Some people can quit or only smoke on occasions but many are nut jobs today and the life style ruined their lives before the even started.
This is an interesting ponderance. And indeed, pretty sure I understand what you mean. Of course, we don't know all the particulars of the person(s) you have in mind. But be that as it may, I have to wonder here about the definition of "ruined" in each instance. As an example, a thought that immediately comes to my mind is,
"Well, Ok... but let's run with the thought of... What would have happened to their lives had they NOT found this med?"
Here me out, not trying to necessarily stir the pot here... more like put things into perspective.
It's sorta no secret that persons who, perhaps not even knowing it themselves, but that may happen to fall somewhere within the spectrum of the DMSR's description of Depression or Anxiety... on average, you might say, are sorta more inclined to self-medicate than average folk. I think most of us would agree with this assertion, yes?
As such, what MIGHT have happened for such a person?... had they not found a med which gave them relief? What possible worse fate/choices/destinies might have befallen them if they did not find something which helped them internally "take it down a notch"?
With a different mental state and decision driving matrix than yourself... constantly exerting an internal pressure within them.... it begs the thought of...
"Well, what kind of trouble might they have gotten themselves into for their actions/choices had they, for example, acted on the impulses a state of Depression or Anxiety possibly would have invoked within them?" I hope you can see where I'm going here. I certainly know personally how powerful those forces inside can feel internally. And it freaking sucks.
It's all about perspective right? One person says "ruined". But what is that other persons definition of "ruined"? Hrmm? From within this afflicted persons perspective, I hazard to guess that even if this path has led to some potential missed opportunities for them. At least they didn't lash-out and hurt somebody during a moment of built-up internal pressure. See where I'm going with this?
I know and understand that it all depends on the individual. But my point just is that if a persons own individual makeup is such that them and weed ended up finding each other, and... as *think* you are describing finding each other a freaking lot (to that point and level where the apathy gets to a problematic level). I'm just saying it's been my observation that such a wake-and-bake person sure seems to always have bigger problems going on inside. As is evidenced by the impulse control, and exacerbated pleasure-seeking tendencies the escape of that altered state provides for them. The outward affinity to seek-out self-medication to such a constant level... to me... indicates bigger problems to address inside. And sometimes... such a person needs the kick in the butt that a missed opportunity may provide them in order to ignite a fire under their butt. Whether that be a missed career opportunity... or a Hottie they found themselves enamored with that wasn't cool with their level of consumption. (Note this is NOT my storyline either) My point being either they are eventually going to have a wake-up call moment... possibly much longer into the future than you or I. Or.... if they aren't... it still might not necessarily be a bad thing. As long as they are happier than they would have been if they elected to pursue somebody else definition of what happiness is. Hope that made sense.
EDIT: For myself personally? The trend so far as been....hrmm... I'd say typically like once every five years or so I'll have a period of indulgence for a bit. And more often than not, it's as the holidays are approaching. They are an awkward time for myself, because for the rest of the world... it's about visiting family, etc. etc. And we do visit Mama's family. But... it was during that time of year when some events happened I finally had my epiphany about my own immediate blood family relatives and the people involved with birthing me into this world. And while I understand my own personal choice to sever all ties with them was sound and logical and necessary and for my own betterment, doesn't make it feel any better when you've got this societal norm cyclically popping up every damn year to remind you about it. Such as the well-intentioned conversation starting questions of others just trying to be the nice people they are and show that they care at these various gatherings. I know and understand that they don't know the particulars. But doesn't mean it makes ya feel any better about it inside. Thankfully though my son is a huge ray of sunshine that makes all those prior decisions worth it.
