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At The Back => The Dressing Room => Topic started by: Ian Price on August 10, 2009, 05:03:06 PM

Title: Louis Theroux - The City Addicted to Crystal Meth
Post by: Ian Price on August 10, 2009, 05:03:06 PM
Anyone see this last night? There are some nutcases out there - I felt genuinely sorry for a few people on it (not least the kids) but some people just don't help themselves.

Is Crystal Meth that addictive that one try and you're hooked? I'm not suggesting there are people on here that would be in the know (first hand at least). Just curious. I think trying it out of curiosity would be a very bad idea.
Title: Re: Louis Theroux - The City Addicted to Crystal Meth
Post by: Philly Q on August 10, 2009, 05:08:44 PM
Is Crystal Meth that addictive that one try and you're hooked? I'm not suggesting there are people on here that would be in the know (first hand at least). Just curious. I think trying it out of curiosity would be a very bad idea.

Ask Edward Van Halen?  :P
Title: Re: Louis Theroux - The City Addicted to Crystal Meth
Post by: Afghan Dave on August 10, 2009, 05:24:36 PM
That meth addict dude who was having sex with his sister!!  PDT_039 PDT_023 PDT_047

I mean, she looked OK for a junkie but I think that's taking things a little too far..  PDT_035
Title: Re: Louis Theroux - The City Addicted to Crystal Meth
Post by: hunter on August 10, 2009, 05:26:58 PM
I zapped in and out of it.

To be honest I find it embarassing to have him just sit there and ask dumb questions. It's obvious that he pays the guys who let him sit in in return. Like this he is just scratching the surface and doesn't get the truth, just a weird version of it.

I have seen better things from the BBC.

There was this program recently where celebs were living the life of homeless people, I think was on BBC1. I really liked that one.
Title: Re: Louis Theroux - The City Addicted to Crystal Meth
Post by: gwEm on August 10, 2009, 05:54:11 PM
Louis' fake naive-ity worked really well when he first started his career, but now its a bit embarassing yes..

I count myself lucky to be clean of drugs, when I see the effect of them on some of my friends, and less extreme stuff than crystal meth. What in fact can one do? They make a free decision and I'm not their Dad, can just suggest as a friend they want to cut that stuff out...

man :(

i think it very much depends on your person and life situation. some people almost seem to want to be addicted to these things.
Title: Re: Louis Theroux - The City Addicted to Crystal Meth
Post by: Afghan Dave on August 10, 2009, 05:57:04 PM
There was this program recently where celebs were living the life of homeless people, I think was on BBC1. I really liked that one.

I couldn't disagree more with you regarding "celebs were living the life of homeless people"...

Almost any possible premiss for making such a program disgusts and saddens me.


I think only passive observation (Louis) shows some respect for the gulf in life experiences when attempting to explore alternate cultures.
Title: Re: Louis Theroux - The City Addicted to Crystal Meth
Post by: gwEm on August 10, 2009, 06:01:09 PM
I think only passive observation (Louis) shows some respect for the gulf in life experiences when attempting to explore alternate cultures.
I love Louis' shows, but these days it really seems like an act he puts on at times. I'd still like to think he truly wants to expose issues, but at times it feels theres a bit of self-promotion going on, theres some falseness to it
Title: Re: Louis Theroux - The City Addicted to Crystal Meth
Post by: Afghan Dave on August 10, 2009, 06:17:43 PM
I think only passive observation (Louis) shows some respect for the gulf in life experiences when attempting to explore alternate cultures.
I love Louis' shows, but these days it really seems like an act he puts on at times. I'd still like to think he truly wants to expose issues, but at times it feels theres a bit of self-promotion going on, theres some falseness to it

I totally agree! There always has been and I've still always enjoyed his work.

I think it is unavoidable for a very expensively educated upper-class Brit to do otherwise.

BUT...

The reason I can accept this and not baulk at the incongruity is that he doesn't opine or offer any answers.
Title: Re: Louis Theroux - The City Addicted to Crystal Meth
Post by: gwEm on August 10, 2009, 06:20:01 PM
I think only passive observation (Louis) shows some respect for the gulf in life experiences when attempting to explore alternate cultures.
I love Louis' shows, but these days it really seems like an act he puts on at times. I'd still like to think he truly wants to expose issues, but at times it feels theres a bit of self-promotion going on, theres some falseness to it

I totally agree! There always has been and I've still always enjoyed his work.

I think it is unavoidable for a very expensively educated upper-class Brit to do otherwise.

BUT...

The reason I can accept this and not baulk at the incongruity is that he doesn't opine or offer any answers.

