Everyone has their drug of choice. Now I’m not for a minute suggesting illegal activities here, although I realise many will almost certainly dabble in that area. Most of us however, will be drawn to something far less controversial, though often no less addictive. Take adrenalin for example. Adrenalin junkies must surely outnumber many other dependants out there; the overwhelming need for that daily rush of endorphins. I can get it cycling to work if I take the hilly route but the office doesn’t have a shower, so for the sake of my co-workers I tend to keep on the flat. For some however only the gym will do, while for one or two more extreme souls it requires throwing themselves out of airplanes or off bridges – hopefully after making some kind of provision for the landing.
Then of course there’s the big two; booze and fags – alcohol and nicotine – drink and cigarettes. Many end up going for both; I’m told they work quite well together. Personally, given the choice of liver disease or lung cancer, I’ll take the former any day of the week. I don’t mind a game of cards every now and then but doing both just seems like too big a gamble to me. When I think of just how much of a hold those two have over so many people around the globe, it’s incredible. I could no more give up alcohol than I could driving. Of course if a doctor came up to me and said "pack in the booze today sonny", it would be a different matter, but to simply give up? No chance, I don’t have the will power.
Of course no discussion on recreational drug use would be complete without doffing the proverbial cap (or cup) to caffeine? Coffee, as we know it, was introduced nearly 500 years ago and is the staple pick-me-up for millions around the globe. Most office workers, like me, seem to be on a near constant drip feed of instant or long over-brewed coffee. And of course caffeine has also now found its way into the fizzy drinks market. Only last week, feeling a little sluggish, I foolishly drank two cans of Red Bull. The sluggishness certainly disappeared but I felt utterly terrible for the rest of the afternoon.
Finally, hand’s up all those who are addicted to Phenylethylamine? It’s a pretty addictive substance. In fact your brain produces Phenylethylamine, or PEA, during times of intense feelings of love. I’m sure we all know one or two people who prefer the feelings associated with courtship and conquest over perhaps a more long term relationship. This “in love” drug, as I’m sure many of you ‘think you know’ is also found in chocolate. I say ‘think’ because similarities between being in love and eating chocolate unfortunately end there. There’s actually 25 times more PEA in a wedge of cheddar cheese than there is in chocolate. Not surprisingly however, the broken hearted don’t often turn to a plate of Cathedral City for post relationship comfort.
Then of course there’s the big two; booze and fags – alcohol and nicotine – drink and cigarettes. Many end up going for both; I’m told they work quite well together. Personally, given the choice of liver disease or lung cancer, I’ll take the former any day of the week. I don’t mind a game of cards every now and then but doing both just seems like too big a gamble to me. When I think of just how much of a hold those two have over so many people around the globe, it’s incredible. I could no more give up alcohol than I could driving. Of course if a doctor came up to me and said "pack in the booze today sonny", it would be a different matter, but to simply give up? No chance, I don’t have the will power.
Of course no discussion on recreational drug use would be complete without doffing the proverbial cap (or cup) to caffeine? Coffee, as we know it, was introduced nearly 500 years ago and is the staple pick-me-up for millions around the globe. Most office workers, like me, seem to be on a near constant drip feed of instant or long over-brewed coffee. And of course caffeine has also now found its way into the fizzy drinks market. Only last week, feeling a little sluggish, I foolishly drank two cans of Red Bull. The sluggishness certainly disappeared but I felt utterly terrible for the rest of the afternoon.
Finally, hand’s up all those who are addicted to Phenylethylamine? It’s a pretty addictive substance. In fact your brain produces Phenylethylamine, or PEA, during times of intense feelings of love. I’m sure we all know one or two people who prefer the feelings associated with courtship and conquest over perhaps a more long term relationship. This “in love” drug, as I’m sure many of you ‘think you know’ is also found in chocolate. I say ‘think’ because similarities between being in love and eating chocolate unfortunately end there. There’s actually 25 times more PEA in a wedge of cheddar cheese than there is in chocolate. Not surprisingly however, the broken hearted don’t often turn to a plate of Cathedral City for post relationship comfort.
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