Why Do So Many Programmers Use Drugs?

[@HealthyDev]

Do you know someone using drugs to cope with tech job struggles? Are you dealing with this yourself? What are you doing to get help?

[@WarrenPostma]

Alcohol is a drug. And a lot of us struggle with that drug.

[@HealthyDev]

@@WarrenPostmaagreed. I can't address every drug in this one video, so you'll have to look at the 5 points I made in the beginning and ask yourself if a particular substance applies (for you or someone else) to see if it's a problem.

[@DouglasRenwick]

Yeah I do ritalin, prescribed by doctor. It's good for coding...

[@rangingaway92]

Pot is great for creativity and testing, not so much for focusing and thinking logically. I had issues with it when I mixed up the priorities. I suggest detox for a month, exercise and sleep. There's no substitute for focus and you might feel awesome on something, you're not going to think like that when you're clean.

[@marcusvrbergo]

@@DouglasRenwick even this, for ADAH, if you can take smaller doses. Try it. At first will be like losing energy, but at some point, your body will cope with it.

[@donovanvanderlinde3478]

Your videos are criminally under rated And i think this video will save lives. Thank you

[@monterreymxisfun3627]

One way to dodge stress is just don't participate in toxic situations. Much in the way fear from a bully hurts more than a punch from a bully, it's necessary to live prepared to be dismissed. Jobs are like buses: there's always another coming down the street.

[@jemmrich]

100% agree. Don't participate in negative culture, company gossip, posting or reading posts on things like blind or glassdoor. My health improved when I put my head in the sand and refused to be in any group that started speaking negatively about the company or coworkers.

[@rtothec1234]

Personally, I try to not mix business and pleasure. Having a few drinks with the boys and/or girls from work at a venue outside of work is just fine with me. But drinking to cope with the stress of the workload is no good. People should cope differently. Go exercise, go for a walk, take naps, eat something good, etc. But drugs or booze should not be used for coping. In other words: I only drink to celebrate or relax but never to cope. And always in moderation. And if you are married or in a relationship watch your interactions. Never be alone with someone you find attractive.

[@CosasCotidianas]

I want to do the opposite path as yours: been working in IT during 21 years, now I just want to open a pizza store.

[@DJBenito304]

🍕

[@rompis.a]

A noble goal. Godspeed, stranger. 🍕🍕🍕

[@DouggieDinosaur]

LIFE HACK: quit drinking

[@dave3177]

This ☝ Drinking has got to be one of the worst energy thieves ever and it's the only drug you have to apologize for not consuming it. Never drinking again.

[@KangJangkrik]

No, I refuse that. I can't live without drinking water

[@Gunzy83]

​@@KangJangkrik🥁

[@thdoom81]

@@dave3177 EXACTLY...it is death

[@X86developer]

Agreed 100%

[@IvanGechv]

I know few programmers that are using drugs a lot and I am fresh junior with just 1 year of experience and to be honest I never felt more depressed in my life. My expectation for this field was that I am going to work with nice and educated people and earn good amount of money while building useful tools for people. Well, my salary is trash, the company I am working now is toxic and the projects are so freakin' boring. So my point is that maybe this field makes people feel the need to abuse drugs just to help their imposter syndrome or other negative feelings that comes with these jobs that require more mental focus and sitting on a desk for a lot of hours (which by itself is very harmful for our health). I was stressed on my previous job too, but nothing compared to now - Imposter syndrome, Toxic environment, AI, hardcore job market for juniors etc.

[@HealthyDev]

I'm so sorry. No job is perfect but it sounds like the one you're in now is really bad. Definitely get yourself into a healthier culture if you can manage it. This can still be a great career. It does require standing up for yourself and not following the negativity. But those are traits that can help you no matter what job you work in.

[@IvanGechv]

@@HealthyDev Yes, I am waiting for the economy and the job market to recover, I still believe it can be much better.

[@richardhp77]

The problem with drugs though is in the long run, it doesn't help cope with negative feelings. It's like pain killers, they don't remove the source of pain, they just make you temporarily not perceive it. So if you have bad posture, muscular imbalances, bad habits, bad diet etc, this can all lead to say, chronic back pain. Taking pain killers does not remove the source of the pain, it just hides it. But pain is useful feedback telling you that your actions are wrong. The more wrong actions you take, the higher the pain. As you start doing the right things the pain dies down, letting you know that you are on the right track. Same with drugs. Negative emotions stem from the way you perceive reality, your mindset, the people you spend time with, the choices you make. The worse your decision making becomes, the more emotional pain you experience. As you start making better choices in life, you get happier. In both cases temporarily masking your true feelings means you are missing the feedback you need to correct your course. It's like deleting all your customer metrics because the company is making zero money rather than actually improving the product so that customers will pay for it.

[@WarrenPostma]

There are better companies out there. You WILL find a better job.

[@HealthyDev]

@@richardhp77couldn't have said it better myself. I was trapped for a long time.

