Introduction

Hello, my name is Joe and I am starting this blog to share my story with substance use, particularly nitrous oxide (N2O, whip-its, laughing gas), mental health, and my personal experiences with authority and subsequent court participation.

I am a male in my 30's, currently working hard in my recovery from substance abuse. I am/was what would be called a poly-substance abuser; I would anything and everything that would alter my consciousness, even if it wasn't a pleasurable experience. Additionally, I would typically consume at least two different substances in a day, if not more.

As far as mental health goes, I am diagnosed with major depressive disorder as well as a general anxiety disorder. I have struggled with depression for much of my life, which has lead to a few hospitalizations. Because I have challenges in both substance use as well as mental health, I am an individual with dual diagnosis. Not everyone with mental health disorders has substance abuse history, nor does an addict/alcoholic necessarily have mental illness. For me, those two go hand in hand and typically exacerbate one another.

I am making this blog not just to share my story, but also as a way to help myself. I find that writing and journalism help tremendously with processing what I have been through and is incredibly cathartic. I am hoping that this blog can help others who are struggling with mental health and/or substance use. At the very least, my story and experiences might make for an interesting read, especially because nitrous oxide is typically not abused to the extent that I did.

Thank you for reading,

Joe