My first rule is that the method of administration must be oral (or smoked, if cannabis). Needles scare the living shit out of me, moreover, the dangers of IV use (STDs, hepatitis, etc...) are extremely real and possibly lethal. Second, the chemistry must be certain (unless it is cannabis). That is, no street-grade stuff, period. Unless it is Rx or I personally perform analyses such as proton NMR, IR and HPLC/MS, then it is simply not worth risking impurities. Third, if empirical research suggests that the compound is neurotoxic, I will not use it. Examples include N-methylamphetamine and phencyclidine (PCP) and, to a lesser extent, regular (d/l)-amphetamine and methylenedioxy-substituted amphetamines (MDMA, MDE)--I would try them, but I would also use an 5-HT reuptake blocker 2 hrs. post dose to prevent serotonergic neurotoxicity. Fourth, opioids seem like a waste of time and money--they just lead to addiction with no gain in functionality. Hence, I am strongly anti-opioid (your opinion may vary, we each have our chemical of choice). My chemicals of choice are methylphenidate, modafinil and bupropion. All stimulants with no PNS effects, all dopaminergic. However, I have had life-altering mind-expanding experiences on psychedelics, such as LSD (used once), 2C-B/2C-I and psilocybin ('shrooms, also used once). I would love to try MDMA or MDE ("eve") with my SO, but the sources are all too sketchy (chemically impure) to trust. Occasionally, I'll take an amphetamine (usually mixed dextro- and racemic amphetamine salts), as long as it is pharm-grade and not methylated. In terms of amphetamines, I prefer "Adderall XR," as the pharmacokinetics are smoother than Adderall. However, both Adderall and the XR are very calming and focusing.
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