A few final points I feel need to be brought up:
Many in this thread have expressed the logical fallacy of cognitive dualism. That is, that the brain is separate from the mind. That hallucinations emanate from some outside force or allow the person experiencing them to view "true" reality, as if it were something different than altered "normal" reality. In doing this, you deny science and while being in the right as far as comparable thinking in indigenous societies, you are not accepting the fact based evidence of what it is your are experiencing.
I agree, but the fact that neurological changes are the reason for the experience doesn't change the fact that the experience can be beneficial. Objective reality is a constant. Subjective realities can change, and by exploring other subjective realities we can perhaps gain certain insights. These insights are available through methods that don't involve drugs, but they are also often given through the use of drugs in a proper environment.
Many forget that we are drug users first and foremost. Our positions are biased and I doubt anyone can make the claim that an absence of drug use in anyone's life will leave them disadvantaged. A logical and rational non-drug using person will claim that all of our efforts (ie, using psychedelics for personal growth) are pointless, if not completely detrimental to our mental well being.
And some logical and rational non-drug using people will claim our efforts (ie, using psychedelics for personal growth) are valid and often fruitful. And what of the logical, rational drug using people? How would a non-drug using person know if drugs can be used for self improvement anyway?
I can absolutely make the claim that if I had never used psychedelic drugs I would have been left disadvantaged. No question about it. What is wrong with that claim?
Alterations in brain chemistry and drug experiences in general often improve mental well being, to deny that is to deny science. Studies over the years have shown the effectiveness of psychedelic drugs in therapy settings and with mental problems such as PTSD and other trauma. Many, many people on this website, in PD and ED, will attest to positive life changes because of psychedelic drug use that they would have not likely gotten without the drugs.
I do feel some people may benefit from hallucinogens when enduring emotional pain or in a visionary or artistic manner. I cannot accept that this is any better than therapies provided by a psychologist or religious leader. Anything that hallucinogens may contribute to a long-term beneficial growth of ones consciousness, may be achieved through non-drug-utilizing methods. It's a slippery slope when using a drug to "better" oneself.
So you think that "religious" psychedelic experiences are invalid, but the teachings of religious leaders is valid? In what way is following a religion less ridiculous than using the mind state caused by psychedelics as your religion? For the record, I think both are ridiculous.
I'm sure that the benefits of psychedelics can often be gained through non-drug using methods, but that's not always practical. I cannot accept religion, so that was out for me. Therapy was unavailable for most of my life and when I tried it it did nothing. I was never successful with meditation. I'm sure with sufficient discipline I could have gotten to where I am without psychedelics, but I almost surely would have just killed myself (either intentionally or by accidental drug overdose or stupid mistake) instead.
I don't think anyone in this thread has seriously stated that psychedelics are the only way to improve consciousness, just that they are one valid way to do it.
I can find ways to use meth to better myself too! In fact, dare I say, this may be a more practical drug in modern society (See: Ya ba) than hallucinogens to facilitate personal growth.
Depends on your definition of personal growth. I could never use meth for personal growth, meth is one of the, if not the most destructive things I've done to myself. But I'm not going to force my experiences on you by telling you that it's impossible to use meth for some sort of personal growth.
Good for you if you better your life, through drugs or without them, doesn't matter to me. The thing is, you seem very insistent that other people can't use psychedelics in a certain way, but you haven't stated any really clear reasons. Sure things like therapy, meditation and other forms of introspection can achieve the same goals as using psychedelics, but why not psychedelics if they work too?
Finally:
There is a very religious feeling to those who subscribe to the spiritual/dualist thinking pattern within the psychedelic community. That is, many of the logical fallacies and incoherent adherence to "scripture" and "revelation" seen in religious organizations are seen quite readily in select users of hallucinogenic substances.
Hallucinogens are not some benign wonder drug. I think that's where I'll leave this, I hope everyone has had their positions reinforced, even if they're ridiculous.
You say hallucinogens as if it's a single drug. Can you show me any evidence whatsoever that DMT is damaging to the brain? We can draw upon hundreds or thousands of reports of DMT users saying the drug has bettered their lives. Why is that wrong?
Saying that psychedelics are a valid pathway to self improvement is not the same as ascribing religious significance to them.
Moderate psychedelic drug use is benign, and they can act as "wonder drugs", they certainly turned my life around radically and quickly.
I used to enjoy psychedelics. All my trips for quite a while have been patently unpleasant, though, and yet I still do them, because I really do get a lot out of them. I rarely have a great time tripping, if I want to have fun I do opiates or alcohol or something, but psychedelics are tools for me. I have nothing against using them recreationally, but that is not their only use.