I do agree with you on that last point, though with some of his programmes I get the impression we are being led to certain conclusions.
Title: Re: Louis Theroux - The City Addicted to Crystal Meth
Post by: Afghan Dave on August 10, 2009, 06:24:31 PM
Agreed.
Title: Re: Louis Theroux - The City Addicted to Crystal Meth
Post by: Johnny Mac on August 10, 2009, 07:18:12 PM
I saw it. Its a desperate situation for those people in Fresno. If they really want to beat it then getting out of that place would help enormously but most of them can't due to money reasons. The woman who ran the rehab centre said "Meth' takes care of them" buy selling it presumably. Lets face it, that place and its inhabitants are F*cked.
Title: Re: Louis Theroux - The City Addicted to Crystal Meth
Post by: Plexi Ken on August 10, 2009, 07:21:23 PM
Anyone see this last night? There are some nutcases out there - I felt genuinely sorry for a few people on it (not least the kids) but some people just don't help themselves.

I know this is a 'liberal' point of view but some people can't help themselves. A lot of folks differentiate drugs from other aspects of life, which I think is wrong. If you are depressed, no one would object to help from a 3rd party. But so often junkies are dismissed, not worthy of help, deserving their misery. A person can pick their own path but the human brain is a complex mixture of early life experience and millions-of-years of genetics, both of which we have no control over.

IMO, the mature blonde woman is last nights programme is self-medicating her depression. Many of the others also looked to be 'escaping' from difficult/painful experience.

Quote
Is Crystal Meth that addictive that one try and you're hooked? I'm not suggesting there are people on here that would be in the know (first hand at least). Just curious. I think trying it out of curiosity would be a very bad idea.

I can remember hearing an interview with an alcoholic, when asked when he became an alcoholic replied "from the day I was born".
Title: Re: Louis Theroux - The City Addicted to Crystal Meth
Post by: 38thBeatle on August 10, 2009, 07:22:00 PM
I saw this advertised somewhere and I really am not sure I could watch it. Obviously being involved in bands, I have had friends involved and some who never made it past 30. My youngest son has dabbled in some nasty stuff and you can imagine how I feel about that. I always think of that lyric from Keith Richard's Before they make me run "I wasn't looking too good but I was feeling real well".
Title: Re: Louis Theroux - The City Addicted to Crystal Meth
Post by: Twinfan on August 10, 2009, 08:25:30 PM
It was an intersting program, and it really showed a completely different lifestyle.  I'd like to think in the same situation I wouldn't fall into drug use, but you never know do you?

I got the impression a lot of the addicts were trying to escape depression or their poorer lifestyle though Crystal Meth.  But it's such an addactive drug it gets them into a worse position, which is really saddening  :(
Title: Re: Louis Theroux - The City Addicted to Crystal Meth
Post by: JDC on August 10, 2009, 08:30:50 PM
I basically see it in the same way I see any other self destructive pattern likes alcoholics, shopping addicts, sex addicts, etc

they don't have meaning or a sense of identity in life and don't know how to create it, so they get their fix for a self esteem boost, then the boost goes away, and they want another

if they fixed the local economy it would help a lot, as it would create jobs and give people something to aim for
Title: Re: Louis Theroux - The City Addicted to Crystal Meth
Post by: Fourth Feline on August 10, 2009, 09:19:12 PM
It was an intersting program, and it really showed a completely different lifestyle.  I'd like to think in the same situation I wouldn't fall into drug use, but you never know do you?

I got the impression a lot of the addicts were trying to escape depression or their poorer lifestyle though Crystal Meth.  But it's such an addactive drug it gets them into a worse position, which is really saddening  :(

Indeed :   the phenomena of 'self medicating' is all too common, if the individual(s) concerned do not seek an official intervention for a building mental health health issue, be it reactive or indigenous.  I have an old mate that used to work for Manchester Mental Health / Social services, and he confirmed that in addition to the above - there were people with genetically hard wired addictive personalities, who would then get sucked right into a lifestyle that originally may have begun due to self medicating.  Without taking any moral stance on the issue, he noted that some would get addicted to almost anything , whereas others could do a bit of what they fancied and leave it alone at will.  The phenomena embracing anything from coffee, sex, spending and of course B.K.P !

We do have free will however - and ( speaking as the partially dammed ) the first step to redemption / a healthier lifestyle - is still being willing to take total responsibility for one's life and actions, or accept that ( beyond pubescent experimentation and freedoms )  our every adult decision dictates our eventual fates.

Title: Re: Louis Theroux - The City Addicted to Crystal Meth
Post by: Twinfan on August 10, 2009, 09:21:02 PM
There's an addict in all of us to some extent I think.  I can take or leave alcohol, and even though I dabbl;ed in cigarettes when I was younger I could take or leave them too.

GAS however  :roll:
Title: Re: Louis Theroux - The City Addicted to Crystal Meth
Post by: Fourth Feline on August 10, 2009, 09:27:06 PM
There's an addict in all of us to some extent I think.  I can take or leave alcohol, and even though I dabbl;ed in cigarettes when I was younger I could take or leave them too.

