What is it like being old and taking drugs? What is different compared to taking them when younger? Are there any differences at all?
Yes there are. In fact, depending upon the drug in question, quite a few changes come with experience and age; but the most obvious physical manifestation relates to recovery. Recovery is often a much slower process, and is sometimes more challenging. This post explores and expands upon these aspects, with reference to my own exposure.
TRY TO BE FIT
First things first: not only am I old enough to remember The Beatles, but I self-administered 182 different drugs between 2008 and 2023. As many of you know, during this period I wrote The Drug Users Bible.
I was, however, in decent shape, despite the sedentary lifestyle of spending most of the day on my PC writing. During the first 10 years, when not away on an expedition, I went to the local swimming pool every morning for an unimpressive eight lengths, and then engaged various stretches to keep my ageing body supple and strong (lol). When the pool closed due to COVID I had to adjust, walking an hour or two every day instead. I lost weight and became fitter, and I believe that the enhanced fitness helped to sustain my drug-taking lifestyle.
PHYSICAL RECOVERY
To the direct topic in hand though; walking is particularly good for recovery following a heavy session with certain drugs. It aids circulation, helps digestion, promotes better sleep, and produces a whole raft of other related benefits.
For myself, this was especially notable with speed, but it applied to many other drugs too, including mephedrone, methamphetamine and MDMA.
Recovery from a session should ideally be pre-planned (check-out rollsafe.org). Commonly cited recovery aids include:
Some people suggest a toke of cannabis to ease the discomfort and stimulate appetite. Yes, I have occasionally taken this course, and I usually found it to be helpful (again depending upon the drug I was recovering from).
MENTAL RECOVERY
This is an important one: it helps to be aware that for a few days life can be coloured by the aftermath of the drug experience. Everything can look bleaker than it did previously. A real sense of depression can emerge. In severe cases you might even become distressed and, from time to time, feel like crying. Yes; your entire existence can seem to be absolutely shit.
What can help with this, apart from the practical physical steps above?
Knowing why this is happening (the drug) certainly helps: basically, knowing that it will pass. One trick is to focus upon a point in time 72 or 96 hours ahead: understanding that you will be generally happier at that juncture. You just have to get through those days. This is a mental exercise but it can really help to have a target.
BTW: One thing you don’t do is head back to the same (or a similar) drug.
I would also avoid making any serious life decisions whilst your mood is artificially low. If you are able to, delay anything of this nature until you are fully recovered. Do take this advice seriously.
Finally, if you need emotional or any similar support, don’t hesitate to seek it out. A problem shared isn’t exactly a problem halved, but it does help some people.
LOOK AFTER YOURSELF
Generally a young healthy body is likely to recover from physical problems faster than an old healthy body, and this definitely applies to drugs. Fortunately I have found that all the above suggestions apply regardless of age. It just takes longer as you get older, and the aches and pains are more obvious.
If you are old, take a little more care of yourself, and prepare for, and factor-in, a harsher aftermath and an extended recuperation period.
I will end on a positive note though, so roll the drums: here comes the good news… drugs don’t stop being fun when you are old.
.
PS: ALSO REMEMBER TO PRACTICE HARM REDUCTION
For more information on The Drug Users Bible see Amazon, or download a complimentary copy of the PDF version from the Breaking Bad Chemical Library, here: https://bbgate.com/resources/the-drug-users-bible.3477/
Yes there are. In fact, depending upon the drug in question, quite a few changes come with experience and age; but the most obvious physical manifestation relates to recovery. Recovery is often a much slower process, and is sometimes more challenging. This post explores and expands upon these aspects, with reference to my own exposure.
TRY TO BE FIT
First things first: not only am I old enough to remember The Beatles, but I self-administered 182 different drugs between 2008 and 2023. As many of you know, during this period I wrote The Drug Users Bible.
I was, however, in decent shape, despite the sedentary lifestyle of spending most of the day on my PC writing. During the first 10 years, when not away on an expedition, I went to the local swimming pool every morning for an unimpressive eight lengths, and then engaged various stretches to keep my ageing body supple and strong (lol). When the pool closed due to COVID I had to adjust, walking an hour or two every day instead. I lost weight and became fitter, and I believe that the enhanced fitness helped to sustain my drug-taking lifestyle.
PHYSICAL RECOVERY
To the direct topic in hand though; walking is particularly good for recovery following a heavy session with certain drugs. It aids circulation, helps digestion, promotes better sleep, and produces a whole raft of other related benefits.
For myself, this was especially notable with speed, but it applied to many other drugs too, including mephedrone, methamphetamine and MDMA.
Recovery from a session should ideally be pre-planned (check-out rollsafe.org). Commonly cited recovery aids include:
- General re-hydration
- Drinking orange/fruit juice
- Eating healthy meals, including food/drinks with electrolytes
- Careful use of supplements
- Plenty of rest/relaxation and showers.
Some people suggest a toke of cannabis to ease the discomfort and stimulate appetite. Yes, I have occasionally taken this course, and I usually found it to be helpful (again depending upon the drug I was recovering from).
MENTAL RECOVERY
This is an important one: it helps to be aware that for a few days life can be coloured by the aftermath of the drug experience. Everything can look bleaker than it did previously. A real sense of depression can emerge. In severe cases you might even become distressed and, from time to time, feel like crying. Yes; your entire existence can seem to be absolutely shit.
What can help with this, apart from the practical physical steps above?
Knowing why this is happening (the drug) certainly helps: basically, knowing that it will pass. One trick is to focus upon a point in time 72 or 96 hours ahead: understanding that you will be generally happier at that juncture. You just have to get through those days. This is a mental exercise but it can really help to have a target.
BTW: One thing you don’t do is head back to the same (or a similar) drug.
I would also avoid making any serious life decisions whilst your mood is artificially low. If you are able to, delay anything of this nature until you are fully recovered. Do take this advice seriously.
Finally, if you need emotional or any similar support, don’t hesitate to seek it out. A problem shared isn’t exactly a problem halved, but it does help some people.
LOOK AFTER YOURSELF
Generally a young healthy body is likely to recover from physical problems faster than an old healthy body, and this definitely applies to drugs. Fortunately I have found that all the above suggestions apply regardless of age. It just takes longer as you get older, and the aches and pains are more obvious.
If you are old, take a little more care of yourself, and prepare for, and factor-in, a harsher aftermath and an extended recuperation period.
I will end on a positive note though, so roll the drums: here comes the good news… drugs don’t stop being fun when you are old.
.
PS: ALSO REMEMBER TO PRACTICE HARM REDUCTION
For more information on The Drug Users Bible see Amazon, or download a complimentary copy of the PDF version from the Breaking Bad Chemical Library, here: https://bbgate.com/resources/the-drug-users-bible.3477/
