Cerebro93 wrote:I think any Temperament can be susceptible to addiction. Of course, we could say the Artisans are the most hedonic, and therefore most likely to have addictions, but I don't know how strong that argument is. I think the Artisans would be most likely to first use a substance, just for the fun of it, but I don't think addiction would be too common, to be honest. I figure an Artisan would get bored after a little while.
Working in the medical/hospital/health system, I would say it has been heavily proprtioned toward Artisan temperament people battle with illicit drugs and alcohol problems. The reason behind commencing is just way to complicated, but the cost to society especially for affects on their bodies from alcohol, (let alond work/relationships/accidents/ injuries/fatalities etc) is considerable. Guardians re/ alcohol as well, not so much illicit drugs.
But don't forget also that at least a quarter of people over 65yo admitted to health facilities are usually in relation to side effects from 'prescribed medicines'.
Personal experience, dad a Composer Artisan drug and alcohol dependencies, ended up in his death, mother Provider Guardian, alcohol dependency. Aunties, Uncles, cousins, people known over years, I can only recall one being alcohol dependent an Inventor Rational, rest clearly artisans and Guardians, mostly alcohol problems, some of the Artisan drug users who started at teenage years ended up with brain damage and not being able to even hold down a job through hooch affecting them badly. Some of the other Artisans contaminated with Hep C from IV drug use, some died young OD'd or AID contaminated syringes (sharing).
I am a Healer, never been interested in experimenting with drugs, avoid them like plague, my mind is enough of a wonderland, never even tempted. Life and nature is my 'drug' of choice-and I have seen the affects of alcohol and drug use on family, friends, through my work to reinforce that lesson quite well. I do enjoy an occasional nice beer or wine. Talking, maybe 6 or 7 beers or wines a year?
I know 3 other Healers, one a medic, he doesn't partake in drugs or alcohol, never known him to even taste alcohol, same with female Healer she is a farmer, maybe a few wines a year, and my ex boss the Healer did used to have a drink, I don't know about what medication she was on, but she was under a lot of stress and became rather anorexic. Drugs or alcohol were not her problem I'm afraid.
A Guardian I assume would be most likely to get into stimulants, especially due to their melancholy nature. I think Guardians would want to be able to "live" more, be more carefree, and stimulants such as cocaine or even caffeine would allow them to keep a smile on. Although the social stigma would be largely repulsive.
The more social Guardians love the family/friend/social/society gettogethers...that is their 'high'-from the young to the older ones...they 'generally' like to 'do the right thing' -yes, alcohol can become a problem with them, but apart from prescribed drugs...maybe an experiment with MJay...that's just what I've observed.
I think the Rationals could be quite susceptible to addictions, especially drugs. Something like that could allow them more insight, and also prove to the world, but more importantly to themselves, that they are forever autonomous. And they would not care of the social stigma, and would use the drugs if they themselves deem its properties and effects useful for that which they wish to achieve.
I personally think (ironically enough) that Idealists could be at highest risk for addiction. This temperament is the most intense emotionally, and may get carried away, either in fear or excitement. I know many Champions can get caught up in the livelihood of parties, and I assume some would not hesitate to "just try it". Champions want to experience all the tastes that life has to offer, and a new experience would be incredibly attractive.
I know a few Healers, and two of them are VERY into psychedelic drugs. One even went so far as to get angry and insulting (he seemed personally offended) when I suggested that they are not the best way to achieve spiritual insight. Healers want deeper meaning, to understand that which is not visible through our senses, or our day-to-day thoughts. And the use of LSD and psilocybin reportedly induces such shamanic visions, which are all too tempting to the Healer. At least, this is what I find.
Teachers? I don't know any who use drugs, and most would not think of it, because it would set a bad example for others. But my Teacher sister, two years older than I, was not shy about getting drunk at parties, and told me she once took a puff of a cigarette. While she says she knows her limits, and that I need not worry, I still fear she's at risk of hurting herself. Teachers MUST take on leadership roles, even with all the stress involved. My theory is that Teacher's either wish to relieve their own stress and just try to enjoy themselves, or are presented with the opportunity and do not wish to offend those who have offered.
As a Counselor Idealist, I've been incredibly worried about potential addiction. I am naturally very sensitive. Whether it be my empathy (taking of the feelings of others around me) or merely my tendency to take what others say in a much more negative light (something that COULD be hurtful, I take it as hurtful, regardless of whether or not that was the intention of the speaker). With that, episodes of pseudo-depression and intense anxieties are not uncommon. My emotions are always incredibly intense, yet I try my best to keep a rational, composed demeanour when I am feeling so strongly emotional. (I've been accused of being very apathetic when I do not show my emotions, but I do this only when I am feeling so much that I fear offending that person.) These issues I regularly experience tempt me to seek escape - a form of numbness, serenity. For that reason, I fear that if I was to drink alcohol, smoke marijuana/tobacco, or use any other substance, that USE may quickly turn to ABUSE. If I was to loosen my inhibitions, I fear putting others in danger due to my own potential outbursts. The way I see it, I am (and possibly other Counselors are) susceptible to drug abuse as a means of escape. For that reason, I do not drink alcohol (and besides a sip at my father's request on my sixteenth birthday, never really have), nor do I use any other potentially addictive substance. The fear is too much.
