Drug Addiction: Matthew Perry vs Peter Hitchens - BBC NEWS
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- Опубліковано 5 жов 2024
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US actor Matthew Perry to journalist Peter Hitchens 'We're supposed to be grown men here and you're making faces'. The pair were involved in a fiery debate about the best way to deal with the consequences of drug addiction and break the cycle of offending. They were joined by Baroness Meacher, who chairs the UK All-Party Parliamentary Group on Drug Policy Reform.
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Peter Hitchens is a lesson to all of us to listen to whats being said and not how people carry themselves.
This conversation is of Matthew Perry point blank expressing his self awareness of what addiction does to him and Hitchens who is ignorantly in his own bubble cant even be spoon fed a mind set that is not his own.
@dean wayne if we teach meditation to children from their very earliest years, we'll change society as a whole. Perry simply cannot face his emotions and is choosing to numb them instead. That's all addicts.
@@snaubdca7yebf He actually not only stops but also try to help others to understand what addicts need help.
@@gabrielabagala Peter Hitchens does, I know. He's a good man.
Peter Hitchens is wrong though
@@kevino4372 you are probably an addict. You would say that.
its annoying when someone's intellect gets to their ego. You can see it straight away by the way they behave. A lack of humility is not intelligent.
The thing is mister Perry isn’t intelligent
as much as I wanted matthew perry to do well, he didn't. citing "my life" as the objective evidence is absolutely ridiculous.
@@mili3212 it's anecdotal evidence yes but it's still valid
iwishicouldbefunny anecdotal evidence is not objective evidence, which is what I said in my comment
@MAST3RCHIEF 98 He wouldn't send someone down he is just saying we all have a choice.
he said “can i speak” and then cuts matthew off the entire time...
Being a bully is all he knows
@@lucky5th2 fax and being uneducated
"HItcHeNs OwNs PeRrY wItH fAcTs AnD lOgIc"
@@stephanooblus huh?🤣
@@stephanooblusYou’re getting him mixed up with the other Hitchens, he was the one who had an incredible reputation for owning people with facts and logic, not this goofball.
i'm somewhat flabbergasted by how or why peter hitchens feels that he's an authority on this subject. he has no medical training, no training in psychiatry, and no specialised training in addiction. so why is he trying to lecture everyone else on addiction?
Why is even on this show? He's a journalist with an opinion and that is all.
That's British political discussion in a nutshell. They invite a bunch of right-wing ideologues to spout their ill-informed opinions, and that passes off as debate in Britain, which led us to Brexit and 13 years of Conservative rule.
@@hg82metI largely disagree with Hitchens here, but let's not fool ourselves - there are far more left-wing ideologues on the BBC these days posturing themselves as the moral superiority. Both are awful but make for good TV..
Psychiatry has something to answer for, making helpless victims of people that struggle with self control. It is often more damaging than helpful in these matters.
@@TB-us7el thanks for that insight, L Ron Hubbard
Alcohol and cigarettes addiction actually destroyed my life. I could remember several years ago after divorce with my wife which brought me into my disastrous journey on Alcohol and cigarettes. I suffered severe depression and mental disorder. Got diagnosed with cptsd. Not until a friend recommended me to psilocybin mushrooms treatment. Psilocybin treatment saved my life honestly. 8 years totally clean. Much respect to mother nature the great magic shrooms.
YES very sure of Dr.alishrooms. I have the same experience with anxiety, depression, PTSD and addiction and Mushrooms definitely made a huge huge difference to why am clean today.
How do I reach out to him? Is he on insta
Yes got mine shipped here in Slovakia 🇸🇰
War on drugs is an abject failure.
//Cali sober almost 8 years
Didn't destroy your life though. You're still here and you sorted it out. Well done. Your life is not destroyed and the planet is better with you on it.
Could he BE more right?
checksandbalances0 lol
Ffs
Withdrawal is a terrible thing. If you stop someone from doing drugs just like that without slowly helping stop they risk withdrawal which could kill them. Coming from a reformed alcohol addict you can’t just stop without sorting out what made you start and you have to slowly ease off or you will relapse.
@@Demonoicgamer666 unfortunately some people have the “just don’t do it” mentality. Those kids of people must have lived a charmed life where their only problems are mediocre and insignificant. I find that people who think they have all the answers, live in an idealistic world devoid of reality.
@@VoidDragon82 in an ideal world yes people would just not do it but we don’t live in the ideal as I said people who have problems get addicted.
why was this interview ended so early? It was just starting to get interesting.
ua-cam.com/video/CDtIZZiySgA/v-deo.html
You can watch the entire discussion on the news night post
@@hanseich Because Perry imploded?
There's a longer version, on the BBC Newsnight Channel, titled 'Matthew Perry debates drug courts with Peter Hitchens - BBC Newsnight'
Good question. It's because they had an intended outcome. To destroy Peter Hitchens reputation, who actually does huge amounts of research when he writes a book, unlike most.
It is so easy for a person that has never suffered from any kind of addiction (be it to drugs, alcohol, self harm, gambling, or an eating disorder) to say that the concept simply does not exist. But being told that by someone who is merely an observer of the whole thing feels like slap in the face by a bystander. If I could choose not to want to starve myself I would. But frankly thats not how an eating disorder (or any other addiction for that matter) works.
How do you know what Peter’s life is like behind closed doors?
@@MrA71717 just for the way he talks.
@@gabrielabagala You mean, pure prejudice? Bold choice to make it your starting strategy.
@@JD-xz1mx I don't know the life of this person. Perhaps he is an honorable being who helps the poor and donates his salary to those in need. What I'm saying is that from the way he talks, clearly he never suffered from an addiction. He does not know what it is to suffer an addiction in his own flesh.
It is because of his blunt denial about the feelings of those who suffered from this disease that Matthew Perry lost it. Hitchens intends to deny him his own experience.
When I was bigoted religious and thinking I was a christian ( i am not one now) I rooted for hitchens despite being a 65 year old recovering addict myself. Now I realize God hates all man made abrahamic religion and is only concerned with truth. Perry told his truth and hitchens did not because his world view is completely shaped by man made religious indoctrination .
Anyone else here now having read Matthew’s autobiography?
yes!
Yes
Yes
Yes ! I even stopped reading during the interview to see how stupid hitchens is
No, why the hell would I spend time reading that.
I've never done drugs aside from the casual smoking of marijuana in my teens, however the thought of criminalizing drug addiction and incarcerating addicts, is just insane to me. Those who abuse drugs have a myriad of serious underlying issues. No healthy person in their right frame mind would volunteer to abuse drugs.
What a strange sentence. You've 'never' done drugs, apart from the times you've done drugs?
Well no shit Sherlock. I've banged every Victoria Secret model apart from all of them.
@@MrJungle123 🤣🤣🤣
So you've abused drugs, recognise that you must have a myriad of serious underlying issues, and yet we are meant to take policy advice from you?
Yet they do in their millions each day.
"I've never done drugs except when I did drugs"
🤔
I absolutely disagree with Hitchens, but Perry said nothing of substance here to refute or even challenge Hitchens ideas. Simply because he's famous and an addict doesn't qualify him to appear in a debate show. FAIL.
He wasn't really given much of a chance to express any opinion without the constant interruption of Peter Hitchens also the look on Matthew's face was a look of 'what is the point this man is a total bigot' - it was always going to be a one sided argument or in Hitchens case a boring nonsensical monologue!
