addiction? quarter life crisis?

[FlowerThug]

I need clarity, maybe advice. but more than anything, I need the insight of INTPs, which brings about my first ever post. * Every single online test, all of them free, that I have done, show that I am an, INTP, and type 5.

I'm suffering from a constant state of boredom, and I'm having trouble figuring out how to resolve this. Reading new articles, magazines, going out on a hike, talking to people, trying to make friends, pursuing my existing hobbies and new ones, nothing seems to entertain me. I smoke weed, and that effectively takes my mind off of boredom, but only for a short while.

I like being high, but also greatly like being sober minded, except for the boredom. I have contemplated that I might just be addicted to marijuana, but I am not. I think I'm addicted to having a distorted state of mind, because if it's not marijuana it's tobacco or alcohol. *

I have gone sober for over 3 months, but I am still bored. * I think I like being in a distorted state of mind because it allows me to access part of me, that I usually cannot. Namely emotions. But there hasn't been any sort of progress in my personal life to validate using these drugs and I refuse to use them as anything more than recreational drugs. *
Is this a phase? Has anyone here ever experienced something like this?
* The last time I remember being not like this, was about 5 years ago. I used to be a very active basketball player, going to the gym about 4 to 5 nights a week. Despite the minimal conversation that goes on playing basketball, during that period of time I never felt lonely isolated or bored. *

 

[Etheri]

I used to be a very active basketball player, going to the gym about 4 to 5 nights a week. Despite the minimal conversation that goes on playing basketball, during that period of time I never felt lonely isolated or bored. *

Doesn't sound very INTP - eh.
Overstimulation makes everything seem dull. Long time use of weed, alcohol and others can do that to you. Also, recognition of the constant repititive patterns in our lives do the same to me. There's really nothing /new/. It's just the same stuff, over and over again. I'll escape the cycle, only to create new cycles. Atleast it gives me temporary relief... But so does recreational drugs?!

Tl dr; same problem, I just don't mind as much. I'm great at keeping myself busy without being bored, I just don't feel like doing anything in particular, so I do absolutely nothing, at all times.

 

[Proletar]

Quit doing things that are destructive for you and instead engage in something that you find deeply interesting. Is there any cult in your home-town? Infiltrate it and write a book about it. If regular joys like eating fancy or sitting on the couch doesn't cut it for you, then do something extraordinary.

 

[Heisenberg]

Get a hobby or relationship, or cult, that could be fun, I recommend some kind of sport or club since basketball was effective previously. For me it is bowling and chess

 

[SLushhYYY]

The weed and your so called "mind distortion" is the source of your problems. Substitute those destructive habits for something else and you will gradually slip out of the slump, don't lie to yourself saying you are not psychologically addicted to weed.

 

[Duxwing]

I need clarity, maybe advice. but more than anything, I need the insight of INTPs, which brings about my first ever post. * Every single online test, all of them free, that I have done, show that I am an, INTP, and type 5.

I'm suffering from a constant state of boredom, and I'm having trouble figuring out how to resolve this. Reading new articles, magazines, going out on a hike, talking to people, trying to make friends, pursuing my existing hobbies and new ones, nothing seems to entertain me. I smoke weed, and that effectively takes my mind off of boredom, but only for a short while.

I like being high, but also greatly like being sober minded, except for the boredom. I have contemplated that I might just be addicted to marijuana, but I am not. I think I'm addicted to having a distorted state of mind, because if it's not marijuana it's tobacco or alcohol. *

I have gone sober for over 3 months, but I am still bored. * I think I like being in a distorted state of mind because it allows me to access part of me, that I usually cannot. Namely emotions. But there hasn't been any sort of progress in my personal life to validate using these drugs and I refuse to use them as anything more than recreational drugs. *
Is this a phase? Has anyone here ever experienced something like this?
* The last time I remember being not like this, was about 5 years ago. I used to be a very active basketball player, going to the gym about 4 to 5 nights a week. Despite the minimal conversation that goes on playing basketball, during that period of time I never felt lonely isolated or bored. *

Your extended apathy and ennui suggest that you're depressed, so go to a therapist if you haven't already because they know how to fix these problems better than any of us.

-Duxwing

 

[redbaron]

- regular diet
- regular exercise
- stop taking drugs
- find a constructive hobby
- socialize in some way, for me simply work is enough socialization, but before I started working I would maintain contact with friends at least once a week.

