Altered States of Consciousness Are Intriguing to Drug Users

Alternative cognitive states and the drugs induced to get there seem to be an innately common theme throughout human civilization and society. Recently this topic came up in an online think tank, where a think tanker had decided to make it a point to state:

"When someone discovers something new and intriguing, and lets face it, altered states of consciousness are always intriguing?"

Always is always an absolute word and therefore problematic when dealing with abstract and/or critical thinking crossover conversations to get at the heart of issues and move towards solution enriched answers to mankind's most pressing problems. Thus this quote was immediately followed by another think tanker countering this argument of intrigue as an excuse to drug use or experimenting which often can lead to drug abuse and drug addiction. The counter argument was stated as such:

"Well, getting wasted or drunk and falling down and such is not so much intriguing to everyone. Such lack of control ought to be telling you something, about the substance."

The original think tanker who had experimented with drugs in the past and felt he was therefore better prepared to address the subject then stated on the topic of experimentation that:

"I at least think this is what happens when you produce a generation of intelligent, open minded, free thinking individuals."

Of course the anti-drug use sentiment from the other think tankers stated that; "Drugs are not okay, they are not good and they cause harm to you and your brain. Additionally they cause irrational behavior. An intelligent group thinking through the pros and cons of drug use should come to that conclusion."

Many people have comments of this type to discuss with regards to the problems in America with drugs, yet so few have any answers as to what to do about it. If we fail to act decisively the problem will only get worse. This issue must be addressed and we need a national discussion on this subject because it is just too serious to sweep under the carpet. Consider all this in 2006.