[@wasneeplus]

I take a psychedelic roughly once a year, which I do think I get some benefit from. So I do think it's possible to use drugs in a responsible manner. I think the first question you should always ask yourself is why you're taking them. If it's to deal with some problem you think you can't get over without them, you're creating more problems for yourself

[@HealthyDev]

The problem I see is that we as humans have a propensity for self-delusion. When we want to do something we know is bad for us or others, we come up with reasonable sounding, elaborate justifications. The only way I saw this was when I nearly lost everything and was forced to take a harsh, honest look at the reality of how I was living my life. That path is going to look different for everyone, so I can only warn against the dangers of drug use. It's up to each viewer to decide whether they have a problem or not.

[@wasneeplus]

@@HealthyDev that is indeed a good point. I guess being open about it, like you are now, can also be a big help. People around us, who care about us, will be quicker to see when we are going down the wrong path while being in denial about it.

[@rompis.a]

@@wasneeplus That's why having a trusted support, and being open to those you trust, is essential for your sanity and survival.

[@awtano]

I am right there at the moment. Off from weed for two months, off from antidepressants for two weeks, going through hell right now. It took me to get out of tech industry completely, was burnt out to the bone, and probably will lose this job as well, but I am not going back. I also joined church, got a few brothers that went through something similar, and I am learning to pray and trust God. Thank you for your honesty and encouragement!

[@drottningu]

We are all rooting for ya! Even if the short term looks/feels bleak, you are doing the right thing for yourself

[@motoboy6666]

Insane, health first ppl!

[@rebuildme88]

+1

[@Aireekuh62523]

I really appreciate the work you are doing, it is much needed.

[@LukeAvedon]

I recently realized that I have only ever worked one single day as a programmer without Caffeine-- every other day it's been massive amounts of caffeine. Not sure if that counts but is kinda of yuck

[@rompis.a]

It counts. I've been there. One day I realized that I'm becoming suspicious of any message from my manager. Afraid of it turning out to be a warning or write-up, when 90% of the time it's just a friendly reminder of an upcoming event or just checking in to see if everyone's doing OK. Then I found that days without coffee are when the paranoia is the mildest. Since that realization I decided to stop my copious caffeine consumption, and set limits.

[@bradleyr4451]

get less than half a cup of coffee, let it get stone cold, thats it for the day, try to drink as you need it. helped me to back off

[@turolretar]

Yeah I also have an addiction to water. I just can’t fight it

[@ArneBab]

That musical break at 11:07 was just perfect. Thank you!

[@lomg1740]

I just finished my last project for programming school. I'm sure I learned more about work-to-life balance than actual programming.

[@HealthyDev]

That's awesome! To learn that BEFORE you get into the job? You're ahead of so, so many people...

[@beto.aveiga]

As a remote worker, I've never been in those parties 😢😅

[@rompis.a]

Corpo parties are overrated anyway. You shouldn't expect to make friends or have genuine fun there. For me, it's just an opportunity to catch up, and to see how everyone's faces look like when not squeezed through terrible Internet connection.

[@morgankuphal3417]

I'm definitely addicted to weed. Thankfully I have enough self control to not let it ruin my life, but I do feel guilty that I am not being as healthy as I could be. I really don't want to be a pot-smoking dad and I want kids within the next few years.

[@morgankuphal3417]

I have enough self control to only use on nights and weekends (never during work), but it is still less-than-ideal that I am compelled to do it multiple times per week.

[@HealthyDev]

If you've watched my video on burnout, I shared how my addiction impacted one of my children. So yeah, I think your instincts are bang on here.

[@theburntcrumpet8371]

As a programmer who hasn't struggled with drug addiction, there's some great advice for staying healthy here. Well I say I don't struggle with drug addiction, I use food to self medicate which has been really quite bad for me. Thank you man, appreciate the messages you're putting out into the world

[@Erik_The_Viking]

I've worked with a LOT of colleagues who were on drugs, alcoholism, or serious mental health issues. In many situations, drugs were needed just to keep up with schedules, stress and the constant grind. In some companies and sometimes industries, it's a cultural issue where it's expected and normalized.

[@WarrenPostma]

"We work hard, we play hard" => Instantly this company goes in the Avoid pile. But seriously, 99% of the time I hear that what they mean is there's a dusty Foosball table in the corner, or one of the guys remembers when there was a ping pong table in the board room. Most of us sit in our chairs and then go home and play XBox, and most of us need to lose a little flab, and maybe go for a walk. The last time I actually heard one of these hoary old work hard type chestnuts I just started at the CTO and said "That kind of dated attitude still works for you guy when hiring?". No I don't want them to make me an offer.

[@xaviernogueira]

I have an issue with weed. Its hard because i feel like it vibes so well with the tech life, but i can feel it degrading my energy and focus.

[@olemato9460]

Bro, it definately is degrading your focus and energy. If you smoke after work it might affect your sleep. Worse sleep leads worse focus and energy and that leads to more stress at work, more stress at work and you feel the need to smoke. So you are in infinite loop(and those are bad). And that just sleeping side of smoking weed. Hope my insight helps you.