Lorraine Ashby
He allowed himself to be interrupted by pausing at each interjection and getting sidetracked from making his point. When watching a debate, I people should be swayed comprehensive facts, not star power and anecdotal evidence. The Meacher did a much better job.
@@tcorourke2007
I think your wrong here. Everything he said had substance and it's crucial to have someone with personal experience that speaks directly, naturally, no pseudo intellectual talk.
He gets right to the point instead of beating around the bush (at 2:02 for example) and is also very open about his personal experience with addiction.*
This IS important because addiction is hard to understand for people not knowing it. I think if there would have only been guests who solely state simple facts it wouldn't have worked - many people wouldn't have watched it.
(* Btw...There are extremely few famous people who do that. I think you underestimate how courageous this is, it deserves a little more respect, don't you think?)
@@LorraineAshby
"A boring nonsensical monologue". Exactly.
This was painful to watch. Like a "debate" with a creationist.
I couldn't have stayed calm like that. Especially not with having personal experience like Perry.
@@user-bj2lu9qt3o I totally agree ...... So sad to see Matthew Perry so tired ..... he used to be such a vibrant, clever witty individual. Have a nice day:)
Peter Hitchens is one of those people that would stand on board the titanic telling people that were imaging the ship sinking
you must be a druggie too
Not really. You just do not understand 5hat you are caught in the Zeitgeist. One of my friends was from a household with two alcohol addicted parents. She is totally abstinent.
Haha so true about Hitchens
@@kevino4372 the fact peter hitchens doesn't understand that if an alcoholic stops drinking without medical help they will die literally die
@@patriceaqa288 Peter Hitchens is a dinasour
People don’t understand that it gets to a point where you’re like “I don’t even like this feeling anymore” but you CANT stop because your brain chemistry is very much wired to seek out that drug. This guy does not understand that an addict’s brain is quite literally wired differently than a non-addict, and can’t possibly fathom not being able to control yourself around drugs.
a brain isn't literally wired, the word you mean is figuratively. dare I suggest not letting things get to that point where you can't stop, which takes a good while.
@@TB-us7elI'm sure your wise words will help the many addicts out there. Funny how none of them considered trying that...
“I don't even like that feeling anymore, but I can't stop”… it hit me deep inside. I have been taking a medication for 20 years, sometimes I stop for months, but I come back... only 1 pill a day, never again... for a year and a half it no longer makes me feel as good as it did before, in fact I think it does now. feel bad... but I can't stop, every morning my body asks me for that one pill.
@@chocothebananacat7686 if there were harsh penalties for consumption then they wouldn't get to that point.
yet you only are able to make the change once you believe that you can change. So thats a complete contradiction isnt it.
Well, Matthew became addicted to prescription drugs at one point. I think he's speaking from an addicts POV, so his perspective is valuable too. I wouldn't necessarily say that he's wrong - what he's saying may be truth for a lot of people.
truth for alot of people? so you are saying they are subjectively correct but objectively wrong. Which is right they are wrong. How could a addict stop using if it was not a choice. Why do they take such pride in being clean if its not a choice. Its convenient for them to have something to blame other than themselves. The problem is, They dont realise they dont have to blame a disease for making them use when its obvious why they use. If it was a disease it would affect people with perfect lives who dont have any problems in their life but it doesnt. It only seems to infect people who are depressed, stressed from work, dealing with trauma and coincidentally or not those are the very same people that everyone understands would choose to use drugs in order to cope. Taking drugs by large is a coping mechanism just like self harm. None of this makes it any less a choice and infact its impossible for it not to be a choice seeing as how much these same addicts like Perry are so proud and open about their CHOICE to stop using drugs. The irony the same people who say its a disease are the same ones who pride themselves on stopping.
Cha Ching. if you know you have an addictive personality then if you decide to get involved with alcohol, should anyone be surprised then that you wind up becoming alcoholic. Per metaphorically speaking, approach the bridge look at it realize that it was a problem in the making and cross the bridge anyway. It wasn’t the disease that was already there. It’s not a disease in this case it’s a decision. Perry made a lousy decision and paid for it. I’m guessing he knew that he had an addictive personality and who knows why he made that decision, but he did.
Now, what is my authority to speak on the subject, it is alcoholism. But I can stay categorically that I walked away, that’s correct, I walked away from bipolar disorder. When it became clear to me that medication‘s weren’t going to work I really didn’t have much left to go on. The only thing that got me across to the other side of the bridge from when I came was the brilliant psychologist I worked with for 15 years until one day I came to the conclusion. I’m done with this. I’m stepping out. And I’ve been as normal as apple pie for the last 22 years. Am I saying that anyone can walk away from bipolar disorder? No, I’m just saying that some people can because I can’t be the only one. That said the majority of people that wind up with alcoholism are going to have that issue for the rest of their natural lives. although there’s no walking away from it, there certainly is the capability of managing it to the point where it no longer controls your life. Case in point, my father stopped drinking and smoking on the same day and never touched them again. Amazing willpower. Best I’ve ever seen in a human being. He wasn’t alone either.
Just to make my point Perry arguing that once a drink is taken, there’s no way to stop drinking anymore after that first drink is a completely ludicrous assumption because people have been able to do it who are alcoholics and probably do it every single day. Perry was not one of them. That’s obvious. He’s obviously trying to excuse what he did by blaming it on some uncontrollable medical issue sorry Matthew, that won’t fly. He’s gone now, so no one’s gonna be able to explain that to him. And so it goes.
'The one where Chandler fails to make a convincing argument'
He didn't really have to, Peter Hitchens is an ignoramus in this regard.
He thinks he knows more than the AMA with only stoney rhetoric to back and fallacy to support his inhumane views.
@@rezalucien9325 He does know more. He is absolutely correct. The AMA said only a few years ago that homosexuality was an illness.
@@stephenmurray2851 You know, I'm not about bigotry or undue discrimination here, and I have plenty of gay friends and have had many gay encounters of my own, but, in terms of what's conducive to life, in a procreative sense, homosexuality could be seen as an illness. So, I don't buy that line of reasoning, I'm afraid.
@@rezalucien9325 No homosexuality can be explained through natural selection. Drug addiction is not an illness. If we went to war with drugs it would be dealt with easily.
@@stephenmurray2851 I gave you good premises for my claim that homosexuality could be regarded as an illness. That's aside from the fact that, if it can be demonstrated and proven that they did make a mistake, which is sketchy at best, it doesn't follow that their subsequent determinations are therefore false.
And, what? You reply with a claim that homosexuality can be explained through natural selection. Premises? Proof? Please explain and then we move forward with this discussion. Otherwise I'm not going to bother with you.
We all love Matthew Perry, but the fact is the guy arguing with him is right. Sure enough Matthew can think whatever he likes & may be for him drugs do help him but the fact is addiction is a habit which is unbreakable unless you accept its a habit & intentionally decide you want to change it.
L.A. P. Thats very true, but the points that Matt was trying to get across wasnt a valid argument. Addiction isnt a disease its a chemical reaction in our brain that develops when you start to depend upon a certain (or few) drugs. And ultimatley the best way of dealing with the war on drugs is cutting it off at the supplier. If you arrest somone and send them to jail or fine them for taking drugs its not going to stop them, they will take more drugs in jail. All we can do is cut it at the root and inforce very strict drug trafficking laws to unnerve the suppliers and hope that has an efffect on the war on drugs. And the best way to stop it in theory is to stop it before the addiction starts in the first place like that guy said, but of course it doesn't work in practice, it is far to late, drugs are big part of our society and its going to stay like that untill a massive breakthrough is made.
L.A. P. I couldnt agree with you any MORE on drug war being a waste of our tax dollars. I think all drugs should be legalized & taxed like cigarettes & Alcohol. HOWEVER, the fact that alcoholism is a choice is undeniable. At the end of the day no matter how strong the bodily urges are no one forces the drink in ones face, they do it all willingly. It becomes a habit & habits are only broken wilfully with strong determination & support, Medication is not necessarily needed. I dont think you would disagree, do you?? Medications are only needed because the exercise of WILL is not scientifically being approached & promoted cause there is more money made in promoting sellable medicinal goods.
The guy arguing with him is wrong.
I hate it when things like addiction are classified as a disease. The very word "disease" implies, for most people, an affliction beyond the their own control. And having _that_ mindset is truly, the absolute worst thing for anyone suffering from an addiction, since taking responsibility is critical for overcoming one.
Rambotnical Indeed Indeed...
Gotta love people with no experience or education in either psychology or science just say "well all the experts are wrong".
I'm a medic and: the experts are wrong. Medicine is an extremely toxic industry that has poor policy and poor decision-making across the shop. It is what it is but don't make a golden calf out of it.
You have to give the choice of people with actual experience some attention
@@snaubdca7yebf medicine isn't a toxic industry, its pharmaceuticals and healthcare insurance. The very definition of healthcare is helping people. If there's something corrupt in that try going for something deeper.
@@peterpretzington9669 god you're thick. You don't think Pharma and other vested interests control healthcare?
Because weak people who put drugs and alcohol are out there so companies make a buck off them,just like people addicted to food or shopping now sex with sex shops cigarettes it's a choice not disseas, people stop smoking every day it's the hardest drug of all, SUGAR THE MOST ADDICTIVE SUBSTANCES ON EARTH IS THAT A DISSEAS???
i‘ve watched the whole discussion on a different channel. it wasnt possible to comment there, so i will state my thoughts here.
i feel deeply for mr. perry, being an addict myself. i think i understand what he is trying to say. the thing is that he is coming from a very personal and emotional place where he can hardly bring his point across.
yes, getting off a drug is a decision that you have to make for yourself. it doesnt end there though. you have to tell yourself a thousand of times each day „i dont want to do it“, „i will get through this“, „i want to have a life without this“ etc.... the mindf*ck is very real. not only physically but mentally. it is not ONE decision. you have to make the same decision over and over again. also... addiction can be anything. from what we classify as „drugs“ and other drugs we call „medicine“, alcohol, sports, food, sex, selfharm (it all is...) and so on. when one addiction ends another can take over.
it takes an ignorant person to claim he understands when he hasnt been through it.
Behabtwa lol
Agreed. It’s a choice to continue, and a choice to quit. The difference is one is an easy choice and one is a very hard choice. People that refuse to take the hard road just want to shift the blame. Free will requires responsibility for your actions.
Here here
That's true. You're fighting minute by minute with your addicted brain. It want you to drink, but your logical mind can stop it. You can stop it 2 days, few months, few years. And you break.
@Bessie Hillum If an alcoholic stops drinking without medical help they will physically die. That's just a medical fact. Your body will go into seizure and the outcome of that will be death minus an ambulance that hitchens says there's no medical proof addiction exists is specious nonsense
But Peter Hitchens drinks and he wants all drugs criminalized? You have to include alcohol in the drug category.
the poor man opened his soul on live television and was met by the haughty yet ignorant peter hitchens
Breathtakingly ignorant.
You don't understand Peter's point
@@pokerkramer1240Neither did Peter
@@ShepGibson Peter is expressing a stoic opinion on the matter. There are things that are in our control and things that are not. Not consuming substances, despite requiring a Herculean effort from the addict, is within their control. This is not a bad message, on the contrary. It is important for individuals to know that they have power over their desires.
@@pokerkramer1240is it really a Herculean effort though? Nobody says the same of people who overeat - why should it somehow be the case that it is very difficult to put down alcohol, but not food?
I am impressed by Matthew Perry’s very mature and reasoned understanding of alcoholism.
Unlike Hitchens he actually experienced it
Unfortunately it's one of the few things in life that cannot be fully understood without firsthand experience, drug addiction and alcoholism specifically.
@@mcw-lg2dm
Yup, and not exactly something to experiment with so our best bet is to trust those who have already suffered and listen to what they have to say unlike the lesser Hitchens
@@maxotto9877 Yeah people also need to be better educated on the science behind severe addiction, I'd argue that Hitchens idea on addiction would cause people to be more likely to use, considering he paints it to be a simple matter of willpower, disregarding what it can actually do to your brain.
If Peter is so confident in thinking that addiction is weakness, he should have no problem doing cocaine and having the time of his life for a while. Then stopping.
It is not without irony that our dear Matthew passed on Peter’s birthday. Maybe an opportunity for annual reflections.
RIP MP, thank you for the humour and insight you put out into the world 🙏
Since Matthew is someone who has gone through it so I believe that he has every right to defend himself
Marcy C You can agree with him, but the reason you mentioned to believe him is intellectually silly.
Even peter has had his fair share of struggles with drugs
I'm a sex addict pity me and my victims.
@@Raskolnikovvvvvv No it’s not? He understands better than anyone how to actually cure drug addiction being a former addict himself who got out of it.
@@whitehorsedown6499 No, you’re a clown
I don't think the guy who's arguing against Perry is right, but pitting Perry against an intellectual in a debate is like seeing a marksman shoot a baby.
You have a bizarre idea of what an intellectual is though. A guy who wrote for the rag daily mail isn’t one
He was the inferior to his brother. And I ask, what is your objective proof that I am not a figment of your imagination? I'll wait.
Take note of four things about Hitchens in this segment: (1) Hitchens is neither an addict nor a medical professional. He lacks personal experience with addiction and does not understand its medical or psychological ramifications. His statements are merely his opinions. (2) Throughout the video, he repeatedly interrupts Matthew Perry by asking, "Can I speak?!?!" and then cuts him off. He prioritizes his own speaking time...and only his time. (3) Hitchens displays undeniable arrogance in his words, behavior, and pompous demeanor, revealing how he treats others. (4) His singular opinion is that laws and punishments should be so severe that addicts will be deterred by fear and use willpower to overcome their addiction. This notion is absolutely and unquestionably ridiculous.
I Watched the whole Argument on a different video, and learned that Matthew Perry is really bad at debating... Just insulting the other guy doesn't help to prove a point. No matter how "ludicrous" the other guy may seem.
Valerie Green Me too!!!
lol not sure, just type "matthew Perry debate" on youtube and select the longest vid
Just came in this channel to read the comments like me?
Well he is an addict. We have to feel sorry for them for whatever they do even when they beat there wives. Poor addicts.
@@whitehorsedown6499 and being sorry for them does them no good. It only gives the person virtue-signalling a bit of ego juice.
“My life is the objective evidence…” no Matt that would be subjective
That guy needs to learn about the brain and how it functions especially with all the recent data coming out on addictions
Data comes for stuff and stuff comes from spirit. Spirits make choices.
And what is that?? 90 percent of pop psychology is trash. Bored degree holders carrying out non scrupulous experiments.
@@juntjoonunya9216 Nono you got it all wrong. Data comes from stuff and stuff comes from spirit. But spirit comes from the greater spirit and the greater spirit comes from Flubbergaster and Flubbergaster clearly comes from Erathizin. Where we all know that Erathizin comes from a lack of Orios in the Fridge. Your believe is as valid as mine - deal with it.
To a point you are an addict and can lose control, but to say you have no control past the first drink is absolute BS, it gives you permission to not control yourself...just don't use.......you're an addict and it is only you that can stop yourself-Perry is saying that I will die, I have no control, and look what happened....James Taylor slipped up, but took control and responsibility and continues to rock on
The people coming on here saying that Matthew Perry basically was wrong because now he's dead are *DISGUSTING*
And watch the full interview if you haven't. Hitchens was beyond ignorant and offensive. He's not a doctor and doesn't even know the research. Stating that addiction is just a choice and not a disease, despite the medical profession saying otherwise, only proves one thing: ignorance. Hitchens is pious and has not a shred of compassion or understanding of other people.
GFYs
Yes, how dare they have a different view, how dare they suggest personal responsibility. Thank you for the 👩🧠answer.
@@TB-us7el straw man
@@lauraj8429 make your choices wisely
@@lauraj8429 straw 👩
Matthew Perry is wrong not because he died, or because he could t articulate or back up his point well enough, he's wrong period.
There's no research proving addiction is a disease like cancer where it progresses. There is data (coming from NIDAA themselves) of the opposite which shows most alcoholics and drug users actually get better over time without ANY treatment. If it was a disease this would be impossible.
"Is it a disease or a choice? Is it a disease or a choice?" I believe and doctors could back me up on this it's abit of both. We never get anywhere because people are trying to look at the subject as binary, zeros and ones, black and white. I just don't think drugs work that way.
Its willpower more than anything. Telling addicts its a disease is giving them an excuse for not wanting to try quiting in my oppinion. All addicts want to stop but the problem is they want the kick even more.
@@WeAreLegion1904 Guess saying it's a disease would be a green light to keep using to some, but other addicts who are sober now think of it as a disease. (Even tho I think both decision making, usually while young and easily influenced, and neurobiological reasons.) Depends on the person a think like alot of things, their will be addicts with the "I'm such a victim attitude" and they will be ex marine addicts with PTSD who don't make excuses and take responsibility. Same as there are good police who are proud to protect, and some who get a power trip from the sense of authority and are more bent than some people behind bars.
@@VallenteDunn I think they say its a disease because they keep hearing it one. I am from a family that is full of alcoholics, addicts and depression for at least 4 generations. Its nothing physical. Its all in our heads. In fairness disease is a very broad term anyway so in a sense it might be correct to call it a disease but it definitely doesn't help if you tell an addict that.
@@WeAreLegion1904 Yeah you will have a deeper understanding than me if you've either lived it or as you said been around it. Think people go back and forth cos they try to find one truth of simplify a complex problem which is addiction, cos while qutting comes down to will power, doesn't make it any easier or addiction any less tragic. Paradoxical like everything, even if something is all in the mind, would be naive to be little the mind since all mental disorders come from it. Glad two humans can still debate without unnecessarily condescending, slanging emotion based tones. No strawman or personal attacks, still hope for UA-cam. :)
Most medical experts who specialize in this topic agree it's a disease. Look-up “Dr. Drew - Why Addiction is a Disease” to understand the science behind it.
Hitchen's basic point is that if addiction existed, then people wouldn't be able to stop, but people do stop all the time, often after many years of trying. His message is one of hope- those who accuse him of arrogance are I think being unfair. Matthew Perry, sadly, seemed to wallow in self-pity and people let him because he was a star. They did him, like Amy Winehouse, no favours.
God you are so correct self pity like Amey winehouse love you stay true
I will never try heroin as I'm very well informed it's very likely to grab hold of my body and soul pretty much immediately. And that's a choice.
With alcohol is different - we all try a drink or two as teenagers without the knowledge which of us is in the low percentage to spiral into a full blown addiction. It creeps up, can't be predicted and not a choice.
Educate yourselves how human addicted brain works, behaviour patterns, damaged neurolinks..
A close to mine person's friends would tell me "he's been a good boy, he only had 2 beers" not understanding in an addict's reality it's not about having enough and stopping a binge, have a massive hangover (like them) and move on with your life. It's about not offering this first drink... As they used to wake up and headaches I would have to witness 3-4 week massive relapse in control of this person's body. Watching him fading and wishing his death.. Putting all my energy to stay strong, keep him alive and safe till hopefully I could get him in rehab so he could safely, medically, gets detoxed.
And we're lucky that after years and years of struggle, one of these places gave him the science and confidence that he was a victim of his body's fucked chemistry and habbits and is clean since then. Recovering. Always.
Spot on. I’ve worked with many addicts and they are usually surrounded by enablers who must take a lot of the blame when the addict dies (they don’t, of course).
So in other words you believe addiction is a choice? The cold sweats, emotional instability etc that happens to millions of people are all fake? The addicts who died from withdrawal are all lying. But when people like you who think they know it all argue there is no way of convincing you.
Folks will lie to you and say you can never be free. They are the jailers of the mind and of the will. Trust me… people can be free. They do have a choice. Albeit it is a hard one.
I saw this when it aired and COULD NOT believe this guy. His point is, "Well, *I'm* not an addict, therefore addiction isn't real."
Like, I'm pretty sure he's never been pregnant either, so...
Especially maddening since he was presenting himself as the voice of reason and rationality. What a maroon!
David Oakes But in an English accent, so...
i actually disagree with peter but he has undoubtedly a far superior intellect to this washed up Hollywood celebrity.
allahu akbar I think you need to look up the definition of "undoubtedly."
zammmerjammer undoubtedly: without doubt; certainly... nah that's exactly what i meant.
allahu akbar Well, in just this tiny conversation here, there seems to be significant doubt about it so... perhaps there is still some confusion about the concept.
Hitchens: You have a choice
Perry: I have control over the first drink. After that the addiction takes over!
Hitchens: Yes - you have a choice!
That's still a wrong view though. Humans have a choice each and every single time they pick up the glass for another drink. It's not just "the first time" otherwise why isn't Perry still drinking in that interview from his first drink??? It doesn't make us mindless zombies.. somehow he stopped and that's because he chose to.
@@briann5524 because he drinks until he passes out, when he wakes up he is just really sick and hangover, then the craving is over for a little while.
"I have a British accent, therefore I am right"
Didn't work for Piers Morgan, doesn't work for you!
LOL yeah!!!
toughsofty1981 Piers Morgan...What a &*&%$/"/$$$/$%%???!!!!!!!....Dick
English accent. There is no such thing as a British accent.
At what point does he state this?
Perry thinks he's on a film set and no one is allowed to disagree with him.
Enabled by the BBC who are enamored by a "real celebrity" stopping by.
Why is no one pointing out how awesome Matthew Perry is here?
He's cutting out all the BS and going straight to Hitchens throat. SO entertaining.
What B.S. did he cut out? He called the man Santa Clause then used his personal experience as an answer for objective evidence. Peter leaves with his throat intact. Chandler looks like a dolt for not being prepared or educated.
And he’s absolutely incorrect!
He’s also wrong.
@@chetrodin9656Just because Hitchens was more articulate, or used words that made him seem more educated, that doesn’t make him so. He obviously does not have more knowledge on the subject than the experts, or even an addict for that matter.
He’s condescending and arrogant, he also lack basic empathy and compassion.
@@boobopish Not even that articulate... lots of stumbling and mumbling
The "addiction is a choice" crowd clearly don't understand that most people don't choose to be addicts just by taking drugs a doctor prescribed them. By the time they realise they're addicted it's already to late.
most of self medicate and increase their dosage, can't blame the doc for that.
