leighdu's Posts

Re: Lindsay Lohan Checks out of Drug Rehab

1/15/2008 9:50:07 AM leighdu
205 Posts

Fairytale wrote
I love Drew Barrymore. Not only is she a wonderful actress, but she is a recovered child actor drug abuser. Drew was in rehab at the age of 13 years old. Today she is clean and sober and makes wonderful movies. So, though there is several child stars that can not seem to get their act together there are some that do and do it in a big way.

Yes, Drew is a diamond in the rough, one in a million child actress turned adult actress who actually got herself together. It just goes to show that it CAN be done, even though very rare. I think Drew is amazing, not only as an actress, but as a role model for all these younger actresses who are where she used to be at their age.

Britney Spears and her Never Ending Troubles

1/15/2008 9:53:00 AM leighdu
205 Posts

I heard that at the recent blow out with the cops, that there all kinds of prescrption pills and medication found. More so than the average person should have. What's going on with Britney? At this rate, she is never going to get her kids back. And why does she only go to rehab for a few days just to check out and live the same lifestyle all over again ? It doesn't seem to me like she is giving it a chance.

Log out Tab

1/15/2008 10:00:00 AM leighdu
205 Posts

Sometimes it's really hard to see the logout tab (in white) at the top. Do you think it could possibly be changed to a color that makes it easier to see, such as black, purple, etc ?

Re: Replies to Post Link

1/15/2008 10:05:58 AM leighdu
205 Posts

You can click on your username/profile and see all the posts you have done. The only thing is there is nowhere that I see where you can see the threads only that you have done. It looks like they are all combined.

Re: Candy Cigarettes

1/16/2008 7:08:26 PM leighdu
205 Posts

alexdg1 wrote
at4101 wrote
Does anyone remember candy cigarettes? You would blow on them and this sugary powder would come out, and then you unwrap them and chew the gum inside. Back when I was younger I never thought anything of it, but I am so glad that they were pulled from the shelves. That's just one more thing that make it seem cool for kids to smoke.

Oh, yes. I do remember candy cigarettes quite well. They came in boxes that were identical in size and color to the real thing and had a number of sweet smelling/tasting replicas of "coffin nails." I think, but I'm now not sure, that they even had the same brand names (Marlboro, Pall Mall) as actual cigarettes.

I agree with you, at4101, that these candy cigs were a clever marketing tool to get kids to think smoking was cool, and a particularly underhanded one, at that. Besides, the gum wasn't all that great, now that I look back on it.

These are the EXACT ones I remember, and I particularly remember the Pall Mall box. You would have to unwrap the paper after you blew out the sugar powder that was supposed to like smoke. Then you would chew this gum that was hard as rocks. Ugh...so glad they aren't popular anymore

Prizes for Smoking

1/16/2008 7:12:00 PM leighdu
205 Posts

I thought this was just the stupidest concept in the world (for consumers) and an incredibly sneaky tactic that many of the tobacco companies used. The more packs you bought, the more miles or points you get, then after about 10,000 packs of cigarettes, you could ship all your points/miles in for some silly little gadget like a frisbee or a t-shirt that, of course, promoted smoking. If you were really into it, you could save up an impossible amount amount of miles and get camping gear.

Ugh, it just makes me loathe tobacco companies even more than I already did.

Re: Wellbutrin

1/16/2008 7:16:20 PM leighdu
205 Posts

at4101 wrote
My doctor told me about a pill called Wellbutrin. It is an antidepressant but it is also supposed to help you quit smoking, and if you have already quit, it helps you control your moods and the cravings. I am not too big on antidepressants so I was wondering if anyone had any experience with this one.

From what I hear, this stuff really works well but there is always an IF. IF you can handle some of the side effects such as cotton mouth, insomnia, dizziness, low appetite, etc. then Wellbutrin is known to carve your cravings and give you a mellow mood all at the same time. My uncle started on Wellbutrin about 5 years ago, and it has never touched a cigarette since, but when his wife tried it she just couldn't handle the side effects of the pill and stopped after only a month.

Re: just me

1/17/2008 5:20:31 AM leighdu
205 Posts

Welcome aboard. I'm sure you will find a lot of interesting threads here, and tons of supportive people. Congrats on getting started on your recovery !