[@xaviernogueira]

@@olemato9460 thanks bro sounds about right lol I've quit before but get sucked back in. I definitely am working on it, and have gotten better with amount (small hit here and there) but not frequency (still everyday)

[@DaffyDubzFPV]

If you're above the age of 30, completely agree with the comment above. You need some sober sleep every now and then. Smoke less often and much less quantity. Sativas for daytime, Indicas for nightime. The one hitter is your friend, save the joints/blunts/bowls/etc for the weekend (if at all) depending on your current tolerance level you might need to stop for a few days first so the small quantities still have an effect. Psa: This is, of course, assuming you're capable of maintaining your normal everyday life responsibilities. If smoking pot interferes with that ability, stop all together and reevaluate. It's a mind altering substance that will lead to trouble if you're irresponsible.

[@xaviernogueira]

@@DaffyDubzFPV that's solid advice, altho in 27 but I feel like it still applies. The one hitter is a good idea, cause once you start a J it's easy to keep puffing.

[@eulisestovar92]

Great video. I’ve been a system/network admin for about 8 years and I find that as I’m advancing in my career smoking weed is getting in the way of progress even though everyone seems to be ok with my work. I had new work responsibilities and life changes hit at once and it felt like a lot. Used more weed for a bit and shit didn’t improve and I know I was slacking at work. Been sober all of this month and it’s starting to feel manageable again. Your videos and talking with people about it help. Glad you showed up on my feed

[@View619]

Life tip, find a hobby outside of work that you truly enjoy. Doesn't matter if it's hiking, gaming, whatever; just find something to remind you that work isn't the end goal. It's just a necessity to help fund those things that make you happy. Once you stop viewing work as your reason for living, the stress-induced habits will end fairly quickly.

[@HealthyDev]

Couldn't agree more!

[@turolretar]

thx doc

[@yuriy5376]

The problem is, a lot of jobs don't give you that opportunity. They expect you to work overtime, reply to IMs and/or think about work on off-hours, have forced "fund" with coworkers, etc.

[@618Developer]

Work Hard Yes, Play Hard Yes Everyone is different, but I go hard in the paint M-F. 5am club. Strict schedule of start/stop times and never settle for average results. When I’m off work though, I’m off. Family vacations I even log out of every app related to work and act like none of it exists. My direct reports, I tell them the same. My kids motivate me to grind day in day out. I chase adventures to take them on and experiences to give them. My career is the medium I use to achieve that.

[@alexandresinger6892]

Excellent video filled with courage and insights, focusing on the pain and how to relieve it. Kudos

[@HealthyDev]

Glad you got some value out of it! Thanks for the feedback.

[@anatolyshaulsky6098]

Each and every word comes from your heart and is so true and straight to the point. Realy Love you! THANK YOU

[@Jgs239]

Thank you for making this.

[@smallbluemachine]

How many lines did I do today? Code or coke?

[@njoubert]

Thank you so much for this video! Everything you said I've either experienced myself or seen in colleagues and friends in the industry. I've lost one distinguished-level engineering friend to drug-induced health complications. I've lost a startup founder friend to a drug overdose. Our best and brightest are dying. This is not acceptable. We can and should change our culture. Talking about drugs is difficult. It's muddied with politics, with vested financial interests, and with people caught in addiction. You're doing a great job. I think you absolutely nailed this topic. I'd like to make one criticism. Almost everything you said is neutral and helpful, except for your comment that you think it's unfortunate if others don't believe in God. I understand this is your personal beliefs, but the tech industry is very very broad religiously given how many immigrants from all different regions of the world work in it in the USA, and how there are tech workers all over the world in different cultures subject to similar forces you've outlined. It would help your video if you stated that more factually as - what works for you is your connection to God, for others there may be different paths.

[@Sad_Bumper_Sticker]

I appreciate your comment. I also value the same sensitivity to accepting differents paths or ethnicities. My parents practised zen buddhism and I am only now discovering how I value the philosophy on an ethical level. I have also known extremely good and wise people who were atheists and experienced helping the disenfranchised as a quasi spiritual act. Important to remember are all different.

[@andrewmusholt9327]

Appreciate your videos so much!

[@HealthyDev]

Thank you so much for your support. 🙏

[@Freshlygrazed]

I had a very different intro to tech. I started out as a drug addict, as part of my clean up process I ended up teaching myself coding and got a job. The programming actually kept me sober. It was kind of crazy to see the industry that helped save me, was filled with drinking and drugs. Socially I avoided all casual Fridays or after work events. 10 years plus and still sober. To all those, avoid temptation, manage expectations, get exercise, introduce mindfulness, and work towards self instead of status quo.

[@gregorriusadolphus2729]

I got into tech late in the game (at 40), and the only time I found my coworkers tolerable was AT happy hour LOL. I was in a different industry before getting my first tech job (SDET and then a dev). In all seriousness, no one really prepared me for the amount of kinda socially awkward people I would run into...in MY EXPERIENCE, a lot of my coworkers spent so much time on their computer that they needed liquor and drugs as a social lubricant. It was interesting to see and something I didn't see as prevalent in my previous careers. Again, just my own observation from my experience!