Lol @ therapy being Duxwing's answer to everything

 

[FlowerThug]

Quit doing things that are destructive for you and instead engage in something that you find deeply interesting.

I started going to school again. I already graduated, but am using a second undergrad to expand and pursue my interest in socio-economics.

Get a hobby or relationship, or cult, that could be fun, I recommend some kind of sport or club since basketball was effective previously.

Yes, expanding my list of hobbies is something I working on. Relationships are not easy, the last few years have proved that quite well, but I am still working on it. I see most promise in it too, because everytime I get close to a girl, it feels amazing. I love it. Though finding girls is hard, and then getting them to date you, even harder!

The weed and your so called "mind distortion" is the source of your problems. Substitute those destructive habits for something else and you will gradually slip out of the slump, don't lie to yourself saying you are not psychologically addicted to weed.

Like I said, I went sober (from everything) for three months, only had a few beers today after that long time. It didn't improve my condition at all, the only thing that changed was, I didn't get that one hour in the day where I wasn't bored.

Your extended apathy and ennui suggest that you're depressed, so go to a therapist if you haven't already because they know how to fix these problems better than any of us.

Depression does flit through my mind often, and seeing a therapist. But I can't bring myself to seeing one. Though I should make it clear, I haven't been a pothead for 6 years.. Started a little over a year ago. Not that it helps any.

- regular diet
- regular exercise
- stop taking drugs
- find a constructive hobby
- socialize in some way, for me simply work is enough socialization, but before I started working I would maintain contact with friends at least once a week.

I agree with you, and that's the plan I have constructed to follow.
Gym, basketball, new hobbies, no drugs, and trying to socialize. Most people are quite boring however, so it's no help.

 

[Duxwing]

Depression does flit through my mind often, and seeing a therapist. But I can't bring myself to seeing one. Though I should make it clear, I haven't been a pothead for 6 years.. Started a little over a year ago. Not that it helps any.

Would you be OK with sharing why you don't want to see a therapist? Perhaps we could help you in picking the pain apart.

-Duxwing

 

[Heisenberg]

Yes, expanding my list of hobbies is something I working on. Relationships are not easy, the last few years have proved that quite well, but I am still working on it. I see most promise in it too, because everytime I get close to a girl, it feels amazing. I love it. Though finding girls is hard, and then getting them to date you, even harder!

Yeah I agree getting close to a girl is great and unfortunately hard! When expanding your list of hobbies pick one that sets you in a smaller group and hopefully you can meet a girl in that group that shares some of your interests.

 

[Da Blob]

There is such a thing as addictive personalities, that could be worth checking into.

A 'religious' conversion could be helpful (?)...

There are some that find taking risk is a means to avoid boredom and relationships with the opposite sex can fulfill this risk-taking, thrill-chasing relief from boredom.

However, there is a basic problem common to many. If one can not learn how to be content with those things one actually needs, one can never be content by acquiring things that are not really needed.

find a cause to serve...

 

[Proletar]

No, you shouldn't become religious.

 

[Duxwing]

No, you shouldn't become religious.

*rushes in beside Proletar*

I second that! Stand firm, O Flower!

-Duxwing

 

[redbaron]

I agree with you, and that's the plan I have constructed to follow.
Gym, basketball, new hobbies, no drugs, and trying to socialize. Most people are quite boring however, so it's no help.

Sounds good. Socializing is probably the hardest part. I tried to follow a baseline rule of going out at least once a week with a friend/s. I could have easily just forgotten about the outside world, which I did frequently. Not on purpose, I would just not go anywhere for about 5-6 weeks.

Then I'd start to get a little stir crazy and say, 'damn, I haven't been anywhere for ages'.

Honestly I think it just depends on the person. I can go for ludicrous amounts of time without socialising, and I like it that way.

 

[joal0503]

I need clarity, maybe advice. but more than anything, I need the insight of INTPs, which brings about my first ever post. * Every single online test, all of them free, that I have done, show that I am an, INTP, and type 5.

I'm suffering from a constant state of boredom, and I'm having trouble figuring out how to resolve this. Reading new articles, magazines, going out on a hike, talking to people, trying to make friends, pursuing my existing hobbies and new ones, nothing seems to entertain me. I smoke weed, and that effectively takes my mind off of boredom, but only for a short while.


