Craving Drugs But I've Never Done Them In My Life

Lately, I've been finding myself craving things like tobacco, prescription pills, weed, and alcohol.... But I've never done any of them in my life. Why do you guys think this is?

Something to kill the pain???

hugs, bj

I think it is the thought of the drugs that interests you; what you think/feel they could do for you or your life (excitement, danger, attention, emotional or real pain relief, "newness"). You could just be bored working on your long-term issues and wish for one that you believe is more straightforward.

Could be curiosity? We hear so much about them all that I think everyone is a bit curious to try them.

I'd say it is fantasizing. If you want to experiment with a drug, go for a run around the block until you start to feel good.

Any meds you're on that might be triggering this? I never had any interest in drugs, until I was on Cymbalta, and then I got really curious, and found myself wanting to drink and smoke pot a lot (I've always drank in moderation, and never even tried pot before). I ended up smoking pot pretty heavily for a couple months, before I went off the Cymbalta. I still get moments where I want to smoke again, but it's not like it was before.

I have heard anecdotes that this can happen on Cymbalta, but I've not seen any studies or anything official that supports it.

When I get depressed I crave cigarettes even though I don't smoke. (I smoked for a year when I was 17 and I'm in my 30's now). I suppose I just feel like I "need something" and I am drawn to the self-harm aspect that I know is not healthy or helpful. However that was before I started antidepressants. Now the only drug I do is coffee. Sending supportive thoughts. Hope you can figure out what it is, in the long run drugs don't help (obviously).

I craved drugs to escape dealing with my feeling. You have been having some real strong feelings come to surface, That may be part of it? Like Elana05 said they don't help in the long run. Going for a run sounds like a much better alternative. Sending positive vibes for a good day!

I do this a lot... though I've tried them all. It started before I hadn't though. I've drawn lienes for myself though, because I also get cravings for hard drugs I've never even seen be used lol. Except on TV.

For me it's the idea of it, I think. That this is a tried and true method of self-medication. Or the image it gives off. Or just the comfort of having something in my hands mixed with the image... It's hard to explain. Image means a lot to me, sadly. For me it depends on the day as to why I want it.

Interesting thing; because of this I don't have any addictions to things. I give in when my body asks me to give in, but it's not an 'addict's cycle'. Eg, I chain smoke for a few weeks (2 months is my max), and then suddenly just quit without realizing it. (4-6 months typically) and then start again. I'll still have half a pack of smokes left from when I was chain smoking, with no desire to finish them.

End note, however: don't give in. Try things in moderation, but set limits and keep them. These are not good habits to fall into.

((((Xambggi)))) Good luck, and feel free to talk to me whenever.

I learned this is/can be a symptom of ADHD: the brain urging you towards (harmful) self-medication in the absence of proper treatment. I definitely experience this, especially with cigarettes. And not only have I never smoked, I hate the smell!

hey, xambgii - it sounds like you have a curious mind that wants to try new things. fortunately, you are able to examine these thoughts and deem them unhealthy. there are lots of healthy things you can do to explore and satisfy your natural curiosity. exercise sounds like a healthy alternative because the natural hormones the body releases are good for the mind. personally, i favor walking outside on sunny days (or rainy ones if you prefer) and cycling. exercising is okay but exercising outdoors is much, much better!!

Really?! That would make sense. ADD is one of my dx's from a past pdoc. My current doc hasn't confirmed it, and I'm not medicated or anything, but this is simply because he want's to deal with one issue at a time.

I will have to give serious thought to this. Thanks Polykronic.

I've gotten this a lot before. Turns out I was just bipolar & wanted to increase/decrease the highs, depending on which drug I was fantasizing about. FML