Anonymous #2 5d

After rereading, I want to clarify my wording. I don’t have addicts. What I strongly disagree with are the choices and lack of reason that often lead to starting harmful behaviors in the first place. It’s seems a lot like self sabotage. I understand your explanation, a little. I can acknowledge that it’s tragic. But to me, explanation is not the same as justification. People still have responsibility for the decisions they make when they choose to engage in behaviors that are clearly harmful

1

Anonymous OP 5d

And again, self sabotaging. Because of that, it is simply not something I respect in the same way I respect people who avoid those choices. I’m sorry for my wording, I don’t hate them and I don’t wish harm on them. I just mean those values do not align with mine and I choose to personally not associate with anyone like that. That’s my opinion

1

Anonymous #3 5d

I do try to understand people, but it’s not the same to me as agreeing or excusing certain choices. Addiction is complex, but I still believe those individuals have responsibility for the decisions they took that lead them there, especially when the risks and consequences are well known

0

Anonymous #1 5d

If someone is genuinely trying to quit, I respect the effort. My question isn’t about people who are already stuck in addiction, it’s about the initial puff and the drink (top of my head I’m thinking marijuana, alcohol, vaping). I’m thinking about the initial decision to start even knowing what is most likely to happen

2

Anonymous OP 4d

A lot of people get addicted at a time of their life when they simply don't care about their wellbeing. When you already hate your life, risking it to do something that makes it feel better doesn't sound like such a bad deal. And you may think all of the risks are well known but there is still so much misinformation and peer pressure out there that a vulnerable person can easily fall for

2

Anonymous #3 4d

I get what you’re saying about vulnerability and I don’t necessarily disagree. At the same time, recognizing those factors doesn’t mean removing personal responsibility entirely. People can be influenced and mislead, and still bear that responsibility for the choices they’re making. Yes this can happen but it doesn’t apply to everyone. I’m talking about cases where risks are known and the choice is still made regarding the consequences. Tragic outcomes don’t erase personal responsibility

0

Anonymous OP 4d

IME, I’m not talking about people where we can say they’re hating their lives, they were forced, etc. Everyone I’ve known to start was because they wanted to fit in, parties for social reasons, out of curiosity, or simply because they didn’t care. That’s the group I’m referring to. Peer pressure gets brought up a lot, personally I’ve never given into it especially when it’s obviously risky. To me, giving in at that point is still your choice. If someone does it anyways it reflects their

0

Anonymous OP 4d

priorities and decision making. I also notice the strongest disagreement that usually comes from people who have personally made these choices and felt targeted by the criticism. The people who aren’t offended tend to be those who avoided it because they understood the risks. I’m not saying explanations don’t exist, I’m saying that an explanation doesn’t excuse behavior and personal responsibility still exists. I know the explanations, to me they’re still excuses

0

Anonymous #3 4d

For people around me, in my life, they all knew the risks. They have access to the internet, they have a phone, they have good influences and family around them. There’s misinformation sure, but it’s still an individuals responsibility to fact check and to do their own research before making a choice like this. With people around me, we all took the same health classes, heard the same lecture from parents, etc. At that point, simply saying you heard wrongful information is a pathetic excuse

0

Anonymous OP 4d

Based off what you’re saying though I’m just thinking “head vs heart people”. The ones who give in are almost always, heart people. The ones who don’t, are people who lead with their head. Heart people aren’t my people, and I still think they’re stupid regardless of their explanation. I’m not trying to convince anyone, and I don’t need to be convinced because it’ll never change. Just thought I’d share my opinion. You can disagree with me it’s fine

0