I like being high, but also greatly like being sober minded, except for the boredom. I have contemplated that I might just be addicted to marijuana, but I am not. I think I'm addicted to having a distorted state of mind, because if it's not marijuana it's tobacco or alcohol. *

'sober' vs intoxicated mind...a really interesting topic to dive into, but another thread i suppose...the brain is nothing but a factory of drugs. all 'sobriety' is, a fucked up version of reality...intoxicated? a altered/enhanced/different channel of reality ... the point, youre already living in a distorted state of reality. it just happens to be the neurotic, socially acceptable version that everyone else tells you it should be. And btw, cannabis is not physiologically addictive (debatable? sort of ).

I have gone sober for over 3 months, but I am still bored. * I think I like being in a distorted state of mind because it allows me to access part of me, that I usually cannot. Namely emotions. But there hasn't been any sort of progress in my personal life to validate using these drugs and I refuse to use them as anything more than recreational drugs. *

I must admit, psychedelics have opened my emotions a great deal. Ill just guess here, chances are you might have investment in a career, family, children, etc...essentially things that tie you down with responsibility. If thats the case, I have to agree that you might never be able to really dive into things heavily, wihtout causing a great deal of harm or negelect to prior engagements in life. But if you are like me, completely untied, uninvested, and free, if you have nothing really to lose and a lot of free time (its why i can realize so little people care about psychedelics, they have pride and their 'lives' to worry about)...there shouldnt be a necessary validation aside from the pure curiosity and benefit you gain from using psychedelics. IF pyschedelics can help you be a better person in life (and are used in a safe manner), why wait for a reason?


Is this a phase? Has anyone here ever experienced something like this?
* The last time I remember being not like this, was about 5 years ago. I used to be a very active basketball player, going to the gym about 4 to 5 nights a week. Despite the minimal conversation that goes on playing basketball, during that period of time I never felt lonely isolated or bored. *

"fear of life/experience" "boredom/dissatisfaction with what they call 'life' "?

"with increased life spans, we now live long enough to see how much bullshit it all is."?

I wouldnt advocate psychedelics to anyone who isnt already curious about them on their own, but it just seems like you WANT to, and for some reason are holding back, seeking validity of the experiences from others? No clue, could be way off...

Of course aside from that, Id just recommend finding SOMETHING out there thats completely alien and new. Find, explore, experience. Just remember whatever it is you decide to do, the wellbeing and safety of you and your surrounding members comes first.

 

[pjoa09]

You should do something stupid.

I bought an old ass project car.

Mild regrets, frustrations, freak out moments, and epiphanies make life interesting.

 

[Etheri]

You should do something stupid.

I bought an old ass project car.

Mild regrets, frustrations, freak out moments, and epiphanies make life interesting.

In a way, I actually agree with this... And not out of sadism, but rather actual advice.

 

[FlowerThug]

Would you be OK with sharing why you don't want to see a therapist? Perhaps we could help you in picking the pain apart.

-Duxwing

I don't think I am messed up to the level of where I have to get over my discomfort of having to talk about myself with some random..

I do drugs, yes, but, I can't smoke more than two inhales of cigarette.. Makes my head spin.. I am not a druggie yet, just on path to being one.. The whole problem is, having to find some sort of change.. Commitment, it's hard.. To own self, more than others.. Illogical? Yes.. And it's eating me up from my butt..

Yeah I .. When expanding your list of hobbies pick one that sets you in a smaller group and hopefully you can meet a girl in that group that shares some of your interests.

Right now I am more focused on becoming independent.. Apply myself towards monetary gain.. Then maybe, it's a process, the picture is becoming clearer.. Thanks actually to a lot of viewpoints I picked up here..

A 'religious' conversion could be helpful (?)...

There are some that find taking risk is a means to avoid boredom and relationships with the opposite sex can fulfill this risk-taking, thrill-chasing relief from boredom.

Indeed. I am at the moment the source of frustration for an ENFP.. She's a source of much confusion.. And we aren't even in a relationship.. But you are right, risk taking in this aspect, wipes boredom away like Charmin Ultra does the bottom.. Though I am more a fan of bidets.. The warm water ones..

And no thanks to religious conversions..

You should do something stupid.

I took up landscaping, and enjoy it a lot. There is a lot of experimentation involved, because I don't read up on them, I just follow my instinct, and somehow, I am apparently really good with plants.. Though I don't think this counts as stupid.. Hmm.. You have a point.. Maybe I should just hike that 42 mile trail, even if I am alone.. I'd rather take a decent companion of the night along with me..

