What do we gain?

[PsychoSarah]

I've taken those pain killers in recovering from several medical procedures. When my doctor stopped that prescription I quit as ordered. I also have voluntarily quit sooner as I didn't like the severe constipation that results from these drugs. If I, one of the biggest losers on these forums, can quit without becoming addicted so can anyone.

Some people are genetically predisposed to addiction. It happens to run in my family so much so, I am completely abstinent from drinking alcohol out of the fear of it ruining my life.

Certain drugs are more addictive than others as well. Furthermore, just trying to quit a drug can be life-threatening if your body has begun to grow dependent on it.

 

[OldWiseGuy]

Some people are genetically predisposed to addiction. It happens to run in my family so much so, I am completely abstinent from drinking alcohol out of the fear of it ruining my life.

Certain drugs are more addictive than others as well. Furthermore, just trying to quit a drug can be life-threatening if your body has begun to grow dependent on it.

I'll concede that point.

 

[VesperSK98]

Shouldn't we, as a society, just let them reap the fruit of their bad decisions?

For some reason, Jesus taught us to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, tend the sick, and visit the prisoner (Matthew 25). People in prison, you could certainly say, are "reaping the fruit of their bad decisions" -- and yet the Lord teaches us to love them and care for them and see to their needs anyway. You could say that drug addicts -- even those not convicted of crimes -- are "prisoners" too, "slaves" to their sin, and "sick." And the Bible is very clear that we are commanded to love such people and provide for them. "Because [we] were slaves [too] and God redeemed [us]" (Deut 15:15).

 

[OldWiseGuy]

For some reason, Jesus taught us to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, tend the sick, and visit the prisoner (Matthew 25). People in prison, you could certainly say, are "reaping the fruit of their bad decisions" -- and yet the Lord teaches us to love them and care for them and see to their needs anyway. You could say that drug addicts -- even those not convicted of crimes -- are "prisoners" too, "slaves" to their sin, and "sick." And the Bible is very clear that we are commanded to love such people and provide for them. "Because [we] were slaves [too] and God redeemed [us]" (Deut 15:15).

I agree, but they must make restitution for damages and suffer the penalty for any law broken. Jesus didn't 'free' the prisoners from prison. Recall too that in his day many were unjustly tossed into prison. After watching the prison shows on TV I pray these animals never get out.

 

[VesperSK98]

I agree, but they must make restitution for damages and suffer the penalty for any law broken. Jesus didn't 'free' the prisoners from prison. Recall too that in his day many were unjustly tossed into prison. After watching the prison shows on TV I pray these animals never get out.

He doesn't really place a condition on loving them. He doesn't say "visit the prisoner, but only the one unjustly imprisoned." He doesn't say, "feed the hungry, but only if they can repay you." It's all an illustration of grace: we are hopelessly indebted to God; Christ has paid a debt that we never can repay. Should we only give grace to others if we expect repayment? Are we going to be the unjust servant (Matt 18:21-25)?

 

[OldWiseGuy]

He doesn't really place a condition on loving them. He doesn't say "visit the prisoner, but only the one unjustly imprisoned." He doesn't say, "feed the hungry, but only if they can repay you." It's all an illustration of grace: we are hopelessly indebted to God; Christ has paid a debt that we never can repay. Should we only give grace to others if we expect repayment? Are we going to be the unjust servant (Matt 18:21-25)?

If some drugged up jerk broke into my house I would ask the judge to make him pay for any damage done.

 

[Ana the Ist]

So you are saying that most people, that would be millions, that take pain killers become addicted? I submit that most do not.

Lol I have no way of accessing that information...

I would say that those who need them for some ongoing conditions, severe injuries, or for whatever reason must take them over longer stretches of time do often become addicted...without actively choosing to do so.

 

[TagliatelliMonster]

The judge should have said, "You have been convicted of beating and robbing so-and-so. You will therefore pay all his medical bills and restore what you stole-times-three. You will also pay the costs of your arrest, trial, and time in prison."

Considering your premise, that these addicts "rob people to pay for their addiction", that makes exactly zero sense. Because it assumes that the addict has no money in the first place.

Therefor, (s)he won't be able to pay for anything - no matter what the judge says.

 

[TagliatelliMonster]

Nicotine addiction isn't illegal, and usually harms only the smoker or dipper (although it is a serious national health problem).

Really?

Ever heared of third-hand smoke?

 

[TagliatelliMonster]

When was the last time you heard of a nicotine addict (chain smoker) holding up someone on the street or knocking off a liquor store to get another fix?

And when was the last time you heard that about an opioid addict?

When's the last time you heared that about a alcohol addict? Which is a legal hard drug?

 

[TagliatelliMonster]

I haven't the foggiest.

Perhaps you should try and find out, before making any kind of judgement call on them.

 

[TagliatelliMonster]

If some drugged up jerk broke into my house I would ask the judge to make him pay for any damage done.

If that "drugged up jerk" had any money to pay you, he wouldn't be breaking into your house in the first place.

 

[OldWiseGuy]

Considering your premise, that these addicts "rob people to pay for their addiction", that makes exactly zero sense. Because it assumes that the addict has no money in the first place.

Therefor, (s)he won't be able to pay for anything - no matter what the judge says.

Judges routinely levy punitive fines on offenders that 'have no money'. Family and friends often come to their aid.

 

[OldWiseGuy]

Really?

Ever heared of third-hand smoke?

Actually I haven't.

 

[OldWiseGuy]

Perhaps you should try and find out, before making any kind of judgement call on them.

Why would I want to be concerned with those who don't become addicted?????

 

[OldWiseGuy]

.

 

[TagliatelliMonster]

Actually I haven't.

It's the primary reason why these days it is no longer allowed to smoke at bars and stuff.
Here in Belgium, you even get fined for smoking in your car when there are minors in there as well.

 

[TagliatelliMonster]

Why would I want to be concerned with those who don't become addicted?????

The point was about what factors play a part in someone becoming addicted or not. What determines why some are more prone to addiction then others.

If you haven't got the "foggiest" idea, then who are you to judge addicts for being addicts?

 

[OldWiseGuy]

The point was about what factors play a part in someone becoming addicted or not. What determines why some are more prone to addiction then others.

If you haven't got the "foggiest" idea, then who are you to judge addicts for being addicts?

Studying why people get addicted is just another trip down the rabbit hole. People aren't punished for being addicts, but for crimes they commit. We could do a never ending study on why people steal or kill as well.

 

[OldWiseGuy]

It's the primary reason why these days it is no longer allowed to smoke at bars and stuff.
Here in Belgium, you even get fined for smoking in your car when there are minors in there as well.

I thought that was called second hand smoke. Third hand smoke would be second hand smoke passed on to a third person by the second person.