As an "alcoholic" . Me drinking to the point of that definition. It was my choice. I chose to drink. It's a habit that's created by us. Fact . Disease is a cop out
This is not true at all. Most people who take opioids (which is another name for heroin) prescribed from doctors to reduce pain, don't realise they are taking heroin and consequently they don't become addicted.
My take is that addiction starts even before you take drugs. It’s a nagging feeling that something is off or wrong all the time, anxiety, self doubt, depression. Then all of a sudden you take a substance, and like magic all your problems are solved.
this comment is such a great example of the mindset behind addiction, thank you
Wow that’s unbelievably interesting and revealing. Thank you, you tight me something today.
So, I would never take any drugs or alcohol…..
so yes that proves it is a choice, a false belief that the thing they are doing is fixing them, if they analysed that thought process for the fallacy that it is, they would run from their substance or their behaviour
@@James_36 A choice between feeling good in the short term or just continue feeling like shit. Truth is that many of the conditions that underlie addictions, like adhd, dysthymia and ptsd, are really hard to treat and take a very long time to even see minor improvements to quality of life. These people live life on extreme hard mode. Literally everything is more difficult for them than for neurotypicals. Who can blame someone for choosing to relieve their struggles a few hours even if they know that it’s not a solution in the long run?
“You are just a person talking who is wrong” that’s awesome
yes, very profound. 🙄
the right question is ...when is a choice a meaningful choice? Where is the line between being heavily influenced by something and being controlled by something? It seems to me that Peter Hitchens isn't informed enough about the ways in which the brain works on and off of drugs.
If Matthew Perry truly believes he's not in control of his own mind, how can we accept anything he argues for in this interview?
Fallacy. Reason and desire are not the same impulse.
Hes not in control of the addictive part of his mind. he can still reason.
Every time Peter Hitchens pops up, you can guarantee bollocks will be spoken!
usually by whoever is opposing him, if not the presenter.
Unless that guy has experienced addiction himself, he should not be making judgements, nonetheless publish a book about something he has never experienced
Even posting this shows Hitchens is right, even if addiction was real, you make laws to stop people being addicted through deterrence. I used to take drugs but realize this was for pleasure, nothing more, we should realize this.
youre a moron. one can experience being free from drug addiction by never taking a drug and thats what hes talking about.
I have a problem, a medical condition, I need to drink.
I have been "diagnosed " with it. There is no option other than drink and do drugs. Even if I try my hard, it won't help, so I have stopped trying all together to avoid further pain and suffering. I must submit to my fate, I am beyond saving. I am a victim in this society, and everyone should understand and support me, even though I can no longer fulfil my duties and responsibilities . I should still be considering a part of this society, and they should all let me drink and enable me to do so. That's the only way they can help me, and that's the only help I need. Nobody should say otherwise because they can not be me and understand what I am going through.
Absolutely, that is how it is now, in the west. Very well put.
What irritates me the most is there’s a life long alcoholic trying to explain something with first hand experience. And he goes “your wrong”
Mathew perry 100% correct
I've overcome alcohol and opiate addiction through sheer willpower and choice. Two years sober. I do believe it's a choice. When you call it a disease, it takes away accountability and will power.
It is a choice to stop. Tell me though, was did you stroll through it or did you suffer immeasurably. When you see a drink do you not think about it? If you say no, I know you're lying. You aren't talking like a recovering addict.
@@garethlawton5278 I went through hell. Drinking today is borrowing happiness from tomorrow. Took me a couple of months to recalibrate when it came to alcohol. Sick and tired of the depression and severe hangovers. Opiates was much longer. Severe depression for 4 months. But after 4 months I felt my brain go back to homeostasis. I had to completely recalibrate my life. I hope anyone that reads this, that they take their power back. If I can do it anyone can. All the best.
@@garethlawton5278You just nailed it.
@@garethlawton5278 and....do not the obese feel the same way about food and gamblers about gambling. Why is there always special pleading for those addicted to drink or substances?
After the news today. We can only see how right Hitchens was
@@leighton_knapp
He was wrong on covid.
@@leighton_knappYou protest way too much. I wonder how many dirty secrets you've got. Those who pontificate always turn out to be perverts of one kind or another.
@@leighton_knapp "left wing takeover of the Conservative Party" - what left-wing takeover of the Conservative party? Only a wingnut would make such an absurd claim.
Wonder what Peter is on....definitely is a good stuff!!!! Where does he gets it from????
School! It's called intelligence
As much as you want to disagree with him because you can't believe what he is saying... just think about his argument for a second. Yes, even if he is wrong, consider that it's actually you and the rest of the world who is wrong. Where is the objective evidence for addiction? That's what he is asking. BTW i disagree with him, just like to entertain his argument.
@@PresidentialWinner you almost agree but you don't until you admit we are spirits
Wow, commentators are pretty harsh on Perry here. I don't think people realize how delusional it is to believe Peter Hitchens argument just because an actor such as Matthew Perry doesn't have the knowledge of neuroscience to come up with direct evidence of it. You might as well ask a gay person, "give me empirical evidence that you are gay?" He responds "well, I sleep with men." Peter says "That's not empirical proof that you have the attraction." There is an objectivity in subjective experience that is the foundation of medicine. Otherwise we wouldn't make any progress.
It's like you come into the doctor's office and you say, "I am getting severe pains in my chest." The doctor doesn't ask you "Show me the evidence of this?"
He was trying to back his claim up with scientific evidence to explain why addiction is what it is, but Hitchens just sat there saying "but you're wrong because I'm right, you're wrong, I have a British accent, this distinguished host sitting next to me has a British accent, I have a book, and you're a ninny."
Sure you have a choice but the cravings for severe addiction are much like being hungry or thirsty or trying not to breath.. That's how it feels... You can make a choice to starve your self .. But "for most people" the choice is hard to do while you have access to food/drugs.
this is a great analogy. I think more people should view it like this
Well, then don't complain.
The disregulation/discomfort is more than I want food when I’m starving
Exactly, an automated process. Ask half of addicts and they don’t even consciously use the drug. It’s a habit loop
No one said it's easy. All they said is it's a choice.
Is this guy really saying that addiction is not real?
To a point you are an addict and can lose control, but to say you have no control past the first drink is absolute BS, it gives you permission to not control yourself...just don't use.......you're an addict and it is only you that can stop yourself-Perry is saying that I will die, I have no control, and look what happened....James Taylor slipped up, but took control and responsibility and continues to rock on
@@onefoot7 If you really think people have control after that first drink then you don;t actually understand alcoholism. There are chemical reactions as well as psychological connections which make it extremely difficult to stop after that first drink. Alcohol can be associated with a dopamine hit which changes the signal pathways int he brain making it easier to become more susceptible to wanting more, we see the same thing happen with sugar, the brain craves for more of it once it gets a taste, also the psychological reaction can make someone think that if they have had one drink and they can feel fine and will be ok with having a second drink and then it continues. other people have a genetic disposition to alcohol that makes it harder for them to stop drinking than it does others, because not everyone is wired the same way, so because something seems easy for yo does not mean it is easy for someone else. I would suggest reading up on why alcoholics struggle to stop after that first drink to better understand it from their position, and why addiction is a disease.
On the sad passing of Matthew, this is such a revealing discussion. Matthew comes across so well, so honest...whereas Hitchens comes across as an arrogant and shocking ignorant fool.
peter hitchens' brother was a drug addict and eventually got cancer from smoking and drinking. How can peter still lack understanding?
