Posted by Seedwoman on March 9, 1999, at 10:50:20
In reply to Re: Skeptic -Dear soulmates, posted by Gringo on March 9, 1999, at 5:48:15
in response to Gringo's post:
having had experience with hallucinogens as well as psychotherapy and anitdepressants, I would like to add my own 2 cents' worth.
there are no significant insights about the self that can't be accessed without recourse to psychotropic substances. True, such substances (of whatever type) may facilitate the process by removing inhibitions or improving mood enough so that difficult issues can be confronted. However, the individual does the work, not the drug. In my experience, hallucinogens create extremes of mood and perception that are not conducive to self discovery or lasting transformation.
this generalization may not apply in other cultural contexts. extreme experiences brought about by chemicals (or fasting or other deprivation) may indeed be healing, but they require a highly skilled guide. to some extent this is true of all psychotropic substances, including antidepressants, but hallucinogens create what seems to be a kind of temporary psychosis & for that reason can be especially dangerous.
I would certainly not recommend that anyone mess with hallucinogens and my own experience says they are more harmful than helpful for someone who is in a vulnerable state, such as one of clinical depression or anxiety.
poster:Seedwoman
thread:3400
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/19990301/msgs/3512.html