Warning: This article contains discussion of drug addiction which some readers may find distressing.
A man who has taken more than 25 drugs in his lifetime has opened up about the ‘worst’ reaction he’s ever had, after revealing what he would tell his younger self prior to addiction.
Lucy Lurch, 28, from the Pacific Northwest, says substance use “ruined” his life after he developed an addiction when he was still very young.
While he estimates he’s tried over 25 different drugs, the YouTuber noted the number would climb even higher depending on how you categorize different pills.
In a recent video, Lurch arranged the substances he believes damaged his life, starting with those he considered least harmful to him and ending with the one he described as most destructive. He placed mushrooms at the bottom of the list, and fentanyl at the top.
Fentanyl is an opioid prescribed in the US for severe, long-term pain and is often described as far stronger than morphine. Because of its potency and addictive potential, some patients can find themselves dependent even after the original medical need changes.
“It’s evil, it kills you, I’ve lost so many people to it,” he said.
When asked about the most severe reaction he’s experienced from any drug, Lurch pointed to what he called “meth-induced psychosis,” describing the episode as deeply frightening.
He recalled it being a ‘terrifying’ episode, as he added: “The world dissolves around you and nothing makes sense.”
Meth-induced psychosis is a serious mental health condition that can occur after using methamphetamine, according to the National Library of Medicine.
Potential symptoms include paranoia, hallucinations, delusions, overwhelming anxiety or panic, aggression or unpredictable behavior, and disorganized or confused thinking.
Lurch said the experience felt like “a real life nightmare,” and suggested that years of addiction changed the way his mind works and how he relates to other people.
He said: “I’ve always had the brain of an addict but being addicted to drugs for so long completely changes how you view and connect to the world.”
“I see life very differently now,” the YouTuber added.
Reflecting on what he wishes he’d known earlier, Lurch said he would warn his younger self about the pain that followed.
Speaking about the advice he would give to his younger self, Lurch said: “I’d tell him about all the grief and hardships the drugs caused me.”
“I’m happy that I’m alive to share this,” he added.
He also said that while he considers himself in recovery, he believes addiction is something he will always have to manage.
“I can’t casually do drugs like other people might be able to, so I just stay away and if you’re like me, that’s a good choice to make,” he advised.
If you want friendly, confidential advice about drugs, you can call American Addiction Centers on (313) 209-9137 24/7, or contact them through their website.