Re: Britney Spears and her Never Ending Troubles

1/17/2008 5:24:02 AM leighdu
205 Posts

Although I am not really a big fan of her music, I sure hope she doesn't kick the bucket at 40. I think, or I hope, that there is still hope for her. I totally agree about her having too much success at too young of an age, but as someone pointed out on another thread, there ARE child star survivors, such as Drew Barrymore. Maybe Brittany will turn her life around, at least for her kids' sake.

Brad Renfro

1/17/2008 5:27:00 AM leighdu
205 Posts

In case anyone hasn't heard yet, Brad Renfro (actor famous for "The Client", "Sleepers", "Apt Pupil", "Bully") died a few days ago. It hasn't been released yet but there is a very good chance drugs were involved. He was on a good road to recovery and it looked like he was getting his life back on track. He was such a talented actor, and it just sucks we won't ever be able to see him in anymore movies.

Re: Paltalk Addiction

1/17/2008 5:30:08 AM leighdu
205 Posts

I've heard about Paltalk but I have never used it. Isn't that where all the messengers are combined into one? Anyways, I agree. The instant messengers can become addictive if abused. For me, they help me through out my work day. I talk with friends while getting work done and it makes the day go by even faster. I do know some people though, who live their entire existence through Yahoo messenger. It's not healthy at all.

Re: Internet is my Lifeline

1/17/2008 5:34:16 AM leighdu
205 Posts

jnjsarauer wrote
I work from home on the internet, so I'm on the computer most hours of the day. In my personal time I do a lot of emailing to stay in touch with family and friends, I do some of my shopping online, and I read the newspapers online. I also do online banking. My family says I'm on the computer all the time, which I am, but I don't see myself as being addicted. When I'm done doing what needs to get done in a day, I do my other chores, go out, etc. How do I get them to understand that just because I'm on the computer all the time I'm not an internet addict?

I'm in the exact same position as you. And what I have found is that if they aren't going through it, then they do not understand it. Just let them know that if you want your bills paid and they want to keep in touch with you, then you have to be on the computer all the tiime. I don't consider your situation as an addiction, just a part of life in a new era where technology is more prevalent than ever before.

Re: How much do you hate smokers who smoke near kids?

1/19/2008 4:27:34 PM leighdu
205 Posts

It repulses me. I don't think there is an adult alive in a normal society that doesn't realize that smoking is harmful, but then again there is a lot of ignorance going on this world so you never know. This guy that used to live close by did this all the time, and they had a newborn. He would smoke in his home with the baby right next to him. I asked him if had ever heard of a little term called 'Second Hand Smoke' . He tells me that it has been proven that 2nd hand smoke does not cause cancer. I know he had to see the look of digust and utter shock on my face when he said that. I guess he forgot about asthma, emphysema, allergies, and a slew of other diseases that young ones are much more susceptible to.

Re: How many of your friends/relatives smoke?

1/19/2008 4:29:53 PM leighdu
205 Posts

Quenlin wrote
Quite a lot actually, everyone on my dads side, including my dad smokes, but on my mums side, it's really only my auntie.

My granda used to smoke until he was diagnosed with diabetes, so he gave it up to keep himself going.

Kind of sounds like my family. Not one person on my moms side smoked except for her father. She has 3 sisters and 1 brother, and none of them smoked. My dad however, smoked like a chimney and so did his father. I also have 2 brothers and 2 sisters and all four of them smoke.

Illegal to smoke in car with Children

1/19/2008 4:32:00 PM leighdu
205 Posts

After reading Quenlin's thread, I was reminded of a law that we have here in our state. If anyone is caught smoking in a car with children in there, they are pulled over an fined. How many other states have this law. It could be nationwide ( I am in the US), but I do know for sure it applies in my state.

Re: Cig addicts - Did your parents smoke, too?

1/19/2008 4:35:26 PM leighdu
205 Posts

My dad was a smoker, my mom has never been. I really can't say for sure that because my dad smoked, I became a smoker. I am sure there is a higher percentage rate of smokers who had parents were smokers vs. non smoking parents. I think in my case I was just a stupid kid. I knew all the risk factors of addiction but me and friends played aroung with cigarettes anyways just to try them. I always thought, just like everyone else, that I could always quit after I had fun messing around with them. Unfortunately it hardly ever works that way.

