#puritan values

And he raised his eyebrow at me. We'd been discussing addictive medications a few minutes before, like the Tramadol I finally got from the pain specialist to take once a week or so to give me a break from my chronic pain, so I reassured him that methylpenidate (Ritalin/Concerta) is not addictive (at least not in people with ADHD).

His response? To raise his eyebrow even harder and say "Well it sure SOUNDS like it's addictive!"

And I had to explain to this man - who works in a healthcare related job by the way - that just because medication makes you feel good and helps you, just because you look forward to taking it, that doesn't make it addictive or dangerous. And he wasn't convinced.

The simple fact that I was excited to take a daily pill that has literally changed my life, after decades of fighting to get that medication, made him think I shouldn't be taking it so often. That it must inherently be dangerous.

I'm not even in America, but I'm pretty sure this attitude began there and then spread over here to Europe. This Puritan idea of "if something feels good, you must beware of it. Pleasure is dangerous, it is sinful, it is addiction, it is evil."

I know too many people who subconsciously believe that pleasure = addictive = dangerous = bad. Joy is a slippery slope to hell.

So here is your reminder for today that you don't need to be afraid of feeling good. If something improves your life, use it. Even if it is addictive - learn what that addiction means, whether the addiction is inherently dangerous or not, and whether the benefits outweigh the drawbacks and risks.

My ADHD meds are, in fact, not addictive. But I will take them every day because they make my life orders of magnitude easier. I will enjoy them every time I take them.

My tramadol is addictive. I will still take it. I will keep it on a schedule to avoid becoming addicted, primarily because addiction in this case would mean reduced effectiveness. But I am not afraid of my painkillers. They are life changing.

Mental health and addiction are closely linked. Understanding this connection can help people get the support they need. Let's explore how these two issues are connected.

What is Mental Health? Mental health is about how we think, feel, and act. It includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. Good mental health helps us handle stress, relate to others, and make decisions.

What is Addiction? Addiction is when someone can't stop using a substance or doing an activity, even if it causes harm. Common addictions include alcohol, drugs, gambling, and even video games. Addiction can take over a person's life and be very hard to overcome.

Connection Between Mental Health and Addiction

1.Self-Medication:

Some people use drugs or alcohol to cope with mental health issues like depression, anxiety, or stress. This is called self-medication. They might feel better at first, but over time, addiction can make mental health problems worse.

2. Changes in the Brain:

Both mental health issues and addiction can change the brain. These changes can make it hard for people to feel pleasure, control impulses, and handle stress. This can create a cycle where mental health problems and addiction feed into each other.

3. Genetics:

Genetics can play a role in both mental health issues and addiction. If someone has family members with mental health problems or addiction, they might be more likely to experience these issues themselves.

4. Trauma:

Experiencing trauma, such as abuse or a serious accident, can lead to both mental health issues and addiction. People might turn to substances to escape the pain of their trauma.

5. Stress:

High levels of stress can trigger both mental health problems and addiction. Stressful situations, like losing a job or a loved one, can lead people to use substances to cope.

Emile Galle, an Art Nouveau walnut writing desk with exceptional inlaid scenery, c.1900.

Emile Galle, an exhibition quality Art Nouveau walnut writing desk, made c.1900. The desk is built with an upper cupboard, flanking letter racks, a lower shelf, a full-width drawer and long elegant legs joined by curved supports beneath the work surface.

The upper cupboard door is inlaid with a river scene: moored boats beneath a large tree on the river bank, worked in varied woods to create light, shadow, water and foliage. Below, the main writing surface is decorated with floral inlay and butterflies, set into a broad walnut top with rounded corners and moulded edges.

The whole piece is carried by the Art Nouveau language of organic line and natural ornament: curved supports, softened edges, botanical detail and scenic marquetry rather than applied decoration. The inlay uses an array of exotic woods, giving the desk its layered surface of grain, colour and pictorial detail.

A related example is illustrated in Alastair Duncan and Georges de Bartha, Galle Furniture, Woodbridge, 2012, p.235, plate 3. Also see Sotheby’s, Important Design, Paris, 17 December 2020, Lot 11.

View the piece online:

Puritanvalues.com

Follow Puritan Values on Instagram: