Whats worse Booze or Weed?

[PanzerJaeger]

You answered your own argument. If I had an enjoyable life... I wouldn't need drugs. But having an enjoyable life is pretty rare, and pretty subjective isn't it Panzer?

Yep, I would wager most people are not happy or content. Hence the . If that gets you through your day, then have at it.

Also, Panzer: for me, book-reading v. substance-use in moderation is apples to apples. When you read a book you're high on dopamine, when you go for a run you're high on endorphins, when you bungee jump you're high in adrenaline.

Well not exactly. Reading a book, running, or even bungee jumping are all done without changing your state of mind. Natural chemical shifts are not comparable to getting "high" when refering to alcohol or pot. A good test is whether you can stop what you are doing and function in a normal manner withen seconds.

Ask yourself why you spend your hard earned money to drink or smoke pot. Why do you need to change your state of mind that severly if you are already happy? Whether its to escape from life for a little while, to help you be comfortable in social situations, or to have fun(or make things seem fun)... its all about changing your state of mind. Why would you do that if your original state of mind was enjoyable?

[Byzantine Prince]

Yep, I would wager most people are not happy or content. Hence the . If that gets you through your day, then have at it.

I used to get high on God.

Ask yourself why you spend your hard earned money to drink or smoke pot. Why do you need to change your state of mind that severly if you are already happy? Whether its to escape from life for a little while, to help you be comfortable in social situations, or to have fun(or make things seem fun)... its all about changing your state of mind. Why would you do that if your original state of mind was enjoyable?

Some people feel socially pushed to indulge in those activities. I know for myself that I felt a strong urge to drink myself silly because ALL people talked about after weekends was how drunk they got, and how cool it was. Even if you are intellectually superior to these people, which I feel I was, they're going to have an influence on you.

I honestly don't feel that alcohol alters my state of mind nor does it make me happier. It rather just makes me dizzy and more forward. I feel like I can touch some girls b00b and then not care about it.

[Gawain of Orkeny]

Reading a book, running, or even bungee jumping are all done without changing your state of mind. Natural chemical shifts are not comparable to getting "high" when refering to alcohol or pot. A good test is whether you can stop what you are doing and function in a normal manner withen seconds.

Bungee jumping doesnt change your state of mind? Your still using an artificial stimulus to make these chemical shifts. Also it will take you more than a few seconds to recover from bungee jumping. Heck I even get high on playing VI sometimes. I can smoke pot and do anything I normally do perfectly fine. Two beers and Im useless. Its funny I love the show Law and Order. What do the lawyers , judges and cops do at the end of every case? Why they go out and hoist a few.

[Duke Malcolm]

I find that it takes more alcohol than weed to get me useless... I can still operate relatively well after a half bottle of Scotch, but after some pot, then I'm gone...

[Gawain of Orkeny]

I find that it takes more alcohol than weed to get me useless... I can still operate relatively well after a half bottle of Scotch, but after some pot, then I'm gone...

I venture you drink more often than you smoke. Anyone who can still operate relatively well after a half bottle of Scotch better check into AA

[Steppe Merc]

PJ, your comments on the need to pay money in order to get high is the main reason I don't smoke reguaulry myself. It's just to expensive. And yes, pot helps people escape. Nothing wrong with that, as long as it isn't all the time.

Some people feel socially pushed to indulge in those activities. I know for myself that I felt a strong urge to drink myself silly because ALL people talked about after weekends was how drunk they got, and how cool it was. Even if you are intellectually superior to these people, which I feel I was, they're going to have an influence on you.

Mabye, but its the persons choice. I probably wouldn't have tried pot if my friends didn't smoke, but they didn't force me. Peer pressure is a too often used excuse, and I find it BS.

[Duke Malcolm]

I venture you drink more often than you smoke. Anyone who can still operate relatively well after a half bottle of Scotch better check into AA

Oh yes. I've only smoked once -- on my last birthday. I only drink in the weekends, though, and rarely to the extent of a half bottle of Scotch.

[ah_dut]

I've seen what Pot did last weekend...it's quite funny if you're not involved. It seems to really muff up the smoker's memory in some cases...I mean these people were wasted and couldn't remember it. Don't ask me why but that's the way it was. Oh and a little alchohol is great on girls

[Kraxis]

Ask yourself why you spend your hard earned money to drink or smoke pot. Why do you need to change your state of mind that severly if you are already happy? Whether its to escape from life for a little while, to help you be comfortable in social situations, or to have fun(or make things seem fun)... its all about changing your state of mind. Why would you do that if your original state of mind was enjoyable?