[@alrightsquinky7798]

Same here. That’s one of the reasons I left the industry altogether. I could never relate to my coworkers. They weren’t bad people, they were just 100% different from me personality-wise, and I got so sick of feeling like a square peg.

[@WhiteHonky-mv1eu]

Thank you for sharing.

[@ToastedBagel5G]

I was an active pot smoker became addicted to it too, when I was working full time, the great thing about it was that it helped me take the edge off the coding process and made the monotonous portion of the job more manageable, but it stunted my ability to make good design and development decisions, and when I had to do anything challenging, my brain just didn't work at all and in the long run it just slowed down my workflow and inevitably made me more stressful and high lol

[@freedomsyr900]

Thank you so much for sharing those helpful insights and tips with us. Could you please provide a video telling us about your two start-ups and why did they fail, from which we can learn a lot. Thanks in advance.

[@HealthyDev]

Hey there. Considering I did the work with a co-founder on the second one, and the first is long past, details wouldn't really be super helpful. However if you watched my video "Why Do Most Programmers Who Start Companies Fail?" the principles in that one are directly related to mistakes I made. Basically you'll get the same insights. Thanks for the feedback.

[@seamusmoran4776]

Jamie I absolutely love your content, so much or your story and background are similar to mine. I am currently studying computer science with hopes to become a developer. Years ago I nearly died from 2 separate overdoses, I had a crippling problem with drinking and drugs. I am sober today by God's grace. I loved hearing your experience with church and fellowship and your relationship with God, through who all things are possible. It's so relieving to hear that I am not on this journey alone,, and I cannot thank you enough for putting this out there along with the rest of your content.

[@HealthyDev]

Thank you for your support! And it's so great to hear you're in a better place now. I truly believe those of us who come out the other side from falling so far, at least have an opportunity to help other people who might still be there.

[@Militaizi]

In my earlier position it was common that over ½ of our tech lab would get wasted almost every free day on a local rock pub. I mean it would be almost odd if someone was missing and people would ask have I seen person X or Y from the company. All of the positions were programming jobs with many people also having other duties that piled as well (teaching, etc.). Some of my close colleague were so burnt out that they took like multiple minutes of thinking before being able to say anything else expect some "go-to phrases" even if it was just the most simple question. So glad I continued studying and had to move to another city in the second year, so I was only part of the culture for maybe some months, but I did think about staying in that position for a long time. I could not see these red flags before, because I was so young and did not have many experience from different workplaces. Currently luckily in a more healthy work environment, where I think most people are not over-pressured at least most of the time, but instead we have two more hectic seasons and people know it beforehand. But I guarantee that at least in my country this is real, while it is mostly alcohol and tobacco people use, the quantity is what matters: nobody is healthy when you drink all your free time.

[@jonanddy]

It’s honestly not a programmer problem, it’s a societal/cultural problem. Everyone uses it everywhere you go, everyone just keep it lowkey

[@monterreymxisfun3627]

WOW! I never thought of "play hard" in this light. I just don't see any sense in anything that reduces one's capacity. Fighting the corporate "culture" requires you to have your full wits about you. Maybe someone can do an "Office Space" or "The Office" remake starring Cheech and Chong.

[@ArneBab]

Thank you for also warning against over-sugaring. I found that I sometimes need chocolate-peanuts to keep working to get out of my brain blocking me and throwing me off the rails into procrastination. I’ve reduced that, and I’m using black bread to compensate: breaking off a piece of black bread feels like breaking off a piece of chocolate, and it gives a bit of the high, but without the crash, and the hunger doesn’t come back that quickly. It doesn’t always suffice, though. (aside: alcohol is also calories-heavy - I’m glad I stay away from it)

[@genericdeveloper3966]

As a teenager I crashed and burned early on drugs so I never indulged in my career. I won't even drink a beer to unwind, I will find other options.

[@HealthyDev]

You were much wiser than me!

[@lopez_wa]

Inside feelings can not be fixed with things from the outside. Drugs are used to blunt strong feelings. Sit with your strong negative feelings, find peace, conflict is change trying to happen, maybe it's time to move on.

[@wafazorgui9066]

A little correction: marijuana is not a drug. It’s a plant. It just operates on a conscious level unlike other substances we categorized as not dangerous such as water for example! Water will literally change your state of being it just happens more on an unconscious level .

[@General_Aladeen]

go to church and socialize, that can relieve burnout and stress, and hit the gym, lift weights.

[@alexanderh.9745]

Religion has absolutely nothing to do with any of this, but ok.

[@turolretar]

I’ll go to church and lift weights with the help of holy spirits

[@jsonslim]

How can I apply these stories to my case, in which I'm a freelance programmer?

