DRUG USE ONE OF MANY WAYS HUMANS SEEK UNDERSTANDING

On April 9, Joseph B. Filko, in his article "Getting wasted isn't a right,"
asserted that self-intoxication is not a right and that only two uses exist
for drugs: medicinal and abuse.

It has been argued that to know oneself, to understand consciousness, is the
highest purpose of life. Many world religions consider this endeavor worthy
of complete intellectual effort.

American psychologist William James wrote, "our normal waking consciousness
... is but one special type of consciousness, whilst all about it ... lie
potential forms of consciousness entirely different.

No account of the universe in its totality can be final which leaves these
other forms of consciousness quite disregarded."

Altering one's state of consciousness means escaping everyday, ego-centered,
waking consciousness. According to Dr. Andrew Weil, the ability to forget
oneself as the doer, to detach oneself from ego-centered consciousness,
seems to be the essence of mastery of any skill. So, if one pursues
knowledge of self, then this mastery almost certainly involves achieving
states different from normal waking consciousness. The periodic desire to
achieve altered states of consciousness seems a basic human drive, likened
to sex and hunger. Dr. Weil also asserts that this drive is not socially or
culturally based, but deals with a biological characteristic of our species.

The need for periods of nonordinary consciousness begins to show at ages far
too young to be identified with social conditioning.

People have sought to alter consciousness from time immemorial. Kids spin
around in circles to get dizzy; teens hyperventilate themselves to
experience a "blackout;" runners describe a "high" from extreme exertion;
musicians or avid listeners may realize they have been completely immersed
in the musical moment; many people practice breathing exercises and
meditation to achieve altered states; and, yes, some alter consciousness
through drug use. Not only do these altered states induce "temporary and
artificial joys," they also help us to form different perspectives and a
greater understanding of the diversity of our interdependent society.

It is curious that a primary method to achieve altered states of
consciousness is drug use. While growing up, youngsters are shied away from
spinning and whirling and hyperventilating - startling behavior to grown-ups
- - and eventually discover chemical methods to achieve the same effect.

Kids gradually come to understand that chemical means can satisfy their
drive to alter consciousness. Older youths observe the social acceptance of
alcohol as an intoxicant and may also discover other substances considered
more desirable to achieve altered states.

I think that people experiment with drugs for the same reasons they engage
in any activity aimed at alteration of consciousness - they make us feel
good. This is not to say that drug use is the best way to achieve altered
states, but some drugs do enjoy sustained approval as chemical means to
alter consciousness. Drug use can be negative, abusive, when it interferes
with the health or function of the individual. Many methods to achieve
altered states have identifiable risks, and right now education is effective
in helping folks make informed decisions about which methods to implement.

Until altered states of consciousness are more thoroughly explored and
alternative methods to achieve altered states are better promoted and
supported, individuals will continue to satisfy their inner drive to
periodically alter consciousness through the use of drugs.

Curiously enough, it is the experimentation associated with this drive that
has paved the way toward medicinal drug applications. The roots of medicinal
drug use are experiment and experience. From recreation to spiritual
discovery and growth to general curiosity, experimentation with drugs has
given us experience and understanding. Many ancient cultures understood and
catalogued the antiseptic and analgesic properties of indigenous plant life
and the advent of the "scientific method" has allowed us to apply our
knowledge to create acceptable medicinal drug applications.

Education is the key. Understanding consciousness; gaining knowledge of
self; recognizing the differences between use, abuse and addiction; knowing
the risks and consequences of experimentation; accepting diversity and
celebrating differences; taking responsibility for one's actions; making
safe, smart choices.

Those are the benefits of education.

Change your perspective, take calculated risks, experience diversity,
educate yourself and your children.

Live a little and learn a little. Our collective experience shapes our
reality, and our safe, smart experimentation evolves it.