Dallas Bragg describes Delusional Darren, someone who uses crystal meth on weekends while working and hiding it from family, convinced he's different from other addicts. Darren's use escalates from snorting to injecting, he starts missing work, and his mother grows worried. Bragg warns that negotiating with the drug is a delusion that leads to an abyss.
We often morph into different types of Tina users along our journey. Today we look at Delusional Darren and ask yourself, is this you? Darren just discovered the crystal gay party scene and has been having some fun on the weekends and holiday breaks, 4-day weekends, whatever. He's still holding down a job, has barely slid under the radar with family and friends who think that maybe he's just being a little distant lately. He believes that he can use Tina recreationally whenever he wants because he's not one of them. He has been offered the needle several times lately, and each time he gets a little more curious. Darren is right there on the precipice, still not feeling any consequences, at least not enough to make him stop. He seems to think the comedowns are still worth it. He thinks, I can handle this. I'm different from other users. Darren will soon slip, even if it's slowly, into the abyss. He will begin calling out of work, miss outings with friends, and worry his mother. He is delusional to think he can negotiate with crystal meth. If you are Darren, wake the fuck up.