To a point you are an addict and can lose control, but to say you have no control past the first drink is absolute BS, it gives you permission to not control yourself...just don't use.......you're an addict and it is only you that can stop yourself-Perry is saying that I will die, I have no control, and look what happened....James Taylor slipped up, but took control and responsibility and continues to rock on
Pathetic weakness is what it is........many other people have bigger problems than fame and fortune... .
What these people typically really suffer from is themselves trying to fix the lack of attention they suffered before fame and fortune, which you cannot turn back time on, and is trying to still continue to grab attention to his earlier personal problem of attention deficit by any means in later life... ...a lot of people with inner attention deficit in life subconsciously find their ways into careers that provide public attention but it won't fix the past.....
This from Hitchens is a classic example of the belief that "if I've never experienced it, it simply cannot exist"
When I used to drink, I hated whiskey. I couldn't comprehend how people could think it tasted nice. So I began to theorise that nobody actually liked it, they just drank it anyway. Now that's an absurd statement, but it's common from people with a strong but unpopular view. Hitchens', however, has gotten a little bit out of hand
That wasn't the only argument he presented, it wasn't even the most prominent. However, people zone in on that exclusively because it gives you an opportunity to dismiss his argument in favour of something emotive.
@MrShaneHardy - no, Peter Hitchens is saying that there is no such medical phenomenon as "addiction". These people who get into a total mess with substances simply love the idea of "addiction". For an explanation as to why this is the case, listen to the language used by this idiot from Friends: it's a disease, an allergy, and something which happens in his brain which will then not allow him to stop. It isn't his fault; he did not make the decision to behave this way and to hurt himself and those who care about him. Not at all - in fact, he is a VICTIM! Poor him.
It's a simple, lazy and cowardly way of not taking responsibility for your own crap behaviour. A change in attitude and an acceptance that addiction does not exist would increase the chances of many people taking responsibility and doing the things needed to turn their lives around, rather than just resorting to lame excuses and phantom diseases.
Moronic comment.
People are morons. They buy crappy liquor and/or over marketed lackluster liquor, or know those who do, thinking that is what the entire category should be judged by. Maybe, back then, you had this erroneous understanding as well?
@@hoxtondave9619
Addiction is when you are either physically or psychologically compelled to consume whatever substance. Some people are more prone to it than others.
I come from a line of drinkers; I love drinking, even though it has caused me numerous problems and embarrassments (currently trying to quit again). To this day, I have to really fight to not "scratch the itch", despite knowing full well, objectively speaking, how irrational it can be to drink too much. Not everyone has this issue. I think that is all Perry is trying to say, here.
Every addict I've ever spoken to or heard from has described addiction as a horrible thing, a trap that they struggle to escape from because even if they reach a place in their mind where they believe that they can do it they must fight against their own bodies which have developed a need for the source of the addiction.
I've seen addicts recover when properly motivated to do so, and even for them it was and remains difficult because the worst part is that the addiction never truly ends as the body will continue to signal the desire for the thing they are addicted to likely until the day they die.
People don't understand that it changes brain chemistry. Cuts your serotonin production, which directly ties to motivation, willpower, emotion, all that stuff. It's a hell most couldn't imagine, which is why less than 2% ever recover.
They are of a certain mold, exquisite in describing the smallest difficulty they have, while totally indifferent to others.
@@TB-us7el Addicts are low hanging fruit in a way. A chance for some below average people to feel superior to someone. Thats about the most ignorant thing I've ever heard, everyone wants to chalk addiction up to character flaw/ weakness... well why is addiction and alcoholism such a rampant problem in the military community? Are they just inferior weaklings as well?
@@mcw-lg2dm obviously hardship or any kind of unpleasantness might have someone want to forget through substances. That doesn't mean we should go along with the ways people use to not address addiction. Who does learned helplessness benefit? Psychologists and doctors, not those struggling with the issue.
@@TB-us7el No one said anything about learned helplessness. Of course that wouldn't help, but neither will belittling, discrediting, and summing all addicts up as being selfish weak or inferior. Addiction doesn't discriminate, it can happen to a variety of people. The less than 2 percent recovery rate for hard drugs and alcohol doesn't imply those as being weaker/inferior it just shows how extremely difficult it is to overcome. You should look into the neurological studies on opiate and cocaine addicted brains.
The very first drink or hit someone ever has in their life has is most often a choice. I refuse to say always because that simply isn't true. However, the way their body reacts to it is absolutely NOT a choice. Saying we can choose to not get addicted to something is the same as saying we can choose to not get sick or injured ever. Matthew Perry is right here.
First the wrong brother dies, then the wrong debater dies
Apparently not, it turns out taking drugs shortens your life.
@@fabuladeum1 yeah and Peter Hitchens is so clearly a happy and interesting guy who gets invited to loads of parties. I’d rather die young than end up like him. But maybe people enjoy hating themselves as much as he clearly does?
@@fabuladeum1That does not make Hitchens denial of addiction any more valid
@@dafuzzymonster you will never end up like him, capable of reasoned thought and debate.
@@TB-us7el I don’t as a rule storm out of interviews if that’s what you mean?
I wish there had been more of this debate in the clip but I couldn't disagree with Peter Hitchens anymore. He's just dead wrong. The war on drugs in the US has been an utter waste of money and ruined tens of thousands of lives. Treatment rather than ridiculous prison sentences in the better way. 55% of the US prison population is incarcerated for drug charges and most of them are non violent. Did that make the demand for drugs go down? No. Its also costs a fortune to incarcerate these people. I can't believe this guy is Christopher Hitchens brother!
@Bessie Hillum If someone commits violence then they should go to jail. If they're addicted they should be offered treatment or jail.
@Bessie Hillum I live in the US not the UK. There are very few diversion programs here in the US. Your comment makes me think that you've never read anything on this subject that you disagree with. Addiction has many dynamics. It doesn't have to be drugs either. There is a genetic predisposition to addiction and an environmental component as well. It requires counseling, detox in many cases, a halfway house for some and follow up programs. Warehousing people in jail is expensive and destructive. Addiction is a medical problem that needs to be treated that way not with punishment. Scientists are learning more about this every year and I will take my cues about it from peer reviewed science.
Matthew Perry is completely out matched
By an opinionated prick who doesn't know what he is talking about.
Peter Hitchens is right.
outmatched by a guy who hated his intellectually superior brother
@@jeremyfoster8726 His brother "thought" he was intellectually superior.
Who is peter hitchens ? And why should I care what his opinion is?
a hack who is only relevant because of his superior intellect brother Christopher
@@jeremyfoster8726 he's as intellectual as Christopher... probably more logical as well tbh
@@lotus9865 Less witty, certainly less of a writer by several degrees, and is only logical because he's pitted against regular people like this.
His asking for objective evidence of addiction is stupid. There is cumulative evidence for the basis of addiction. But he's creating an impossible standard.
You may ask me to prove objectively that you exist. I could not do that.
Because Perry died from drugs and hitchens didn't die from drugs.
1:10 The director really made a blunder there!
You beat me to it. I could almost hear him yelling, "Get off the back of Chandler's head!"
Wow... Peter Hitchens demanding "objective physical proof."
I just saw a video of him debating the existence of god where he happily accepts that nonsense without any proof whatsoever.
1) I accept that there's no way to determine whether or not there actually is a god. However, belief in a god implies that one holds the view that the god one believes in actually exists. Can you explain to me how it's possible to believe in a god and at the same time, hold the view that such a god may not exist?
2) I reject the inference that belief in a god is "most" beneficial to society.
