a walk in the park.
Thanx for any help E,
J.
(DISCLAIMER: opioids can be habit forming & addictive etc etc)
poster:JahL
thread:17065
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010515/msgs/63134.html