[denton-scratch]

The author's contention is that "addiction" is a result of circumstances, not of substances. He cites a rat study, and that's about it.

I don't think that's correct. I do think that addiction results from circumstances, and it's impossible to quit if the circumstances are wrong; but depending on the substance, withdrawal can mean life-threatening seizures.

Suggesting that the primary (author implies "sole") cause of addiction is circumstances enables all these claims of sex addiction, chocolate addiction, sugar addiction and so on.

Author says at the end that the word "addiction" is outdated; I agree, because it's been hijacked to refer to any kind of obsessive or repetitive behaviour. We need a new word for a chemical dependency that threatens withdrawal symptoms more serious than feeling rather down.

[throwaway1492]

My only encounter with drugs (pain killers) for the past 10 years was fentanyl as part of colonoscopy. That was no joke. Just one dose had noticeable effects for a few days later. I felt fucking great waking up from that colonoscopy but man, the day or two after sucked.

[denton-scratch]

Wow, fentanyl for a colonoscopy?

I've had three. They'd usually offer NO2 or diazepam, but only if you have someone to take you home. Which I didn't. So I've never had drugs for a colonoscopy.

It's an unpleasant, uncomfortable experience, makes me groan out loud, but I wouldn't describe it as painful.