From Aspirin To Acid Trip

The first time I had a headache,
I didn’t want to be bothered
with finding out, why I had it,
so I took an aspirin.

The second time I got a headache,
instead of trying to discover
why I was still experiencing migraines,
I became annoyed,
and I took something stronger.

The third time I got a headache,
rather than taking an ibuprofen,
I took an opiate and became addicted.

Now, my life has been turned upside down,
and I have to take medicine
to cure myself of this addiction.

When, all I needed in the beginning
was to change my lifestyle,
and my little headache
would’ve gone away.

Oh, how I wish,
I still had that annoying headache,
instead of this bloodthirsty addiction
that’s killing me.

What happens to your brain during a migraine

What causes migraine attacks? Researchers haven’t identified a definitive cause for migraine. But they still believe the condition is due to “abnormal” brain activity that affects nerve signaling, and chemicals and blood vessels in the brain.

There are also many migraine triggers that are continually reported, including:

bright lights, loud sound
severe heat, or other extremes in weather
dehydration
changes in barometric pressure
hormone changes in people assigned female at birth
excess stress
intense physical activity
skipping meals
changes in sleep patterns
use of certain medications
unusual smells, pet odors
certain foods
smoking, alcohol use
traveling

If you experience a migraine attack, try to keep a headache journal. Writing down what you were doing, what foods you ate, and what medications you took before your migraine attack began can help identify your triggers.

The Miracle Morning for Addiction Recovery: Letting Go of Who You’ve Been for Who You Can Become

Commentary: The addict remembers the positive experiences associated with the drug or activity, and during times of stress, this memory motivates the individual to take the substance or repeat the behavior. Ironically, his family remembers the negative experiences—the suffering and the fear that the abuse will never stop.

“You often hear that pot leads to harder drugs. But I think alcohol is what leads you to everything because it takes away the fear. The worst drug experimentation I ever did was because I was drunk and didn’t care.” — Chris Cornell, frontman of Soundgarden (1964–2017)

Addicts want something after they have stopped liking it, even if they realize its harmful effects. They tell their doctors: “I hate this drug, and it doesn’t even give me much of a high anymore. It’s just that somehow it seems like I can’t be without it. I keep hoping that my next high will be a good one, like I remember from the beginning!”

The brain is tricking the addict. The reason the high was so good initially was that the drug acted as medicine for whatever illness was afflicting the individual (stress, anxiety, depression). Now, with a different condition—addiction—a different therapy is required.

How to Disarm Internal Triggers of Distractions

Poem Analysis: “The Headache”

The poem presents a poignant narrative about the progression from a minor discomfort to a severe addiction, using the metaphor of headaches and medication to explore themes of denial, dependence, and regret. Through simple yet powerful language, the poet illustrates how initial avoidance and escapism can lead to unintended, devastating consequences.

Structure and Progression

The poem is structured in three stanzas, each corresponding to a different stage in the speaker’s experience with headaches. The first stanza depicts a common, almost trivial response: ignoring the problem and taking an aspirin. This represents initial denial or an attempt at quick relief without understanding the root cause. The second stanza shows a progression—rather than seeking answers, the speaker becomes irritated and opts for a stronger remedy. This escalation mirrors how habits and dependencies can develop when underlying issues are ignored. The third stanza culminates in addiction—taking an opiate instead of an over-the-counter drug—highlighting the dangerous escalation that can occur when avoidance persists.

Themes and Messages

At its core, the poem explores the destructive cycle of avoidance and the consequences of not addressing problems at their inception. The “headaches” symbolize not just physical pain but also emotional or psychological struggles that are initially dismissed. The transition from aspirin to stronger medications signifies how small issues can snowball into serious dependencies when left unchecked.

The poet emphasizes regret through the lines, “Now, my life has been turned upside down,” and “I have to take medicine to cure myself of this addiction.” These words evoke a sense of remorse and helplessness, illustrating how neglecting early signs can lead to tragic outcomes. The speaker’s reflection that “all I needed in the beginning was to change my lifestyle” underscores the importance of confronting problems early, rather than seeking artificial or temporary solutions.

Tone and Mood

The tone of the poem is somber and contemplative, tinged with regret. The speaker’s nostalgic longing for the “annoying headache”—a minor, manageable pain—serves as a metaphor for simpler times when issues could be addressed with minimal effort. The shift to “bloodthirsty addiction” evokes a sense of danger and loss, reinforcing the gravity of the speaker’s situation.

Symbolism and Language

The headaches symbolize life’s small challenges or discomforts that, if ignored, can escalate into larger crises. The progression from aspirin to opiates parallels the escalation of dependency, highlighting societal issues surrounding medication misuse and addiction.

The use of colloquial language and straightforward imagery makes the poem accessible, yet its themes are profound. Phrases like “bloodthirsty addiction” vividly depict the destructive nature of dependence, emphasizing the loss of control and the severity of the consequences.

It All Comes Down to the Same Conclusion

Overall, the poem serves as a cautionary tale about avoidance and the importance of addressing problems early. It underscores how superficial remedies can mask deeper issues, leading to more complex and dangerous situations. Through its simple structure and impactful language, the poem encourages reflection on the importance of confronting life’s challenges head-on before they spiral beyond control.