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1) Technically my first exposure was oxycodone from wisdom tooth surgery. I didn't really appreciate what a lucky windfall it was at the time, but thoroughly enjoyed it all. Afterwords I occasionally bought or traded for synthetics, heroin and opium when it was convenient. Having sampled pretty much the entire family, I would have to say that hydromorphone/oxymorphone are my favorites, and codiene is not worth taking at any dose, unless for diarrhea relief. The heaviest period of use in my life (w/ physical dependence and a mind prone to "addiction logic") was in grad school, and I haven't used any opiates at all for probably 5 years, but I would happily consume opiates if it was something I felt like doing (much like I feel about doing acid, going camping, playing a videogame etc). I occasionally used IV but the risk of systemic infection and the ugly needle tracks are not so nice. 2) 16-18, mid thirties now 3) Rarely too much, but when I did lots of heroin I ate less and paid for less other entertainment so I guess it evens out 4) Wherever convenient, usually through my social network 5) I just don't care enough to go to the effort. Nice high, excellent for doing work and being social if I dose reasonably. But other things are nice too. Regarding being social, I can take e.g. oxycodone for multiple days/events in a day, but I cannot take MDMA several times to any useful effect. Regarding work, it's good for long sustained bouts of work as it is easy to gently daydream about problems for any amount of time and it's easy to work for hours because I feel great and free of distractions. The side effects of constipation (I LOVE pooping), appetite loss (I like eating), bad sleep (it's really good for you) and apathy towards sex (bad, except for those unfortunate periods in life where it's good) are all worth considering. Generally, it's difficult to maintain ones quality of life and also do boatloads of opiates, just like anything else. It is very easy to find out oneself doing boatloads, though. Regarding addiction-- Tolerance and withdrawal are not currently considered necessary and sufficient for "addiction." It's considered a behavioral phenomenon. A bad case of the flu is much much worse than a bad period of withdrawal. Regarding the behavioral stuff and desire-- Dealing with unwanted desires is a good skill to have, I guess, and I'm lucky I don't want it very much. It is more effort to do more than it is to do less. But every step into "addiction" is infinitesimal and reversible, and every step out of "addiction" is equally infinitesimal and reversible, though you might notice it more. |