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Dope Quote by Jerry Stahl

“I used to say, for me, writing was like walking a high wire, and heroin made me forget there was no net. Which is a fancy way of saying dope made me forget how shitty I felt for being on dope.” quote by Jerry Stahl
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“I used to say, for me, writing was like walking a high wire, and heroin made me forget there was no net. Which is a fancy way of saying dope made me forget how shitty I felt for being on dope.”

Jerry Stahl

About This Quote

Source Memoir: Bad Science, 2007

Writing felt precarious, and heroin erased the awareness of its danger, masking the writer’s suffering.

In simple terms: Heroin hid the pain of drug use while writing.

Key Takeaway

Recognize how substances can mask underlying issues.

Themes

addiction creative struggle self‑deception

Mood

reflective somber

Type

personal cautionary

When to use this quote

  • writing sessions
  • rehabilitation
  • therapy
  • creative work

Key Concepts

psychology risk escape

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does substance use affect creative honesty?
  • Can confronting pain improve art?
A Different Perspective

The escape can deepen dependence and hinder recovery.

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