[@Mel-mu8ox]

Programming is like creative writing. You fill 10 pages with detailed ideas... then go over it and turn it into 5 quality pages. Then you write a blurb XD

[@jonasbaine3538]

Cause siting in front of a computer for the majority of your waking hours and neglecting social interactions is not natural. People need relationships and social connections in real life.

[@rtothec1234]

My only vice as a developer is junk food. I will reach for a soda instead of water.

[@kocokan]

Does coffee count?

[@themekfrommars]

Another answer would be neurodiversity and a propensity for addiction.

[@carlosirias4474]

I never used, nor would I use, drugs. I hope everyone who is going through difficult situations can get out.

[@JT-mr3db]

I had never seen anyone take drugs before until I entered tech as a career changer. It's absolutely everywhere. I think a big part of it is that typically engineers can command a decent wage and so drugs are somewhat affordable, and let's face it, it can be fun also. It's a skip and a jump to overdoing it though. I purposely moved to the outer suburbs, nice, peaceful, green, lot's of space and no bright lights to lure you into overindulgence.

[@uppermiddleclass]

Does mild phone addiction counts?

[@TheRockmetalmaniac]

Can relate to this video, so many truths in this video. Have given up weed and cut down on boose for a long time now and not looking back, am much more happier without it!

[@XeonProductions]

I wont go into details, but back in 2016 I got into some hard stuff because I was under immense stress at work. I had this insane project with impossible to meet deadlines, and this micromanager from hell whom I'm pretty sure was having a mental breakdown or was intentionally trying to get me to quit. It nearly killed me, and probably reduced years off my lifespan. In retrospect I should have had a skip level meeting with the director, and told them to fire me if they're going to allow a manager to treat people that way.

[@effsixteenblock50]

I wish you would be a little more clear here. You don't seem to differentiate between someone who maybe shares a joint at a party twice a year and someone who wakes & bakes and smokes 24/7. I can't put those 2 types in the same box and there's a near infinite gradation of use cases between the two. Add to the mix that there are myriad personality types with physiological makeups that are affected differently by cannabis use. This "variable" really can't be declared a boolean.

[@centripetal6157]

I have a social media addiction. The problem is that coding often can lead to social media consumption

[@santiagoj9822]

yeah, smoking weed can be a good way to cope with a stressful job, in my case was customer service rep on outsourcing companies from all around the world. I live in Southamerica and it's very cheap but the coping mech became a bad habit and currently I'm having all my emotions all disrupted and I can't concentrate on anything, I also had nightmares from my youth and weed makes you fall sleep into a blackout so I though that it was helping me but it was destroying my cognitive and logical thinking to resolve problems, I 'd rather bedrot instead of actually doing the things I knew for sure that would actually get me out of the mud. The medicine became a venom very fast and it isolated me from anyone that wasn't a consumer which in turn made the things a lot worse. NA groups and churches doesn't make it for me due to the fact that this organizations predate on hurting individuals, but having a structure really helps.

[@HealthyDev]

Hey there. You claim NA groups and churches predate on hurting people. I'm assuming you had multiple experiences where that's the case, and that's why you came to this anecdotal conclusion?

[@santiagoj9822]

@@HealthyDev from all I said from MY EXPIRIENCE and multiple others, that's all you can focus on? yeah... you guys are just cope cults and you like others to join you in misery... you just made my point. It doesn't matter if you feel like it's helping, you just to sit around and thrive on the drama porn you'll crave to pretend to be "clean". Just get a life and don't abuse substances like it's your whole life, prohibition and bad regulations on top of a fixed mindset is what gets vulnerable ppl to your claws, and yeah... your solution is redundant and dangerous, it is NOT ANECDOTAL you just like to say that gatherings in churches like those help but it's never been the case that's why all of you lie to yourselfs telling others you are sick... you're not, you're just hurting and coping with social acceptance. And again you just made my point NA it's a cult, cultivated by the war on drugs. GET A LIFE.

[@HealthyDev]

I hear a lot of anger in your comment. I hope you've been able to find your way through that.

[@santiagoj9822]

@@HealthyDev Nah I just hate addicts like you that christianize themselves and cut everyone else with the same moral knife... is pathetic.

[@karlssberg]

I quit my epilepsy medication for the same reason - it was affecting my ability to think

[@MoeSawalha-]

been working remotely for couple years now, your videos helped me a lot! however can you talk about work/life balance and drug use of remote engineers ?

[@HealthyDev]

Hi Moe. I try to offer advice in these videos that applies to both onsite and remote tech workers. Is there something specific about remote work with respect to work/life balance you'd like to see me address in the future? Thanks.

[@DarwinsChihuahua]

Sounds like we've had similar careers and lifestyles.

[@antoniojesussanchezgonzale5319]

Cigarettes are also a drug and I know many programmers that are addicted to it

[@HealthyDev]

Absolutely. I've been on and off cigarettes for even longer than I smoked marijuana. It's also a really hard habit to quit. For those who may not have made it all the way through, I spoke about this around 27:08.

