This is a truly fascinating and revealing thread! And it confirms, as I always knew in my heart, that one person' meat is another's poison, and everybody has vastly differnt ideas of Heaven and Hell... which I suppose, being 'high' is all about? High is a vague, inadequate word really, it encompasses not only a mass of different feelings, emotions and sensations, but elements of spirituality, satisfaction, contentment and security. I notice how many people's definition is a list of drugs in combination, as mine would be too. I wonder if I have ever, to date, experienced my 'ultimate high' also? I've certainly been high, many times, but with many combinations of drugs - though the essential, maybe most vital last component, has nothing to do with drugs - it is where I was, who I was with, what I was doing, and why I was there even. And not always the predictable perfect weather, golden beach, starry skies, beloved, happy friends, and beautiful girls attending my every desire, request and comfort (hmmmm, that last one is yet to come I fear?). Sometimes it had been in a dangerously speeding car, the middle of a storm, or distinctly dangerous places and conditions.
Some of the combo's mentioned so far fill me with dread, and even disgust - but I always say 'each to their own', and know very well that we all need to find our own way, through trying things - without fear or favour, and with no prejudice. For many years I viewed Ecstasy with upturned nose and disdain - a stupid kids drug, low grade speed, used at silly parties with no booze or 'proper' drugs, with awful, silly music.... not for me thanks. I had done the lot, tried everything, and partied as it should be done, filled with acid, mushrooms, speed, dope, coke and booze-a-plenty, listening to 'real music' like the Stones, Gong and Hawkwind... no dancing thanks, too busy snogging and screwing!
And then one day I tried an E, through boredom - and suddenly realised, with almost religious astonishment and delight, I had become like my father... shudder! And I had missed so much, closed my mind..... never again! Those few exquisite, precious hours taught me the meaning of 'ecstasy' - I remember saying, at the time, "This is The Drug I've always been looking for!", many times, as it was. All those I just mentioned had been taken in various combinations to attempt to produce that magnificent, previously unknown 'high' I was now feeling. I think Shulgin was define my experience as a ++++, a spiritual awakening, an almost religious experience, which changed me, my mind and my outlook forever, in one night - and I have never gone back, since it was so much for the better! Just a shame it had gone next day, oh well...
For me, that was one 'high of highs', speed (as always), a little booze, 40 cigs or so, a few spliffs... but most significant, a good, first dose of MDMA. Had I taken it under different circumstances, I don't know? I think they had a lot to do with it, good friens, lovely, luvved up and encouraging people, the right music, and the right places... That's how it happened anyway, no going back! I clearly remember some strange guy, told that it was my first E, hugging me with a big grin, and saying "Hey, it's the best one! Never forget this moment?" - and I haven't though it was 20 years ago. Yep, that was HIGH!
All considered, to me, it is to do with the circumstances, most importantly perhaps? Could it be replicated... I fear not, only remembered. But there will be other highs, just know!