There were mornings I thought drugs made me insane and mornings I thought they kept me from going that way

There were mornings I thought drugs made me insane and mornings I thought they kept me from going that way

Jerry Stahl is a well-known American author and screenwriter who has been open about his struggles with drug addiction. In his memoir, "Permanent Midnight," Stahl candidly discusses his battle with substance abuse and the impact it had on his life. The quote, "There were mornings I thought drugs made me insane and mornings I thought they kept me from going that way," perfectly encapsulates the conflicting feelings that many addicts experience.

For Stahl, drugs were both a source of chaos and a means of escape. In the throes of addiction, he likely felt as though his drug use was driving him to madness. The highs and lows of substance abuse can be disorienting and destabilizing, leading to feelings of confusion and despair. Stahl may have found himself questioning his own sanity in the midst of his addiction, as the drugs took control of his thoughts and actions.

On the other hand, drugs also provided Stahl with a temporary reprieve from his inner turmoil. The numbing effects of substances can offer a sense of relief from emotional pain and psychological distress. In moments of clarity, Stahl may have believed that his drug use was actually protecting him from the full extent of his mental anguish. The temporary escape provided by drugs can be seductive, offering a brief respite from the harsh realities of life.

Ultimately, Stahl's quote speaks to the complex and contradictory nature of addiction. Drugs can simultaneously exacerbate mental health issues and provide a false sense of security. The internal struggle between the desire for escape and the recognition of self-destructive behavior is a common theme in the lives of many addicts. Stahl's honesty and vulnerability in sharing his experiences serve as a reminder of the power of addiction to both destroy and deceive.