Time To Stop Accepting Mind Alteration?

[andy-hughes]

I have been considering the effects of drugs - all drugs - and the reason people use them.

The conclusion I have reached is that every single person who uses any kind of drug - tobacco, cannabis, alcohol, cocaine, heroin, does so in pursuit of a level of mind alteration.

Only the amount consumed, and the desired effect vary, the initial reason is identical throughout - to alter the mind's perception of the present.

Now this can vary from a glass or two of wine at the end of the day, or at a party, or a cigarette to 'calm the nerves' right through to the desired temporary oblivion of a large dose of heroin.

Of course, as a culture, we have absorbed the first examples as simply cultural norms, accepted and even encouraged, less so the last one which remains illegal.

But my point is, the subliminal desire to alter the mind to whatever degree is present in all of them.

Now the first argument would be - 'I drink because I enjoy the taste ...'.

Fine, then you can drink non-alcoholic wine or beer and not notice any difference can't you.

But no, we persist with 'acceptable' drugs because we, as a culture, accept that mind alteration is an acceptable thing to have in our society.

My question is - is it acceptable?

Should we not look at educating children and young people - the adults of tomorrow - that mind alteration is actually not a good thing at all, and is in fact creating a false reality, and leading to death through dangerous driving, liver damage, psychosis, and all the other results of ingesting drugs.

Drugs are not good, and we should be looking at getting rid of them as acceptable in society.

Thoughts please?

[gness]

You have gas, Arky....charcoal's good for that.

[Arksided]

I know what I'm shovelling Xx

[Canary42]

This thread's driving me round the bend - it should be banned, it's mind-altering.

[Mozz71]

Andy- I can't be bothered to trawl through the whole thread, so if this question has already been asked, I apologise in advance. If in your opinion, people only drink to "alter their minds" then by definition, people only drink alcohol in order to get drunk. Surely, that isn't the case. I could easily have a pint or a glass of wine with a meal or out with a friend for a catch up, with no intent to get sozzled.

A lot of the reason for drinking is purely social, not necessarily to alter one's mind.

[Mamyalynne]

There is a whiff of fervency.

[douglas9401]

As well as something for the roses.

[Mozz71]

I wonder if Andy's judgement is skewed by having seen people in his profession destroyed by drugs? I'd counter that by suggesting that some of the greatest recordings of all time have been made.while under the influence.

[royfromaus]

I just think andy thinks he is a psychologist.

[gness]

Not sure Andy thinks, Roy.

[Spicerack]

You must know something about BT that we don't, mozz.

[emmie]

i take mind altering drugs, medication that is prescribed because if i didn't i would hit the skids, like the Christmas before last, i don't like taking them, but needs must. Also i like the effect a glass or two of beer or wine has on me, it makes for a much more relaxed time.
I don't do it very often and no i wouldn't switch to non alcoholic beers or wine, i don't see the point of them.

[davebro]

AH - are you really suggesting that all drugs prescribed for psychological aberrations should be stopped? Would you take the blame for the upsurge in extreme mental illness, suicides & probably murders resulting?

[naomi24]

//You must know something about BT that we don't, mozz. //

Hopefully mozz will share, spice.

[barry1010]

Are the people who live in countries where alcohol and other drugs are strictly illegal happier, healthier, more content and more serene?

[barry1010]

I must admit to not understanding the notion of 'social drinking'.
Yes, people can enjoy a drink or two or three with no intention of getting drunk, but what is 'social' about it? Is it different to having a couple of drinks alone?
Can't people be social without alcohol?

[pastafreak]

I wonder if Andy was joking...afterall, he *did* put this in Chatterbank ;)

[CrapAtCryptics]

Some of the worst things for altering minds are soap operas, reality shows and so called influencers. I know quite a few people whose behaviour is pure soap, everything has to be a major issue and can onlybe resolved with a shouting match or punchup. Dont people have any self determination anymore.

[ToraToraTora]

good point CAC!

[Peter Pedant]

well stop smoking then !

(inviting one standard AB one liner - I doan smoke den!)

it is the anti-vaxxer add on - well I want evryone else to stop it as well, that I dont get)
or to put it more grammatically
You have not made a sufficient case for stopping others

[Peter Pedant]

one of the greatest and most dangerous mind altering activities I can perceive, is posting on AB

the standard normal after a few posts - - is turned into someone who thinks
I know what I'm shovelling Xx - - - or
Not sure Andy thinks,Woy. [ well he has just told you ya silly moo!]
or.....Hopefully mozz will share, spice.

are adequate answers and or one liners under any circumstances

[Hey another gormless responder: Boris that is! is on in 30 m]