Introduction to Drugs♦

Disclaimer:

I want to make it perfectly clear that I do NOT condone the use of drugs! Not because drugs are bad per se, (they aren't) but because the overwhelming majority of people I've encountered simply are not ready for them (because their mind is too troubled) and/or cannot control them (because they can't control themselves).

So I repeat: "do not try this at home!" If you are going to ignore my warnings, at least have the common sense to experiment in the presence of seasoned, skilled guide or shaman. If you do not have the patience or willpower to do this simple thing, it is proof you are not yet ready (in the eyes of this urban shaman).

That said, I think drugs are great! They give us perspective, enlightenment (albeit premature), attitude adjustments, and enhanced powers such as self-awareness, empathy, and egolessness. They are great for 'partying' with friends on special occasions, for spiritual questing when seeking God, and for obtaining inspiration from your muses.

I find it amusing that most of the people I meet who are anti-drugs also find admirable in me, those very qualities I've discovered through using them.

Unfortunately, most people only think drugs are for two things: losing inhibitions, or partying, and running away (or taking a break) from reality (versus getting a new perspective on reality).

In this introduction, and in posts to follow, I would like to clearly explain the effects of the many drugs (some of them illicit in some countries) I've sampled and how to obtain maximum benefit and enjoyment from them. If you are an American, it's okay to freak out. Our culture has bred us to immediately shut down and say, "Drugs are bad, m'kay?" Mix in a healthy does of fear-based lifestyles with a lack of self-control and you have a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Drugs are powerful, m'kay? You need a clear head, a healthy body, and a relaxed, comfortable environment to take them. If you think "drugs are bad" (they aren't) or if you have unresolved psychological issues, you should not be taking drugs! I'm mostly talking about hallucinogens and entheogens, but the same argument can be said for marijuana and alcohol - it's just times 100 for hallucinogens and entheogens.

Unfortunately, the plain fact is that most people simply cannot handle drugs. I cite as evidence for this the millions of people addicted to drugs that they don't even consider drugs. Everyone who needs their morning cup of coffee -- you're an addict! Everyone tokin' on those fags -- you're an addict! (For the Americans, fags are cigarettes.) Everyone eating when their body isn't hungry -- you're an addict.

And I haven't even gotten to what most people consider drugs yet! Yes, I put alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, sugar, aspirin, and the like squarely in the category of 'drugs' which also include psylocybin (magic mushrooms), Cocaine, THC (marijuana, hash, kif), LSD & other hallucinogens, etc.

Whatever the substance, be it chemical, natural, or produced in our bodies (like adrenaline) people seek it for the changes it produces in our bodies and minds. Alcohol makes us feel invincible. Aspirin makes us feel numb. Pot makes us feel relaxed. MDMA (X, E, ecstasy) makes us feel love. Cocaine makes us feel power. Caffeine makes us feel energy. Psylocybin makes us feel god. Yes... GOD!

This is all well and good as long as one maintains a healthy dose of "the right time and place." Problem is, like the dog who eats everything put in front of it, people have a tenancy to overdo a good thing.

This is a shame, because it has earned all drugs a bad reputation -- a misconception that I hope to correct. You see, I think drugs are a great way to enhance life, experience levels of consciousness we could never attain on our own, and break down barriers to happiness. But I do drugs, so of course I would say that.

I *do* drugs, I don't *use* drugs. Don't get me wrong, when I party, my body is a machine and together, we go through -- safely, and only after significant experiments -- we go through vast amounts of substances which leave lesser mortals lying on the kitchen floor, twitching in ecstasy. (You know who you are! ;) At least they are having a good time!

I miss all my friends, but I miss those friends the most. It's not everyone you can, on a whim, jet off to Amsterdam for a weekend of inner enlightenment and fun. Wherever you are, I dedicate this joint to your memory. Party on!