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Addiction Quote by William S. Burroughs

“I had not taken a bath in a year nor changed my clothes or removed them except to stick a needle every hour in the fibrous grey wooden flesh of heroin addiction. I did absolutely nothing.” quote by William S. Burroughs
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“I had not taken a bath in a year nor changed my clothes or removed them except to stick a needle every hour in the fibrous grey wooden flesh of heroin addiction. I did absolutely nothing.”

William S. Burroughs

About This Quote

Source Novel: Naked Lunch, William S. Burroughs, 1959

The quote depicts the numbing, self‑destructive routine of heroin addiction, where daily life collapses into a repetitive, painful ritual.

In simple terms: Addiction reduces life to a painful, repetitive routine.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and break the cycle of self‑destruction.

Themes

addiction despair self‑destruction

Mood

despair hopeless reflective

Type

personal cautionary

When to use this quote

  • rehab
  • counseling
  • support groups
  • personal reflection
  • medical treatment

Key Concepts

heroin routine psychological decay

Questions to Reflect On

  • What patterns keep you stuck?
  • How can you seek help without shame?
A Different Perspective

Recovery requires confronting the underlying pain, not just the habit.

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