Re: My say: Gamble what you can afford to lose

1/19/2008 4:37:38 PM leighdu
205 Posts

This is definitely good advice. The only downside is you never know who is going to be the next one that gets addicted to the thrill of gambling.

Re: They say that 95% of teens have smoked weed at least once

1/20/2008 4:48:25 PM leighdu
205 Posts

Hmm, thats a pretty high % rate and I personally do not buy it. Either these kids are lying through their teeth, or the stats are made up, or just completely messed up somewhere. I just can't imagine almost ALL of kids that age have smoked weed at least once. Maybe it's a scare tactic for parents? Either way, I don't believe it. What genius came up with these stats ?

Re: people should quit

1/20/2008 4:56:35 PM leighdu
205 Posts

ville wrote
Smoking we know has many side effects from lung cancer to other respiratiry illness and other compliactions, but i wonder why people still get in it? i don't know but this is very bother some. A curious kid should never put in his mind doing or engaging in this stiff because it is not worht the thrill they thought it has.

All I can say is that kids are not adults yet and they are still in the mindset that they are invincible, and at that age being cool is more important than anything. Also, kids are extremely impressionable. On good note though, studies show that smoking is declining as far as kids are concerned.

Have you ever tried to help someone quit ?

1/20/2008 4:58:00 PM leighdu
205 Posts

I remember back when I was a kid, my friend would put those Stop Smoking pamphlets all over the house, and his mom's purse. Everytime she saw one she would just get pissed off at him and tell him to mind his own business. I thought that was extremely sad because he cared about his mom and was doing the only he know how to help. Has anyone else done something similar and what was the reaction that you got ?

Re: Kids huffing Gas

1/22/2008 8:00:09 AM leighdu
205 Posts

This was on the news a few years back because some dumb kid went into a coma from doing this. I don't understand this one. I can see sneaking into your parent's liquor cabinet (not that I am condoning that), but this just almost seems like playing Russian Roullette.

Re: Whipped Cream " Whip Its"

1/22/2008 8:25:31 AM leighdu
205 Posts

I'll admit that I have done this before. It feels like you are out of this world for about 20 to 30 seconds if that, and thent thats it. I bet it kills thousands of brain cells each time you try it too. Definitely not worth it.

Re: Have you ever tried drugs?

1/22/2008 8:41:22 AM leighdu
205 Posts

I've noticed that a lot are not addicts too, or maybe they are at the point where they just don't want to admit it yet, are curious to know some of the symptoms, or maybe they know someone who is an addict and wanted to anonymously get more information. This is what these forums are for. I myself have tried marijuana and mushrooms. I am also a recovering alcoholic.

Re: Signs of Meth Addiction

1/22/2008 8:44:34 AM leighdu
205 Posts

ybpublishing2 wrote
Myth addiction can be very extreme and have long lasting effects on the brain and the body of the abuser. Some signs of meth abuse include insomnia, anxiety, confusion, mood swings and violent behavior. Hallucinations, delusions and paranoia can also be present in extreme levels of meth addiction.

Meth is not a drug to experiment with. It takes only once for the person to get hooked.

Another huge sign and one that has happened to a few people I know, is that they break out (acne) and develop little sores all over their skin. For some reason, meth addicts tend to pick at and scratch at their sore almost obssesively.

Re: Nobody wants to date someone who stinks of nicotine

1/29/2008 8:57:08 AM leighdu
205 Posts

Quenlin wrote
One thing that a few smokers seem to be unaware of is how bad their breath is. Now, I'll say right now, I'm not better due to an infected throat (not related to smoking by the by), but I don't want to make out with someone and play "Guess how many a day".

Their hands also stink as well, and the walls of their house get yellowed by excessive smoking. Take a picture off the wall and you'll see if they smoke or not.

I'm not sure why all the "smoker bashing" is going on. This forum is for people who are addicted and are trying to get the help and the support they need while trying to recover. I don't think telling them (and trust me, most of us do know), that they smell bad or that people wouldn't want to kiss them is helping in any positive way.

People who smoke already know the bad side effects. If it was easy to just dump them one day and never look back then there would be no need for forums like this.

Addiction Treatment

Alcoholism, Drug Abuse and Other Addictions