Agree with all you’ve said, although I feel the part in bold is somewhat debatable. Not looking for a row, or as you said to MG, not looking to goad, just thought I’d highlight things from a different perspective.
Like you said, sometimes when you’re struggling mentally, you perceive things in an irrational way. For example, you could be out with friends, and all of a sudden feel out of place, like an outsider. You feel different from everyone else, and rationalise that you are the only one who feels like that. Whereas everyone else around you is “normal”.
So, getting on the lash, or tooting up a couple of grams when you're with friends, can actually make you feel like you’re back on that same level with everyone else around you. It makes you feel like you belong again.
That in itself is the relief. Relieved that you’re finally “normal” again - at least for a brief time. You don’t forget your problems, you just get a break from them.
I’m assuming from your post, this is a subject which you know intimately well, unfortunately. I too, know this stuff quite well.
Again, not taking umbrage with anything you’ve said, as it’s all valid. Simply wanted to add another perspective & explain why relief & forget are, if anything, two sides of the same coin.
