As another new member to SDN, I have recently come upon this thread and have found it quite thought provoking, and I may possibly be taking this thread a bit off-topic from the original question, but let me give you some context. I am a current medical student who is very interested in examining the role of the id, ego, and superego in controlling an individuals use of drugs and alcohol (yes, I am leaning towards a psychiatry specialty). Im sure youre all well aware of what the id, ego, and superego are, but just to give a very simplistic explanation for those who may have never heard of these terms, the id can be thought of as the subconscious devil on the shoulder, the superego as the subconscious angel on the shoulder, and the ego as the subconscious mediator of the two which keeps the overall person in balance (so neither the id nor the superego take total control).
Looking at the OPs (YesIAm) original description of his friends scenario and subsequent actions, I just have a few questions for him as I find the case quite interesting. His friend, despite knowing that there would be consequences for his actions, chose to be honest with his boss and tell him the real reason for his admission to the hospital. He did not, as some of the other SDNers suggested, make up an excuse such as Oh I just got lightheaded and hit my head, no big deal, Ill be just fine. Thanks for your concern. He spilled his guts. I for one think that takes a great deal of courage, and is a great example of the subconscious force of superego. While he did not end up losing his job, as the OP states of his friend, either already has or is going to leave his position to start a post-bacc program. Yet, he says his friend did suffer the consequence of losing what he says could have been his strongest LOR for med school applications as well as the embarrassment of his boss knowing that he is on pot.
Now I dont know the OP friends history of marijuana use, nor am I condemning marijuana (as a matter of fact I am pro-legalization). And as far as the OPs recent posts comparing this incident to a drunken fall, I have a feeling that the outcome of not getting an LOR would probably be the same in both incidents (being seen by a potential LOR writer/boss after passing out from marijuana use or alcohol will both be seen as a lapse in judgment regardless of the legality of the substance). My question is, if the OP feels comfortable enough to share, after having lost his chance at a strong LOR, has this incident changed your friends drug use at all? Does he smoke less often, or does he do it more secretly? My theory is that your friends superego is quite strong, and that after having experienced this incident and with the knowledge that he is going on to further prepare for med school through a post-bacc program, that his actions may be somewhat different now. He will need to get LORs from people in his post-bacc program and will need to make good impressions at future med school interviews. I just wonder if this incident has changed him in any way. I know you said he moved away, but Im hoping that you two still keep in touch. For one, you seem to care a great deal about your friend which I think he really needs, and for a second (much more admittedly selfish reason) Im hoping that youll be able to answer my questions. You can PM me if you want. Thanks in advance!!