3) What you're describing is a logical fallacy best defined as "Pascal's wager" and as far as I know, logical fallacies are not pathways to reasonable conclusions.
Given these three points, as well as his public defense of the Christian god, I think my original comment was spot on.
Unfortunately, faith isn't a pathway to truth. Try it.... it doesn't work.
I have no idea what you mean when you say: "...God on the other hand is the only infallible concept for order."
Also... Evolution has nothing to do with human rights.
ok... I thought this was gonna be a reasonable conversation.
1) To assert that Evolution does not exist is just silly.
2) To assert that Human rights do not exist is just silly.
3) To say that the reason why human rights and Evolution have nothing to do with each other is because they don't exist is just silly.
4) To say that faith is a scientific concept is just silly.
5) To assert the existence of a "higher being..." with no supporting evidence is just silly.
Its amazing how we can't ever picture someone else being wired differently then ourselves there are so many scenarios that lead to drug addiction and just because you said "no" does not mean its so black and white for everybody
People can imagine that, but the research says otherwise regardless. So Peter is right. The research shows even the most heavy alcoholics and substance users have choice because when you make the consequences of drinking/drugging directly (key word directly) high of more use or the benefits higher for abstinence they usually stop. They wouldn't be able to do that if they did not have a choice.
The reason some alcoholics and drug users continue their use in spite of super high consequences like death or hospital or prison, is because they usually don't see it as a direct result, they believe they can risk it and that it may not happen "this time" and they still see the benefits of drinking or drugging more in the moment so they continue. But rack up the consequences directly or the benefits of abstinence like offer $1B for them to abstain for the next 8 hours and they will do so.
@briann5524 you have such a childish view of addiction clearly you lack first hand experience with addicts.. have u never looked at any research into how certain people are more likely to lack self control with substances? Also is taking drugs a choice when first consuming? Absolutely but when you are hooked on a substance it's not so simple
Addiction is a disease and is often the result of an underlying mental health issue, such as trauma, anxiety, depression, etc. Sadly, those who do not understand these things subscribe to the idea that "you should just get over it". Peter's brother, Christopher, was a famous alcoholic (and smoked like a chimney) and subsequently died as a result of those addictions. In light of this, it blows my mind that he would come out and basically say "my brother had a choice and he chose to kill himself slowly via the cancer caused by his addictions". What an absolute knob!
bullsheet!! Nobody wishes a disease upon themselves. nobody....If Cancer that killed the spinal column and made you a parapalegic came in a box, would you eat it? Prolly not!
Well he did choose to smoke the thing that everyone says is bad for you. I smoked to, and I quit. Sometimes I get the urge to smoke, but I choose not to. If I did smoke, it's on me. It's pretty simple.
@@LukeRojas I also smoked and I also gambled, gambling was way more powerful addiction, the lure of easy money in this world is way more luring. I quit both, because I CHSOSE to. Addicts lie to themselves thinking the substance or thing they are doing is helping and aiding them in their struggles.. that takes enormous willpower. Addicts suffer from believing the wrong thing, not the fact they cannot control it
Good on you Matthew Perry. Matthew it was a losing battle trying to debate with Peter, he was not willing to listen or even give you a chance to raise a point. i would have resorted to sarcasm too. Years, decades of research, experience, successes is lost on him. He is taking a complex issue and trying to give a simple answer. i feel sorry for his wife
It’s Sheldon vs Chandler but when did objective physical proof become the gold standard for symptoms?
At least he stood there and said hey I'm a drug addict. #Respect
"I'm a murderer" #respect...
@@snaubdca7yebf Clearly not the same thing you tool
Labelling yourself is not a healthy start. That's the problem.
It wasnt me it was the drink. And I speak from suffered from addiction.
Peter Hitchens is clueless
The only one making any valid points is Baroness Meacher.
Sadly Matthew is clearly not prepared or eloquent enough to give a solid arguement. They would have been much better off with Russell Brand as he has studied and debated drug issues and doesn't resort to calling names.
I truly believe substance abuse is a health problem not a crime....only when someone commits a crime because of their substance abuse should the law get involved.
As always it comes down to money not public safety~ if substance abuse is a crime then why are alcohol and cigarettes legal? Because they make the Government tons of cash.
You might change your mind on that if you watch the Newsnight conversation they had on this very subject...
'Better off with Russell Brand' hahaha. I'll crack the jokes. Brand and Perry both buffoons.
Brand also got dominated by hitchens in another interview on the same topic (put up a better fight than Perry though)
Perry's obvious point is that the addiction isn't that easy to kick. If it was then you wouldn't have so many people spending their money on professional help to kick the habit. They'd just stop. Why waste all of that money on help when you can just simply stop.....right? Apparently it's easier said than done for people to kick any serious addiction. Hitchens doesn't grasp that.
Why would they stop his interview?
Could I BE any worse at making sound decisions? ~~Chandler Bing
Peter Hitchens could only wish to be a shadow of his brilliant and much more wiser brother.
Pretty sure Chris held the same position
You can always count on Peter Hutchins to be a smug, arrogant, self-righteous and self-absorbed.
And correct🤣
If Matt had adopted Peter’s stoic mindset towards drugs he’d still be alive.
@@Teabonesteak murder is against the law, as it should be, and there are many layers of deterrents; one of which is the death penalty. Yet for some reason that doesn’t deter people from commit murder. My argument is not against having a “robust criminal system”, it is that there is nuance in life. Some acts of criminality deserve the full extent of the law i.e pedophilia, murder etc. But drug abuse? It requires MEDICAL care and psychological treatment. His world would have 10’s of millions of people locked up, thereby taxing an already overly taxed prison system. So no he isn’t “correct 🤣”.
P.s even if he was correct, there is a reality where you can have humble about it, and not be smug and self-righteous.
This argument reminds of how the church argues abstinence.
No, actually. Russell Brand’s argument on the question would be on par with the Church’s position regarding sexual abstinence. Hitchens’ argument is more like those who supported policies like prohibition (deterrence strategies centered on criminal penalties punitive enough to effectively disincentivize engagement with the illicit substances in question). I agree that it’s flawed strategy that has proven incapable of solving the overall problem; but that doesn’t mean that the current alternative strategies [based on things like decriminalization and medical intervention/treatment] are any better.
Gotta love how they cut this video off before what matthew Perry really needed to say
Thanks, James O’Brien. Found it. RIP Matthew.
If you look at neurological aspect of addiction, it is due to brain chemistry that allow people to become so addicted to drugs or just substances in general. There're many forms of addiction, because with everything that gives us pleasure there's a chance for addiction!
After awhile it's not about the will-power or choice, our brain is so hooked on the substance or action (such as work-out addiction) we just need another hit to pleasure ourselves.
I'm not saying people can't quit, because there are people out there that have. But to suggest that it is all a matter of choice to wake up one day and say "I'm going to quit today" is ridiculous. It is not as simple as that.
Love how Perry responded to Peter's remarks, that man is kinda of an idiot..
I’d disagree that there’s a neurological path way why people do this. It’s really about dealing with uncomfortable emotions that we learn to suppress in child hood I think Jung mentions this.
@@NoPlus500The neuroscience is clear, addiction is a proven fact. You can measure it and map it. Why do people turn to addictive substances? I think you are right about that part, I think it has something to do with damage to the amygdala that trauma might cause? Some of it may be genetic, could be trauma that's passed on through generations, and therefore not something that specifically happened to you in your childhood. I don't think it's about uncomfortable emotions we suppress, I think uncomfortable emotions can damage the connections in your brain, and you develop with mental pathways that are not healthy. Trauma has that effect on people, you will notice people who are addicts often have something to their life story that they can point to as being a contributor or outright cause of their addiction. It's not about it being uncomfortable emotions, the uncomfortable emotions are the symptom not the actual problem. The problem is trauma.