 

[FlowerThug]

it just happens to be the neurotic, socially acceptable version that everyone else tells you it should be. And btw, cannabis is not physiologically addictive (debatable? sort of )

Like I said, I don't think it's specific to cannabis, more to just not being sober.. Alcohol, a few drinks get me good, and it's fine if I don't smoke weed..

The socially acceptable version maybe neurotic, but it still is the more reliable means of sustaining your late twenties.. The whole, getting dough, ho, and a fancy car for show, thing..

IF pyschedelics can help you be a better person in life (and are used in a safe manner), why wait for a reason?

more like, wait for channels of procurement?

 

[Duxwing]

I don't think I am messed up to the level of where I have to get over my discomfort of having to talk about myself with some random..

A therapist starts off as "a random," but they build a relationship with you. Once they accomplish that, they can read you like a book and see where the problem is-- provided that you cooperate and answer their questions truthfully, of course.

Moreover, your constant "state of boredom" and lack of enjoyment of previously pleasurable activities points to depression, especially when combined with your use of drugs (presumably to escape the boredom, but do correct me on that if I'm wrong). Going to a therapist won't cost more than the copay if you have medical insurance, and I bet that there's a clinic in your area that can offer some free services.

@Da Blob
@Jennywocky

Can we get FlowerThug some help?

-Duxwing

 

[Da Blob]

It is difficult to provide help to someone who does not ask for it, even if she or he needs it.
This is the primary stumbling block of many interventions.

Of course, I am available via PMs to answer any questions or provide what I can in the way of help.

 

[Jennywocky]

Sounds like people have been doing just fine in the thread. Not sure what kind of help you want to offer at this point. I wouldn't say much different than anyone else has.

(Also, remarkably enough, I agree with Blob. Psychs aren't doctors, it's a field of treatment where the cure is ultimately in the hands of the patient, vs any "medicine" prescribed like with other types of doctors. It's like dieting, you can't "make" someone change their lifestyle to lose weight; they have to want to.)

 

[Duxwing]

It's just that you two, unlike me, have a clue. I'm just a kid posting ideas from behind a computer screen, and the thought of posting something wrong due to my ignorance worried me.

-Duxwing

 

[Back2Basics]

I need clarity, maybe advice. but more than anything, I need the insight of INTPs

You make this statement, yet when people put forth advice, you already have an answer ready and don't even entertain the idea. It seems like you already have your mind made.

 

[joal0503]

I need clarity, maybe advice. but more than anything, I need the insight of INTPs

You make this statement, yet when people put forth advice, you already have an answer ready and don't even entertain the idea. It seems like you already have your mind made.

Maybe he's just too bored.

 

[kora]

I'm in the same situation it seems, more or less the same relationship to drugs as well. I identified with what you wrote completely. I think it's mild depression that passes without you realising it if you concentrate on other things.

@Duxwing you seem to be the resident empathetic member , I've noticed you usually answer people posting about their personal problems, perhaps because you're in existential despair yourself?

 

[Duxwing]

I'm in the same situation it seems, more or less the same relationship to drugs as well. I identified with what you wrote completely. I think it's mild depression that passes without you realising it if you concentrate on other things.

@Duxwing you seem to be the resident empathetic member , I've noticed you usually answer people posting about their personal problems, perhaps because you're in existential despair yourself?

I suppose that I am one of the more empathetic members here, but don't take that to be any guarantee of my advice being correct. Also, my existential despair and its associated tangle of bad feelings certainly must have some part in my participation I'm these threads; I only hope that I'm not being narcissistic.

-Duxwing

 

[kora]

I suppose that I am one of the more empathetic members here, but don't take that to be any guarantee of my advice being correct. Also, my existential despair and its associated tangle of bad feelings certainly must have some part in my participation I'm these threads; I only hope that I'm not being narcissistic.

-Duxwing

It's a nice trait i think.

 

[Da Blob]

It's just that you two, unlike me, have a clue. I'm just a kid posting ideas from behind a computer screen, and the thought of posting something wrong due to my ignorance worried me.

-Duxwing

Well, we all get it "wrong" on occasion. Most users are already skeptical about the 'truth' or validity of anything found on the internet. Most test what they learn from the internet against their own experiences and if it resonates, Cool!, if not then, Meh! In any event the internet is a Caveat Emptor environment.

Personally I do try to remember to begin an opinionated comment amongst Newbies with a disclaimer, such as IMHO or "From my POV" For peers, it is a given, not worth mentioning.