I assume by drugs you mean recreational as well as the other types people use to escape

Like you I have no experience with taking such drugs

I have read that in some practices like shamanism hallucinogens are sometimes used to amplify “spiritual/dream” experience however always under guidance. I suspect such experiences are not that helpful to those without training or guidance.

For example, I have a friend who had experiences of remembering a past life. She was very excited about it however she didn’t use the experience to help her in the present… actually, the experience lead to an inflation of the ego as well as the temptation to escape into it.

My own view is that a good understanding of symbolic language/images, the problem of opposites/dualism, and the shadow are required to unpack such experiences if your going to learn something from them.

Actually, I found that opening myself up to symbolic language has allowed me to experience the ‘oneness’ and ‘Love’ that many who used drugs have said they experienced. No drugs required

Hello Kevin –

You asked: “Am I wrong in thinking that it is not productive to take drugs?”

I have a brother who started smoking marijuana when he was in high school.  He is 60 years old now.  He has had what some would call a rough life.  He is also an alcoholic.  I won’t say marijuana alone ruined his life, but it sure didn’t help him.

I have 4 kids and when I discovered one of them was smoking marijuana when he was 16, I handled it this way.  I told him I loved him and was disappointed (that’s an understatement…I was actually heartbroken).  I told him I would do random drug testing, and that if the test ever came back positive, he would go immediately into a rehab program (outpatient or inpatient).  I told him that if the tests came back negative, he would begin to earn back my trust.  I said this would continue until he was 18 years old and at that time he would legally be an adult, and I would have no say in what he did with his life.  I also said that I would not – ever – bail him out if he got in trouble with the law for possession of illegal drugs and/or drunk driving.

When I drug tested him, my husband went in the bathroom with him.  I waited for my son to refuse the drug testing, but he never did.  If he had refused, I had a consequence ready for that.

It might seem harsh, but my husband and I both had parents who were alcoholics and the destruction from that was enough for me to know I would not tolerate it in a spouse or with any of my kids.

My son never tested positive when I drug tested him, and I kept my word and continued testing him through age 18.  He went on to college.  I never got a call saying he was in jail.  However, when he was 21 and moving from one apartment to another, I discovered a marijuana pipe.  I was heartbroken and told him so.  I also said he was on his own financially from that point forward.  We would lend him money if he wanted to finish school (he did), but he would have to pay us back (he is).

He graduated and got a job shortly after graduation.  I’d be naiive to say he doesn’t smoke pot.  All my kids know I am strongly opposed to illegal drug use.  When and if pot becomes legal, I will maintain my position that I have never seen anything good or productive come from anyone using it.  I hate drugs, and addiction and all the destruction left in its path.

Just my thoughts.

Airene

Kevin, one thing caught my attention in your posts: you say you’re proud (of not using drugs). Being proud means that you believe you’re doing something you must do, means you believe you’re achieving that ideal of ‘right’ or ‘good’. That means there is and ‘ideal’ in  you still, and the fact that you think you’re fullfiling it makes you feel good: makes you feel proud. If you experienced any anger (even a little bit) while reading this, it means there’s still some resitance in you to let go of a mind made self. Allow the anger, if it’s the case. Don’t be indifferent, don’t think it shouldn’t be there, just allow it. My intention is only the best.