That is not the only cause for drinking.

I drink beer for the taste. Whenever I go somewhere I try to get some local beer at least once (if it is crap I leave it alone afterwards of course). I like to think of myself as having good taste in beers. I must admit that I prefer eastern (eastern Europe, called Pilsners because of the region Pilsn) beers a lot, their strong bitterness and rather light taste while long aftertaste is very pleasant. But I also like the soft almost creamy Bavarian beers and a good British ale. I don't like the strong, heavy and often thick Scottish and Irish beers. I can enjoy a Kilkenny now and then though. And I think the sweet and fruity Belgian beers are often too much.
And yes, alcohol is a very important part of the taste. I have tried a lot of either light or non-alcoholic beers, and never have I tried one that I would consider better than a good mediocre beer. So the taste of alcohol is also a reason for drinking.

I must say that pot can't be said to be exactly tasty or similar, it is for pure highs.

Of course I drink heavily at parties and such, but that can be attributed to the relaxed state you get in, and the slower pace of events. Not to say that many things are simply more fun (see similarities to pot?). Besides alcohol contains good deal of energy (half again as much as fat) so you will often be able to stay up longer when drunk... That can of course tip over, so that if you are already tired before drinking you will fall asleep faster, or if you consume too much you will also fall asleep. Careful balance.

[Togakure]

... A good test is whether you can stop what you are doing and function in a normal manner withen seconds. ...

I don't drink much. In reference to the other altered state, I can. I know many who can, and many who can't, so I'm not sure I agree that this would be such a good test. Effects vary from person to person, amount consumed, length of time the person has been a regular consumer, etc.

... that severly ...

For a few, the affects of marijuana might seem "severe," but I would guess that most would consider the effects quite mild. To me, it is a subtle, mellow effect. Admittedly, it's been quite a long time since I've enjoyed it; my current circumstances are not compatible with that activity.

... Why would you do that if your original state of mind was enjoyable?

Some of us enjoy contrasting states of mind, particularly when surroundings or circumstances are enhanced by it. I would not partoke if visiting my family, for example (I take multiple aspirins for that), but if I was going on a backpack trip, watching sunsets from atop a mountain overlooking a lake ... you dig?

For others, it's not so easy to change their surroundings by going somewhere more pleasant. Changing one's state of mind can make unpleasant surroundings or circumstances more bearable, or more interesting. This can be helpful, or harmful, depending on a number of factors.

[Tribesman]

but if I was going on a backpack trip, watching sunsets from atop a mountain overlooking a lake ... you dig?

yep always bring a shovel when backpacking .

[Kraxis]

A special high I think all should try to experience is a full solar eclipse... It is honestly very strange. You do go all giddy and silly. It is hard to explain, but it is great fun and you do feel special that you have witnessed that.

I'm waiting with great hope for the next full eclipse to come to Europe in a few years. Saw the one that passed through northern France in 99 (in Verdun of all places).

[yesdachi]

I think that both are bad in excess but ok if used responsibly. Some people can handle their “high” and others cant. That’s where things get tricky, we can’t regulate laws for each person, “you’re a mean drunk, no booze for you.” or “Sorry, when you get high you are too lazy, its illegal for you.” I’m ok with both being legal and letting people figure it out for themselves but that is kind of irresponsible because I just know letting some people have a drug is like handing them a pair of scissors and telling them to run with um.

Also, I think weed could be just as harmful statistically as alcohol if it was legal and given a chance to affect more people. Imagine if all the millions of people having a drink after work were smoking a fatty instead. Weed alters your mood, releases inhibitions, effects reflexes, etc. It has been my experience that weed is used by people that are usually more prepared for it and are somewhere safe, where alcohol is used anywhere anytime by anyone. I think it is easy to get more drunk than you plan because it takes longer to affect you and when you are thirsty you want to drink and the punch of alcohol can be covered with yummy flavors, I have seen (and been one of the) people drink way more than they planned for all those reasons. But I don’t know anyone that got too high because it tasted good - Loooooong drag… hold it… cough… hold it… let it out… ... ... man, that tasted like Oreos, gimme some more!

Anyway, moderation and self-control are key.