[@DmitryMyasin]

I smoked much more while working as a game animator than a coder, interestingly enough

[@mayconfrr]

Any advice for sleeping medication addiction?

[@HealthyDev]

I'm sorry I don't have any in particular. I do plan to do an entire episode on how I recovered from insomnia so there could be some things in that one that may or may not help.

[@jakobo88]

I always hated working with potheads... you can never trust them

[@motoboy6666]

Reading this comment section as a yet non hired junior i really feel this line of work will kill me if it gets the chance. Doesnt seem worth the risk really

[@HealthyDev]

Sorry if we're giving you that perspective, my intention is not to scare people off from IT. It's just to help them know what dangers they might face. All jobs have their pressures and risks. The culinary industry has an even bigger problem with drug use, for example.

[@DmitryMyasin]

oh yeah I was extremely surprised how normalized 'stuff' was, people didn't really bat an eye at heavy stuff even, weed wouldn't even be considered a drug in comparison

[@blackbriarmead1966]

I find it hard to avoid usage for more than a week. But when I do I’ve been able to moderate and have just a few mg of thc or at most 3 drinks. It’s not ideal but at least it’s moderated from what it was from college. I’m moving to Boise and I’m excited to live somewhere close to nature. Also moving out of this 1 bedroom apartment I’m sharing until the lease ends…. I’ve lived here for 3 years and I’m ready for more space

[@AlexSuperTramp-]

Shoot, this one is about me

[@olemato9460]

HOT TAKE: Weed is not harmless

[@rangingaway92]

It's the least bad of many things, and that's why it's easy to binge on it and fall in the trap.

[@turolretar]

Isn’t it also a gateway drug?

[@bradleyr4451]

Hi, great video. I used to smoke pot but not much, Id like if you can comment on this, I found when around a bunch of people I didnt like to smoke because they demand smoking alot and getting slammed. I only want a tiny amount. one hit. and would hear: oh come on man, smoke more dont insult us. I found that one must say to them no, and be ready to fight them if they dont let you have the right to choose what you want to take in. Was coding many years ago and just a hit helped me have a breakthru and solve problems i worked on for days

[@HealthyDev]

Hey there, I'm not sure what you're asking me to respond to in your comment?

[@bradleyr4451]

@@HealthyDev I must have rambled. Have you noticed some people who would smoke pot have to smoke and smoke and not stop? There are a few people in the group who demand to smoke every last bit until its all gone, they are trouble. But did you see the pattern where smoking with others they usually demand you keep smoking even if you dont want to?

[@bradleyr4451]

@@HealthyDev also I know someone who smokes dabs and it bothers me, this person has to smoke because of stress and past traumatic things? I cant tell them what to do and appreciate hearing about treatment ideas. thanks. I never did that and never will. I did cocaine in the 80s until doing it while dirtbike riding? It was like being drunk, couldnt go fast and thats when I realized cocaine was the big lie.

[@HealthyDev]

@@bradleyr4451 I haven't really had an issue with people pushing me to smoke more than I wanted to. But I usually smoked plenty, so that's probably why.

[@bradleyr4451]

@@HealthyDev I understand. Im suffering now because with some stressors and residual pain Im having a rough time coding and learning new things. Ive thought about smoking a bit of pot to help as a tiny bit usually just takes the pain away and I can focus. But am finding Id rather be doing my preferred kind of computer r/d than learning some script or? that isnt interesting. I need to brush up on sql and c# and want to create a better way of doing dependency injection and other things but too much pain, too much to do

[@DJBenito304]

I’m thinking he gonna talk about Meth or Adderal but he talking about pot 😂 like all these ppl at his job were “refer addicts” I prefer to use a lil weed to ease anxiety

[@tigreytigrey8537]

Yall are SO COOL

[@sqwert654]

Have written sone great objective C code after a few bongs. But that was in 2013.

[@BardenEarnhard]

Damn I'm glad I found this, it's a problem for me!

[@citizendc9]

I use caffeine to make me happy.

[@jemmrich]

I'm a serious recovering caffeine addict. It's really hard, but it's definitely worth quitting.

[@germansnowman]

I don’t even drink coffee, but I do have a chocolate addiction.

[@despahotaru]

I had a chocolate addiction. Been 2 months now free of it. I'm trying to reduce my coffee intake. Used to drink 5 on a day. I try now only to drink 2 only in the morning. It's tough but I'm getting there

[@areallyboredindividual8766]

The worst drug of all, I found, is alcohol. Makes me feel like shit for a week if I get drunk. Meanwhile I can get off my nut on MDMA for a night (with months between uses, I follow the golden rule) and be totally fine the next day, with a huge surge of motivation the day after that

[@nii-san5485]

getting some phat tone out of that jaguar 🔥

[@HealthyDev]

Not to be "that guy" but it's a Jazzmaster!

[@nii-san5485]

@HealthyDev in that case, more jazzmaster interludes please!

[@cw6136]

I was addicted to Adderall for years...