GAS however  :roll:

I totally agree Dave ; life would be stark  if we only embraced the rational and self controlled. The freedom we more fortunate people have, is that we can play with our addictions - and not visa versa. ( Now where is that cafetierre ? so I can sit down and experiment with changing guitar string gauges yet again ! )  :wink:
Title: Re: Louis Theroux - The City Addicted to Crystal Meth
Post by: Afghan Dave on August 10, 2009, 09:30:09 PM
There's an addict in all of us to some extent I think. 

Sadly, I'm sure that is true for me... I'm slightly Obsessive Compulsive (an internally focused perfectionist) so I cannot gamble... NEVER.

That would start a spiral that could only ever end badly.

As for drugs, well I've tried some of em and been thoroughly unimpressed... Meh... I quit smoking without patches.. Can drink LOADS and often but then leave it for months.  :P

Gambling would ruin me though.... :(
Title: Re: Louis Theroux - The City Addicted to Crystal Meth
Post by: nfe on August 10, 2009, 09:43:18 PM
Is Crystal Meth that addictive that one try and you're hooked? I'm not suggesting there are people on here that would be in the know (first hand at least). Just curious. I think trying it out of curiosity would be a very bad idea.

I'm not sure, but I do have a lot of friends who are heavy drug users (and I'm comfortable saying I am a semi regular user of various drugs) and bar one or two, it doesn't effect their life in any negative way, this includes herion users, incidentally. But EVERY crystal meth user I've met is stuffed. It does seem to be one that virtually nobody ever recovers from and they do shoot down that road extremely quickly.

I'll have a bash at most things, but never crystal meth. I'm staunchly in favour of the legalisation of all narcotics, but that one, that makes me doubt myself a bit.
Title: Re: Louis Theroux - The City Addicted to Crystal Meth
Post by: Plexi Ken on August 10, 2009, 10:05:30 PM
Quote
We do have free will however...
If the Determinists are right, we don't  :P

On a serious note, I have a friend who is an alcoholic, his father is an alcoholic, his grandmother is an alcoholic. I often wonder what will become of his child. Hopefully this chain has an end.
Title: Re: Louis Theroux - The City Addicted to Crystal Meth
Post by: Fourth Feline on August 10, 2009, 10:22:39 PM
Quote
We do have free will however...
If the Determinists are right, we don't  :P

On a serious note, I have a friend who is an alcoholic, his father is an alcoholic, his grandmother is an alcoholic. I often wonder what will become of his child. Hopefully this chain has an end.

I hope so too .  At least we do  live in more enlightened times, where ( hopefully ) there will be more awareness and 'safety netting' around the child.  One hopes that if percieved as a potentially genetic probability(  as well as a strong behavioural possibility )  that guidance and prevention ( or at least damage limitation ) might be be explored long before the need for crisis management. 

As you noted with your observation about the Determinists and other 'angles' on the plight of the individual , the human condition itself often remains our greatest mystery and most formidable challenge. 

As NFE noted, I have know a few users of various 'gear' - and in the right hands / minds, it seems to enhance and not destroy an otherwise enjoyable and productive life. I'm just another that found 'street' drugs a bit too coarse and un-pallatible. 

Title: Re: Louis Theroux - The City Addicted to Crystal Meth
Post by: Ian Price on August 10, 2009, 10:46:47 PM
As NFE noted, I have know a few users of various 'gear' - and in the right hands / minds, it seems to enhance and not destroy an otherwise enjoyable and productive life. I'm just another that found 'street' drugs a bit too coarse and un-pallatible. 

Me too. Never really tried anything other than a bit of a smoke. Some of my old friends from school were in trouble with drugs from 13 onwards. They never really got out of that lifestyle, have spent time behind bars and not really moved on since school finished for them. At school they were always seen as the coolest people around - I think the reason they got into that lifestyle is because it seemed cool rather than it being a serious addiction. From there is developed.

I found quite a few parts of the programme last night pretty tough - the brother and sister, kenny and his kids (who I believe won't ever get a fair chance at a good life), the woman who went on a Meth bender on her wedding night. But the part I found toughest was the woman who was laughing hysterically whilst being arrested and then all of a sudden broke down in tears when Louis asked her why she did meth. Depressing indeed and a life style that must be very, very hard to break. I'm not sure what percentage of people break that addiction but imagine it is low.

I do like his programmes and can understand why it looks like an act but must say in that, too me anyway, he doesn't come across as superior or holier than thouh.
Title: Re: Louis Theroux - The City Addicted to Crystal Meth
Post by: Mr. Air on August 16, 2009, 09:44:27 AM
Has anyone seen the program Louis did about the most hated familiy in the US? They are a small church with aprox. 75 members and they are VERY radical. I loved that show.
Title: Re: Louis Theroux - The City Addicted to Crystal Meth
Post by: Plexi Ken on August 16, 2009, 11:44:22 AM
Aye, that was a good one,
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Most_Hated_Family_in_America
... but I like his stuff :)