Hitchens smirking creases me hahhaa
I always respected his brother Christopher more.
"We're supposed to be grown men here..." No, Peter Hitchens will always be a condescending child.
Hitchens is correct
Tories are so detached from reality it's actually frightening 🤣🤣 hitchens made an arse of himself here big time.
The English gentleman is right. The entire Western world is hopped up on one kind of drug or another, while the rest of the world eats our lunch. We are the architects of our own destruction. I’m originally from Vancouver, but have been living in Singapore for the last decade, and have to plans to ever return to that toilet I once called home.
I know this is a 5 year old comment, but it amazes me that your holier than thou attitude comes from Singapore, a place that is rife with addicts, and yes, drugs. I've worked in Singapore (which is a part of the "western world" by the way) for many years, I've worked in London, Tokyo, Sydney, Beijing...Singapore is no different, they just hide it very well.
I am so sorry for Matthew and millions like him, but isn't it a contradiction (here I'm deviating from alcohol to even more sinister drugs) that the pro-legalisation campaign says "people should have a free choice to do what they like with their own body" but the next minute says that addicts "have no choice"?
No, it is not. People get addicted to tons of things that I'm sure nobody would want to make it illegal, sex being one of thousands. Because a small minority of people have problems with something in no way means it should be illegal. When you say "have no choice" I don't think you are thinking of this the same way an addict does. Is it a choice to put drugs i your body if your addicted, of course it is a choice as far as free will he is talking about being mentally, and physically (as far as getting sick when you don't have it) overwhelmed to the point where that is all you can think about. Most people don't have this problem but a small minority of people do.Once again just because a small minority of people misuse something in no way means it should not be legal and if that was the case literally nothing would be legal guns, cars, baseball bats hell even food.
@@u2zero2u Yes, but cars, baseball and guns are inherently used to create unnatural feelings in our bodies and to desensitize ourselves to dopamine. Drugs are illegal because people will overuse them and addiction will sky rocket, look at how people pop ibuprofen like candy at the thought of a headache, now imagine that but with heroin, marijuana. We will have a society of dope heads.
@@u2zero2u As mentioned, most people don’t have this problem because most people don’t have access to hard drugs.
@@aaronaustin225 I will say though, all of your favourite musicians and actors have been dope heads. So maybe a society of dope heads could get a lot more done? Who's to say
I'm no smart person but it sounds like one of those oxymoron things that I call my wife.
RIP Matthew
Hitchens- drop the prejudice and try a touch of empathy.
'addicts' do not want nor need your sympathy. 'addicts' need treating as human beings- hurt, injured, yet full of potential...
Not very graceful, unlike Mr. Perry, R.I.P. brother. A fine example of a human- beautifully flawed...
I'm sorry, but Chandler is not a serious person to talk about dopamine levels or the science of addiction
Neither is Peter Hitchens
It's always hard to pick between a expert and a famous person with a opinion when choosing your guests on tv. Why? Guess which one brings in more viewers? Also since they did bring in an expert AND a famous person to debate against Peter i think it's just fine.
It's like saying what's the physical proof of someone with OCD...well...look at the behavior...same things as "binge" drinking. These are physical manifestations of a neurological disorder.
Same goes for psychosis which Peter harps about the link between the disorder and Cannabis. He says that the evidence supports it, which it does. But yet you can't have a physical test to prove someone is crazy either? Cherry picking.
I guess Peter was right then.
You should be ashamed of yourself.
@@AndrewDavidFordeTruth hurts, he should've stayed off drugs! Peter Hitchens is alive for a reason and Matthew isn't!
@@philmitchell91 As far as you know so far his death was not caused by drugs. Furthermore, plenty of drug addicts are still alive whilst 'healthy' non drug taking individuals die every year. Peter Hitchens is a fool who doesn't understand a thing about addiction.
@@AndrewDavidForde Even if his death wasn't specifically caused by drugs, dying at the age of 54 raises questions in of itself. Same goes with Peter Hitchens' brother Christopher who died at a similar age after abusing his body with drugs and alcohol and then dying from cancer. So who's the actual fool, Peter Hitchens who abstained from heavy drink and drugs and is alive and well or Matthew Perry/Christopher Hitchens who are dead?
@@philmitchell91Rush Limbaugh died of cancer. Lee Atwater died of cancer. Stick that in your pipe and smoke it.
Pain is also subjective and NOBODY denies its existence. As is depression, schizophrenia, anxiety, hunger, happiness, etc. Asking for evidence of a subjective experience is absurd. Some are classified as diseases, others are not.
The question is if drug addiction is a disease or not. But before going into that, they should define what is disease, and then put forth pertinent arguments regarding decriminaliztion.
"Fantasy of addiction" OMG if I were Perry I'd have to step out of the studio in order not to punch the guy!
They both make excellent points.
People who say addiction is a choice clearly have never dealt with it. I've only smoked maybe 20 or so cigarettes in my life and every time I see someone smoking one I find myself craving one. While smoking the first cigarette was a choice, the cravings I sometimes get are not a choice. I can fight these cravings if I really put my mind to it, but the actual addiction is not a choice.
So to Beginn with you.never thought it through. I have never started.
@@sw.7519 Some people can take different substances and not get addicted and others can’t. Addiction is not a choice. You either have an addictive personality or you don’t. Saying addiction is a choice is just plain stupid.
@Bessie Hillum Having an addictive personality isn’t a choice. I’ve also struggled with drinking and am completely sober now. If you think people like me make the choice to get addicted to something you’re wrong. You either have that gene or you don’t.
“I can fight the cravings” is a simple case of admission. You have the power and make the choice
Exactly. Imagine every thought and urge just wants to use that drug. Your not thinking of eating, sleeping, socializing. Your brain and body wants one thing and one thing only.
Sad thing is Mathew Perry died of drugs and Peter Hitchens didn’t
So I guess I know who was right
Drug trips can be a beautiful enriching experience, drug trips can be a terrible crippling experience. One may have a healthy relationship with drugs, one may ruin their lives over them. In the same way that delicious food can be a great experience, but lead to indigestion or obesity. In the same way that love can be amazing and also destroy us emotionally. In the same way that art forms like video games, movies and novels can be inspiring but also addicting. Every action we take can potentially be harmful to us if we engage in it senselessly. These are all dimensions of life worth exploring albeit with caution and sense. By prohibiting drug use entirely, we are skipping out on one of these dimensions of the human experience. Instead, why not have a social infrastructure that educates on the actual effects of drugs, and how to enjoy them in a safe environment, rather than stigmatise every degenerate who engages in them or even just labelling it a disease? I think recreational drug use may have some great utility in the psychological and emotional well being of people. We're all built different.
Personally, to be fair and impartial i am a recovering alcoholic in AA , i can honestly understand both individuals perspectives, i dont take offense to what hitchens said , and i respect mr perrys point of view , my take has always been whether you believe my alcoholism is a disiease or moral failing is perfectfly fine and all i will say is thats ypur opinion , my personal experience has been that aa worked for me and if you disagree thats fine with me whatever works for me may not work for the other individual and thats it to each theyre own
Remember the Southpark Episode about alcoholism?
Peter Hitchens so full of himself and so obnoxious. good on Matthew. it is true some people when they drink one glass or can they cant stop. it tough for some.