Psychedelic drugs can be a great tool for providing a unique insight into the world. Sometimes, definitely not always. This can also be achieved through methods such as meditation, but even then they're going to be two different perspectives. IMO, it's much easier to replicate the physical and emotional highs of drug use, or maybe even surpass them, through natural means such as exercise/endorphins than it is to replicate the shift of consciousness that can happen with psychedelic drug use.
Yes it does. I can't remember the terms.....but I remember the cartoons I watched in substance abuse classes that showed exactly what cannabis does to your brain. THC imitates the "Happy chemicals" (dopemine maybe???can't remember) and completely overfills the grid in your brain. Thats why when you stop smoking after using daily, you will feel a bit depressed and unfocused because your brain hasn't had to make the "happy chemicals" for a while, and it takes time before it will again. Drugs are here for a reason. But people who don't need them and can't handle them give them a bad name to the close minded folks. If you take drugs to expand your mind, or to learn something about yourself....then they can be great. It's when you take drugs for the sole reason to get fucked up that the problems start happening.
Sorry bro but that's not right. They used to think thc worked by just inserting itself in the cell membranes like that, but then they found the cannabinoid receptors. So that video is either complete propaganda bullshit (surprise its a state sponsored "substance abuse" class), or it was made before they knew about cannabinoid receptors. I would not do something to myself multiple times a day for years that was physically fucking myself up and not feel the effects of being physically fucked up.. And also I know people who use drugs just to get bent with no ill effects on health or lifestyle. My friends and I are basically just pro-drug though. Who knows where we would be without, or where we'll be in 20 years.
Of course pot alters normal neurotransmitter functions. Otherwise there would be no high. Things don't just magically happen to your state of counciousness. Theres always a corresponding chemical signal. Marijuana works on anandamide, not dopamine. The stimulants cocaine and amphetamines work by preventing the reuptake of dopamine.
Yes deviate. The receptors (anandamides) are naturally occurring. As our opioid receptors, (endorphins) and GHB receptors. That doesn't mean they don't have any neurological action.
Well ok if were going to get technical, looking around the room alters neurotransmitter function. I guess I should have been more specific and say it doesnt alter the pleasure nts serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine, and GABA which are depleted or degraded by stimulants and pills which explains the crash from those drugs. And the change in consciousness is explained by the cannabinoid receptors. Cocaine molecules are very similar in size and shape to the dopamine receptors, and they fit in the receptor blocking the actual neurotransmitter out. Cannabinoid receptors are turned on by the cannabinoids fitting in them and allowing synapses to occer that are normally dormant or passive. It really is activating parts of your brain we don't normally use, at least consciously. The other drugs like coke and alcohol are doing much more altering and manipulation of pre-existing processes, which is why its harder to maintain a lifestyle on those drugs.
Well I don't disagree with you. I'm just trying to set the record straight for my old friend neurochemistry.
No you're right though everything that happens comes from an electrochemical signal, so it has to do something.
well, I don't think there is some universal answer someone who has taken drugs has that is inaccesible to people who have not partaken. of course a drug isn't a cartridge of information containing an experience, it just puts a spin on whatever is in your brain anyway. on the other hand, I do think that a drug user goes through a far more tumultuous series of sensations than most teetotalers ever do. I have to say I don't understand the complete lack of interest some people exhibit in taking drugs; because of the choice to abstain, there are any number of brilliant, frightening, hilarious, perfect and hellish things they'll never experience, which sounds very boring to me.
I enjoy psychedelics, and to me the states you enter while on them can not be achieved by any day tasks, perhaps maybe dreaming (after you took acid), because in some dreams I literally relive the visuals and everything else (oddly enough). Although I never let the old natural joys from life slip a way, I love nature, long discussions with friends on things that spark deep thinking, and mozart. Lol. And I still have goals in school to achieve that seemingly great successful material world jazz. Though I do think its fucked that life is left to routine if you don't get a job without a college education (or so they make you think). Anyway thats my 2cents.
I've stopped using anything. I just have more important things in my life not. I'm not ruling out using anything in the future, it's just not a priority.
There are so many things I could say.. instead ill just say.... Of course drugs give you a shortcut- not right or wrong but they do things to your brain that it can take much dedication to get to... but that's all they are if used correctly, a shortcut. You can get to that state without them but they have their use.
No way is it possible to have the same feelings that phantasticants give you while you are sober. No way..... And despite all of those technical terms and bla bla bla stated earlier....drugs effect everyone differantly. It does no good to know how they effect someone else....you need to know how they treat you before you can trust them to do anything for you.
my experience with drug induced 'enlightenment' is that often things that seem so mind blowing that night, seem plain stupid the next morning. going out on a friday night and taking drugs never seemed worth the weekend-long depressive low that comes after it. i can't think of anything worse than to spend my life in a drug-haze of emotion. and i think it's sad when people continue doing drugs their whole life because they can't reach happiness just through living but instead have to get high artifically. it's a hollow existence. personally im not for or against drugs. i believe strongly that everyone should do whatever they want with their life and their body. people who are completely anti-drugs or pro-drugs are not seeing the big picture.
Oh I almost said "shut up" Of COURSE no one would even think ppl have the same experiences on whatever drug or sober. But dont' be niave. A truly enlightened person... and i didtn have this personally until i had done a lot of drugs, learned from them and mostly got away from them... though i dabble now and then..... - anyways some people can get to that place you get on e, acid, opiates, whatever and its ten times better because its natural... its a mind state.... drugs can help people get there and see things. but they are neccasary for enlightenment. its a shortcut to the true path. a shortcut can be good but its not the only way.
