This is a summary taken from “Saying Yes” by Jacob Sullum; Chapter 8; “Body and Soul”. An ever-present theme in Sullum’s book is what he calls “voodoo pharmacology”—the idea, promoted in large part by the government, that certain drugs have the power to hijack people and enslave them in an inescapable prison of craving and compulsion. Sullum seeks to show that this idea is a myth, that only a tiny percentage of illegal-drug users become addicts, whereas the vast majority of people who use illegal drugs live normal, productive, loving lives. The book is filled with valuable insights derived from deconstructing government statistics about drugs and drug use. Sullum shows how even the most vilified drugs, such as heroin and crack cocaine, are
These various acts involved heavy hallucinations and enhanced angry hormones in most to all users recorded. Campos uses acts such as these to help represent what effected the country of Mexico, increased the media activity, and focus on the subject of marijuana and it’s reported negative effects on its users. In chapter four, Campos uses a variety of examples that involved violence from a reaction of insult, order, etc.…: “Most cases of this kind (madness) involved soldiers, prisoners, or individuals performing violent acts against others with whom they were acquainted with someway ...
In Marc Lewis’s novel Memoirs of an Addicted Brain (2012), his experience with marijuana was notably a rollercoaster ride. His first ordeal with the drug occurred when he was a teenager and decided to purchase marijuana from a friend. He began to use it at a period of stress induced by his friends, school and his parents. The first time he decided to take the drug, he dealt with coughing fits until he finally started to feel its effects. His description of his “high”, included the the drug placing him in a more imaginative, creative and happier state.
The novel Buzzed is a book written by three authors that talk about the most popular drugs in today’s world and what they do to our bodies. These authors include Scott Swartzwelder who is a professor of Psychiatry at Duke University School of Medicine, Cynthia Kuhn, who is a professor of Pharmacology at Duke University School of Medicine, and Wilkie Wilson, who is a professor of Prevention Science at Duke University. Buzzed, based on the current psychological and pharmacological research provides a reliable look at not only the use but also the abuse of the popular legal and illegal drugs. The first part of this book includes chapters on each of a total of 12 kinds of drugs which include alcohol, caffeine, enactogens, hallucinogens, herb drugs,
Through partaking in interaction rituals, individuals become members of something greater than themselves. This feeling of being apart of something greater than oneself provides a moral community for the individuals, which then guides individuals in their beliefs and behaviors. It is similar to a never-ending circle; as individuals see the emotionally charged environment that this religion provides, they want to be a part of it, so they partake in unusual rituals, which furthers their engagement and emotional connectedness to their community. It almost reminds me a bit of an addiction. This community turns objects, such as poison and snakes as sacred, which in turn creates a sacred and profane world.
What results is that reality practically shouts down any fantasy insertions” (4). In both realities the drug is accepted as resolving any hallucinations and Gar is the only one shown to consume it. The pill removes the blurriness of Gar’s senses and allows him to perceive the world as it should
He does a commendable job of avoiding prejudicial tropes of the era and does not demonize the drugs themselves, noting that the drug “was neither diabolical nor divine” (63). By outlining the physical, psychological, and social effects of addiction, Stevenson presents a realistic portrayal of this problem without demonizing the person suffering from addiction, and in couching as a metaphor he successfully avoids exploiting addicts as well. The narrative, especially at the time of its publication, was suspenseful, terrifying, and enthralling, and though these elements may not have aged well as the work seems rather tame by today’s standards, the story of addiction has only increased in
Each part explains something different about the drugs and how it has influenced millions of people. The first part is “The Confluence of Psychoactive Resources” and this section helps to explain what was products were part of this new revolution. The second section of the book is called “Drugs and Commerce” and here we get to read about the medicinal value, but also the psychoactive revolution. Then the third part of the book is called “Drugs and Power” and here it explains to us the power of alcohol and drugs.
Lophophora Williamsii Lophophora Willaimsii, also known as the peyote cactus, is an extreme hallucinogen mainly used in Native American religious ceremonies and rituals. It is known to have been introduced by the southern plain tribes, because of where the cactus is from. This extreme drug has been illegal in the United States since 1918, but, in 1965, peyote was legalized for practice within Native American religious beliefs and practices for the NAC (Native American Church). Extremely vivid images, and loopy visuals is common when under the influence of peyote. In the new world when European immigrants arrived into the U.S., it was in belief that peyote was used for anti-Christian beliefs and was supposed to be the works of the devil.
Lance L. Simpson a teacher at the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, Said “In a recent interview that the most striking difference he had found was that people under the influence of a narcotic,” had trouble committing the crime and once they were under the influence they we’re vulnerable and able to
Lastly, where did the drugs originate from and why were they supplied? There were many illicit stimulants, as well as, many harmful but
(pg. 35). The consumption of any intoxicating substance is normally forbidden in the Qur’an, which is the primary religious text of Islam. Another example of the main beliefs and practices of Islam is when Santiago is in the middle
While at Woodstock a “pharmacy district” developed where one could buy or sell many different types of drugs (Gerdes 20). Not only was there the consumption of marijuana, but also there also was many other drugs like alcohol, LSD, acid, and heroin (Crampton and Rees 212, 226; Gerdes 19; Johnson par. 1). There also was a fan who had heroin overdose that lead to death while at the festival (Crampton and Rees 226). In today's society all of theses drugs still have a major toll on the country.
Such drugs that affect consciousness are: depressants, stimulants, and hallucinogens. In this essay, all three drugs will be discussed. Depressants
Psychedelic drugs are a type of psychoactive drug which causes hallucinations and alters a person’s perceptions of reality. Some examples include LSD, ayahuasca, DXM, ecstasy, and LSD. It is most common for psychedelic drugs to be taken orally, but it is also possible for some of them to be taken via injections or snorted. These types of drugs have been used throughout history for a number of reasons. Along with being used for religious rituals, they have been used for medical purposes as well.