[@adrianspikes6454]

We are not born the same nor do we all think the same, abuse of urself is what's really happening. Trick is to know urself!! Being analytical about ur situation and knowing when you shud not do drugs is key. Sometimes drugs help thats why they are prescribed.

[@harambetidepod1451]

Reality is the most powerful drug i know of.

[@patrykx4577]

On reddit is huge comunnity of r/ADHDprogrammers. I think that adhd is somehow corelated with ability to write code. Maybe this topic is worth exploring

[@HealthyDev]

I have no data to support this but I often wonder if coding accelerates ADHD.

[@___gg421]

@@HealthyDevI recently was diagnosed with ADHD and not sure it caused by it but I’m sure it exposed it.

[@SuspiriaX]

Interesting. I also find that so so so many people who study to become a trauma therapist are also an accomplished software professional on the side. It is like a 20% chance that a psychotherapist or EMDR/SE therapist has had a background in IT. And then on the other hand we have one of our greatest leaders in the field Peter A. Levine saying that he sees véry little difference between clients with ADHD and clients with trauma. And now in this video the subject is addiction.... so I'ma just throw trauma into this equation it seems such an essential piece of the puzzle. Let's see what happens.

[@HealthyDev]

@@SuspiriaXsounds like you're onto something there!

[@DavidZobristGames]

Well i smoke weed about 3 times a year as a programmer I wouldnt call it an addiction. Its really not a all or nothing thing..

[@HealthyDev]

3 times a year is not an addiction. You're the exception though, not the rule.

[@hikemalliday6007]

drugs are cool but they fuck me up so i cant do em anymore. but if you can, party on.

[@Free-pp8mr]

That is why the salaries where high! A lot of money will be spent for rehabilitation!

[@godthisisannoying]

Finally, one video I can't relate to.

[@alias_tetrial]

Haha, just finished my last estimation on antidepressants ans stimulants. What a mess 😅

[@yashpatel261]

Lots of doctors, lawyers and politicians take drugs as well. I think certain jobs just put so much stress on people that they need something to get by be it alcohol, nicotine, cocaine or marijuana. I think we should not stigmatise and judge someone solely on their use of a particular narcotic be it legal or illegal. If people were more understanding, nicer and less crazy in general maybe narcotics use would be less prevalent in society.

[@bigneiltoo]

I work hard and then puke at the Company party.

[@jakobo88]

You forgot number 1 reason: they are weak

[@HealthyDev]

People use drugs because they're in pain. Not because they have some inherent character flaw of being weak. With enough pain, everyone is capable of turning to addictions. If you disagree, you might explore more of the research.

[@ichigo_husky]

Play games is my alcohol

[@sumitmangar8563]

stuff quality not good, programmers says this these days

[@majestictrain]

I dont know, man. Youre probably right on most things, but all the religion stuff just kinda leaves a bad taste in my mouth, here.

[@Aledo_Bearcats]

Well done. Top notch advice. Listen to him. The desire to escape reality is real. We live in a hard and fallen world. Jesus is the only way.

[@Rockyzach88]

Gen z got dare-pilled hard.

[@aaron_macklar]

Probably should begin the video with the “I’m not a doctor” bit you have at the end of the video. The many forms of Marijuana are drugs for sure, but drugs can be used beneficially. It can be a great alternative to many pain medications that are very addictive. Consult a doctor. Do you think marijuana can be used in a nondestructive manner? It sure seems like you don’t, but maybe you wanted to focus on the destructive use of it for this video? Anyway, I agree with a lot of the sentiment of this video. Am a fan!

[@SocialNetwooky]

Yeah, there is a lot of drug use in basically any field. What I find most interesting about your stories is that you obviously don't view "a few drinks" as problematic, but "omg smoking pot in the car". Alcoholism is omnipresent in society (and, again, in most work environments) and a much bigger scourge than marijuana could ever be, but apparently that's okay with you for some reason.

[@HealthyDev]

I'm not sure what leads you to believe I didn't have a problem with the drinks. Did you watch the whole video? I talk about alcoholism further on.

[@SocialNetwooky]

@@HealthyDev you talk, at around 2'' about a business meeting in a diner, mention that everybody was celebrating, having drinks, and that's the point where you should have mentioned that the normalization of excessive drinking is the bigger problem, but you didn't bat an eye, but everybody coming to your car for a joint was somehow a problem because ... ? As with pretty much everything, there is a fine line between use and abuse and you may well have been addicted to marijuanna (or, more probably, to tobacco and the effect of the hemp 'addon'), but "drinks = ok, one joint in the parking lot = bad" is just a social norm, not an healthy outlook

[@HealthyDev]

@@SocialNetwookyyou’re entitled to your opinion of what I “should” do. I mention alcohol later in the episode. The pot smoking being "hidden" in a car was the point of that story. Most people know alcoholism when they see it. It’s harder to see the problem with people who smoke marijuana since it’s still a fairly private practice. I'm sorry if you've been hurt (yourself or from others) by alcohol. And if so, I can understand why you'd be frustrated that I didn't spend more time on it here. I can only share my own experience, and it's going to of course be slanted towards the addiction I personally have experience with. I provided a set of 5 points as to why we can fall into drug use to cope with tech jobs, then 3 points as to the problems with it, and 3 ways to get out. These can apply equally to any drug - including alcohol.

