Society – The Offensive

I’m going to share some personal information in this portion of the series. My personal experience with the subject, the insight that I can provide on the effects both internal, and external that this substance has on you and the world around you.

I’d like to state that I am not proud of any of the stories that I will tell about my experiences; rather, I regret my choices, but don’t deny what I’ve learned. What I have learned from this substance is both a direct result of the experiences, and as a result of the indirect consequences that I endured.

Without further ado, here are my thoughts on what impact LSD has had on our society:

What the hell is LSD?:

lysergic-acid-diethylamide is among the strongest psychoactive compounds on Earth. First synthesized on November 26th, 1938 by the Swiss chemist Albert Hofmann. The discovery was completely accidental when chemist Hofmann ingested an unknown dose 4 years after the chemical’s discovery. Later, Hoffman intentionally dosed himself with 250 μg of LSD based off of other Ergine alkaloid dosages. He did not expect the intensity of his dosage to be near where it was. Sandoz Laboratories introduced LSD as a psychiatric drug in 1947, and after the effects were more widespread, other entities came into play.

The CIA began experimenting with LSD in the 1950s (MKUltra) and it’s ability to be used for mind control. This project became public after an information leak during the Watergate scandal in the 70’s. This double scandal situation both furthered the lack of trust in government, as well as the increasing amount of fear that surrounds the substance.

We all know about the counterculture movement that happened in the 60’s, and how LSD, Psilocybe mushrooms, and Peyote were being experimented with by millions seeking spiritual experiences. It wasn’t long before the law started cracking down on these substances. Ironically, the promotion and widespread use and blatant advertisement of these psychedelics brought the attention of the law that these countercultures were wanting to avoid. Sad that a peaceful movement turned so violent; but when groups become radical and the ideology becomes stronger than individual will, the movement self-destructs (much like what we’re seeing happen to the feminist related movements).

The psych world is alive and well, but underground enough. You really need to know people, or you have to have a lot of money to find LSD. Mushrooms are easier to get, and some psyches are legal in some states like Salvia Divinorum, and Peyote (reservation law). LSD is an FBI issue, investigations are thorough and harsh. This is because of the extreme suggestibility and power that LSD holds.

My Story: Mistakes, Adventures, and Lessons

Ten months ago, was when I made the biggest mistake of my life. I bought fourteen tabs of LSD for $100, and I was pumped for the experience. I was planning on only taking 4 tabs, because previously I’d taken 6, and was wanting an intense but less insane experience. I don’t know what took me over, but I just said fuck it and took eight tabs over the course of 12 hours. My trip lasted nearly all day and night. I got insanely paranoid, and it was the single most extreme experience of my life. I lost all cognition for a moment, but I had no concept of time so it could have been hours. I remember light taking over my entire field of vision for a bit, and I lost connection with my body. I thought I died honestly.

The visuals and feelings at lower doses is amazing, and feels more real than real at times. But at this high of a dosage, with my parents having found out, I had a bad trip on a large dosage; I will never forget that moment in my life. This is mainly because it was a turning point. The Negative and heavy feelings of the last 8 months changed into a positive direction after my completion of OYCP (Oregon National Guard Youth Challenge Program). This dark period in life ended up turning my life into a more structure and discipline oriented existence. I earned my GED, and many life skills that I practice daily.

In that program I had the opportunity to peruse my passions and dreams. I was the graduation speaker for my platoon (2nd), as well as a writer/ editor for the program’s newsletter. I got to be something, and I learned how to express myself, work with others, cope with issues, and have self-discipline.

Not everyone on a dark path gets lead to a place which helps them find the light; but this has lead me to faith in the universe, and in myself. If a person like I was can be changed, so can anyone else. LSD had an important role in not only sending me to a place which changed me, but it also aided in the way that I perceived situations; especially tough ones. A moment always ends, and a new one will always start afterwards. Nothing is forever except for the eternity that is greater than ourselves. Most of the “bad” things that I’m experiencing aren’t nearly as bad as they could be. I learned that every moment is holy, and should be cherished and taken advantage of. I’ve furthered my interest in the cosmic mind with the practice of mindfulness meditation, which I began practicing before, during, and after the program.

While this substance can negatively affect the individual, his community, and family; it can also be something used responsibly, and for spiritual purposes. As I have learned, even the darkness is just around the light.