OCD Action

Nimrod
Key Master

This BBC News item http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-16678322 may be of interest. It clearly is an area where more research is needed.

Nimrod

Tue Jan 24 2012 9:42:17 #
Cuthbert ffoliott
Moderator

Hi Nimrod -

thank you for posting the link. It is controversial, sure, but also challenging. I would say: scientists, doctors and politicians should be wary of irrational fears. It is a good thing that the dangers of alcohol are mentioned in this article; alcohol can bring some joy, for sure, but if taken in large quantities, it leads to all kinds of social problems, it induces fear and depression, it can cause psychosis, it harms many regions in the body, damages one's brain, and ultimately can be the cause of death. Yet many people live in denial with regard to these matters, and the dangers represent a huge societal and financial burden. As far as I know, this does not apply to the other drugs mentioned - but that is of course no warranty about their safety, because they are so rarely used at present.

It's not appropriate to demonise doctors and researchers who question received notions, and who hold daring theories. In fact, that's the way science makes progress - and it's always been that way. Just think of Galileo and the Church...

Tue Jan 24 2012 9:57:26 #
Wolfen
Member

Hello, Just like to say I appreciate your comments on Alcohol,,,how it can be very damaging to the brain,and causes social problems. My Mother drank heavy for over 30 years,, and this destoyed our family,and the problems still continue in the chidren and theres, unless serious great effort is put forth.And one must accept help and advice. I think my ocd manifestered itself after the Anxiety and deppression caused by alcohol abuse in my parent.(apart from being a very sensitive person)
There is a great amount of neglect caused by alcoholism wether it be physical or emotional needs.I'd say probably one of the worst,or The worst family damaging 'drugs'. sorry for ranting on!

Tue Jan 24 2012 11:10:40 #
wannabefree
Member

That's an interesting article... Especially about the magic mushroom tea! I don't think they sell that in Asda! The thing about alternative drugs often comes down to controlled dosage too, take for instance hypericin, the main ingredient in St Johns wort. They don't prescribe it cos it don't work on its own, and they dont really know how it works I dont think... But research into these things may well be a good idea, but of course with magic mushrooms being illegal, we can't try them... Prescriptions are expensive to pay for, so sometimes over the counter remedies, like Bach remedies and St Johns wort can work out cheaper to buy. I don't know what the answer is, cos we still have valium, diazepam, and that is known for its' addictiveness And the side effects of some antidepressants have us feeling worse to begin with...
Wannabe

Tue Jan 24 2012 12:04:39 #
Cuthbert ffoliott
Moderator

@Wolfen -

no need to apologise, your comment is truthful and honest, and is hugely appreciated. You make a couple of interesting observations:

- it may well be that one's OCD becomes florid in a situation that you describe. OCD here may have the meaning of: wanting to have control (psychologically) over a situation that is being experienced as chaotic and frightening (which is often the case in alcoholism in a loved one). Children are susceptible here, to develop some mental defense mechanism (which OCD ultimately is).

Now, I want to emphasise this: such a situation, and the way it evolves over time, aren't wanted by anyone. So assigning blame isn't fruitful, it is counterproductive. That is why I have a preference to call alcoholism (and other substance abuse disorders): an illness. Not an 'addiction' per se, and God forbid the use of the term: junkie. Experts on the world's best database with medical and biological reports, Pubmed, mostly speak of 'illness' here, and the Germans have the word: 'Suchtkrankheit', which translates as: craving illness. It is interesting to note here that both alcoholism (and other such illnesses) and OCD most probably have some genetic basis. That means that it is not sure that genes will make you someone with such an illness with 100% certainty - but you run a greater risk to develop a substance abuse disorder when exposed to traumatic experiences, in brief. This also answers the question why some war veterans with post-traumatic stress become ill with substance abuse, and others don't.

- the other point you raise is equally important: people ill with alcohol can't answer the physical and emotional needs of those they care for. That is very sad. The initial problem can cross over to the next generations, because of it. That is why seeking help is so important; and this in turn requires admitting that one has a problem here, so: complete acknowledgement of one's situation. Unfortunately, because so many people drink too much and still function on a minimal level in society, abuse of alcohol is often swept under the carpet - people hate exposing their 'dirty laundry', and friends and family often co-operate with the hiding of such a problem - out of loyalty.

Regards, Cuthbert.

Tue Jan 24 2012 12:41:21 #
BT
Member

I truly feel that Professor Nutt is as nutty as his name and I was relieved when the former home secretary sacked him for his damaging remarks. He stated that taking ecstasy was no worse than the risks of "equasy", a term he stupidly invented to describe people's ‘addiction’ to horse-riding. What kind of message is that to send out to young people?

As for alcohol, when consumed sensibly, it can be very beneficial. Illegal drugs can kill, even in small doses, especially when they have harmful substances added to them by unscrupulous, evil drug dealers.

Certain illegal drugs may indeed be beneficial or at least lead on to new discoveries and treatments. However, they also kill and even when used in controlled medical situations (I was given LSD many years ago) the long-term damage can be irreversible.

Wed Jan 25 2012 14:16:54 #