[@SocialNetwooky]

@@HealthyDev let's put it this way : while being substance free is the best 'outcome', cannabis use to 'come down' is way less risky (and addictive) then alcohol and tobacco, and by far not as big a problem (even if it's less socially accepted)

[@SocialNetwooky]

@@ElmerGLueso your take is that no one drinking beer and cocktails at a business event to alleviate boredom or social anxiety is an alcoholic whilst the person who has to seclude himself in his car to smoke a joint for the same reasons is obviously a drug fiend, as they would otherwise just chose the worse but legal option instead? There is a culture of accepted legal drug consumption in work life, definitely not limited to software engineering, and the only take-away from the story is that HSD was, at his point of his life, more interested in the illegal one. It's in German, but works without understanding the words, and illustrate the point of scientifically bonkers distinction between a hard drug (like alcohol) and (not healthy but less dangerous) drugs quite well : kzbin.info/www/bejne/iHqlmoFvgJiNj8k

[@NerdyDumbProductions]

You guys use drugs?

[@professor_ozzy]

You know not everybody is a react developer, right?

[@HealthyDev]

LOL. Context please?

[@SuspiriaX]

@@HealthyDevLMAO

[@SuspiriaX]

Spill the beans, doctor!

[@AndriiRiabchuk]

In love with meth and typescript

[@Mel-mu8ox]

Ummmm.... I'm learning to programme to get away from addictive meds :/ So easy to get into a flow state when programming, and feels great when you fix a bug... not so great when you create 5 more bugs XD

[@qbek_san]

Dude, your videos are so depressing. You talk about drugs, burnout, corporate evil, bla bla bla, so much negativity coming from you, which is weird, cuz my programming experience is completely different. You lecture people how to deal with stuff and it seems, that you need help with dealing with stuff the most, instead of lecturing others...

[@HealthyDev]

Hey that's great, your experience is different. I coach people all over the world. They need help with these things. If that's depressing, don't watch!

[@ArneBab]

Belief in god sounds like a coping strategy. But I won’t go into the why’s, because it seems to help you. So keep to it.

[@HealthyDev]

It absolutely is! We're designed to need God to cope :). At least that's what the Bible says (which I know not everyone believes).

[@ArneBab]

@@HealthyDev Since I consider the Bible as authoritative as the Lord of the Rings ("such is the course of deeds that move the world: small hands do them, because they must, while the eyes of the great are elsewhere"), I disagree. Look at the practice of religion (the many rituals) and ask yourself whether you really need god to have the benefits. Then ask about the price you pay by following stories of the bible; stories written thousands of years ago that had to fit a very different society to spread.

[@ArneBab]

@@HealthyDev Do you require the actual existence of a god for prayer to help you?

[@HealthyDev]

@@ArneBabI don't fall prey to recency bias personally. Truth is not something that becomes invalid as time goes on. I base my faith on evaluating the historical claims of jesus, then reasoning through whether it makes sense based on the latest cosmological arguments.

[@ArneBab]

@@HealthyDev Since I don’t see truth in bibles, but just stories (because all religions have their stories), I evaluate them based on their merit for our current society. And their merit is reduced as they become more detached from social realities. I don’t see truth in bibles, because for the religious person most religions are wrong, except for their own (and closely related ones), so looking at them as intelligent people, I conclude that its most likely that they are right about the other religions - so all religions are wrong. The best that Christians have come up with as proof of the existence of god is „you cannot disprove it“ (there’s nothing conclusive). That tells me that there is no measurable effect of the existence or non-existence of god on your life (there can be an effect of faith, but whether god exists - or Jesus exists - does not change the effect of faith). I conclude from that that the existence or non-existence of god cannot have an effect on my life. So it is irrelevant. Your faith helps you regardless of whether you’re right or wrong, as long as the rules you submit to because of your faith don’t do more damage than the benefit you get from having faith.

[@CountJamesMcGuigan]

Learning how to program whilst stoned is a 10x unicorn skillset! It helps to combine edible cannabis or hydergine (1.5mg sublingual) or 2CD (20mg+) or microdosed 4-HO-MET (10mg) with a stimulants such as coffee or oral methamphetamine (20mg) or modafinil (25mg+). This allows for the exploration of ideas with cannabis, but repeatedly returning focus back to the goal, when distracted, as a form of meditation. Achieving flow-state deep-thought requires the right environment, such as pulling an all nigher or being alone at home... not a noisy office expecting meetings, context switching and random human interruptions. Also get stoned on the weekend after a client meeting to truly understand hidden requirements and write all your ideas down before you forget them. On Monday, rewrite all your notes in sober "office" headspace. This is the same way to write a book: repeatedly alternate between writing and editing, stoned and sober.