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OfflineEndlessness
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Semantic considerations on drug-related discussions
    #8523928 - 06/14/08 03:18 PM (15 years, 8 months ago)

here´s a text I wrote about misleading terminology and expressions in drug-related discussions




consideration on drug-related vocabulary and discussions

In the 1950s, two linguists, Edward Sapir and Benjamin Lee Whorf, brought the so called Sapir-Whorf hypothesis, which says that thought is determined by language. For these two linguists, the lack of a certain word in a specific language, for example, will imply in the lack of possibility for the speakers of that language to even be able to think of that concept. So if a society doesn’t have the word ´time´, they could not think of time. This hypothesis was very criticised, though, by specialists like Steve Pinker who refused this idea of radical linguistic determinism. In spite of these criticisms, the contribution remains of a general connection between thought and language, maybe not in such a causal deterministic way but existing nonetheless

We know that in the media, for example, the words affect the content and meaning of a message. Two headlines talking about the same thing could say “guru drinks booze to supposedly feel God” or “Priest participates in ceremony with holy sacrament”. In the particular case of the discussion about drugs, we see clearly the effect of words and how public opinion is affected and/or reflected by the terminology in use. It is pertinent, therefore, that we deepen in this linguistic subject so that we may provide, at least indirectly, with a help to society in dealing with different substances in a less biased way.

An aspect that permeates this discussion is the semantic poverty in general. The word ´drugs´, for example, is largely used in our society in many misleading ways. The term ´drugged´ or ´druggie´, for example, has no practical function or social benefit, and reflects a generalizing and prejudiced view. It is fundamental that there is a clear distinction in which substance we are talking about, so we can more accurately access if there is use or abuse, if help is needed and if so, how to act. We need to know if it is somebody addicted to legal tranquilizers, taking a headache pill, drinking his weekly wine glass or having a heroin overdose. “Drugged” is not enough.

And here we get to another crucial matter: The fact that the word ´drugs´ in the common use is connected only with illegal substances. A clear example of this is the common expression of ´alcohol and drugs´, used not only popularly but in companies, propaganda, scientific research and in the academic world. Alcohol is a drug, so it does not make sense to talk of drugs and alcohol. The distinction between legal and illegal drugs is not an objective one, connected to the effects and possible damage and side effects, but a distinction of political and historical motivations (which as casey hardison well said, bares resemblance with the motivations that maintained racism, laws against women voting and homosexualism, etc) . It is of extreme importance, therefore, that when we used the word ´drugs´, we include all the different classes of substances, legal and illegal, including alcohol, tobacco and medication. If not, the speech will only reproduce the political bias, lack of objectivity and consequently increase the lack of understanding, making it difficult for society to find solutions to better deal with all these different substances.

More specifically in the case of the so called hallucinogens, there are several pertinent considerations to make. First is about this definition itself. The term hallucinogens is inappropriate because it is based on incorrect, incomplete or misleading premises. The word itself denotes an over-valuing of the visual aspect of the experience, whilst a phenomenological analysis will show that the vision is not the only and neither necessarily the main part of the effect. Aspects such as the alternative corporal perceptions, different feelings, deep insights and sensation of transcendence, ego loss and unity, for example, are also just as fundamental.

Another argument against this definition is the fact that a hallucination is in general considered to be a perception without any base on reality, which in many levels does not accurately describe what happens when ingesting these substances. The perceptions and visions are indeed in many cases strong and bring a sensation of truth, but it is not true that in the majority of cases they are mistaken for consensus reality. It may seem to the user be valid in a deep way, but in most cases it is experienced qualitatively different than consensus reality, therefore cannot be called ´true hallucinations´ (which would be the case in intoxication by poisons or ingesting deleriant drugs such as Datura). Besides, we see that in great part the visions are not disconnected with the reality of the individual because they bring forward symbolic content which is important and useful to the experience and context of the individuals, possibly being objects of learning and later on basis for changes and practical actions in their lives.

The term hallucinogens also brings a charge from the western psychiatric model where there is a distinction between ´normal´ and ´pathological´, based not on the capacity of the individual to deal with the experience (and the possibility of incorporating the visions positively and in practical ways in his reality), but in a statistic analysis of what is common, usual, consensual, felt by the majority. I will not extend about the subject of the dictatorship of normality, but will simply mention that the great changes and paradigmatic transformations in the history of mankind happened exactly by people who did not fit in normality (Copernicus, Einstein, Tesla, all the initial spiritual visionaries and so on). What we must consider is the contextual value of the experience and how one deals with it, and not whether it is common or not, since someone may have unusual ideas but be able to act in the consensual world and transform society positively. For us to arrive in such a change of values, we need to before surpass the pejorative and misleading definitions such as hallucinogens.

In the psychiatric terminology, the psychoactive substances are divided in three main categories: Psycholeptic (tranquilizers, downers), Psychoanaleptic (arousers, uppers) and psychodysleptic (hallucinogens, reality perturbing/distorting).  Once again we see a reducing and generalizing classification, whose limits impede it from dealing with the dynamic and crucial differences in the effect of drugs. Not to extend myself too much, in the case of the psychodysleptic, we clearly see the idea that it´s effects are undesirable, toxic, perturbing, distorting, negatively changing the perception of reality. There is no opening for viewing the possible therapeutic efficacy (at least not in the definition itself), as studies show, or neither any spiritual validity, as we see in it´s use in cults and religions, or in creativity enhancement, as was the case with nobel prize winners or in the silicon valley technological advancements. In other words many, if not most, of the cases do not fit the description. If experience systematically contradicts a classification, then we have a clear sign that this classification needs to change.

There are other three definitions which appear more appropriate to describe hallucinogenic drugs. First one is psychedelics. Etymologically it is maybe the one that more closely describes the experience, but the problem is it´s connotation with the hippie movement of the 60´s and the abuses then experienced. The word is a neologism coined by the British psychiatrist Humphry Osmond, derived from the ancient greek ψυχή (psyche) = Soul or Mind    and    δήλος (delos) = Manifesting.  In other words, psychedelics are substances that manifest or bring to the surface the soul/mind. This definition is in accordance with the experience, specially if we analyze the fact that, unlike many other drugs, the psychedelics have very unpredictable effects, highly dependent on the person ingesting, his/her mental content and history and the context where it is taken.

Another definition brought on by a group of ethnobotanists (Ott, Wasson, Schultes, Ruck, Bigwood, Staples) is entheogens. It´s origin is also in the ancient greek where entheos = God or divinity inside    and genesthe = generates. The entheogens, therefore, “generate the inner divinity (or divine inspiration)”. Here we also see a connection between these substances with the transcendental realm, and also the characteristic of them being used in sacred rituals. It is possible, though, to argument that entheogens would not be exactly a synonym to psychedelics because the first ones would necessarily be connected to spirituality, while psychedelics may be used by atheists and agnostics to enhance creativity, for example, without touching the question of spirituality.

Last, we have the term ´psychointegrators´ brought by Dr. Michael Winkelman, which defines an important aspect of these substances: the power to integrate different psychological processes, uniting non-linguistic behaviors and socio-emotional dynamics with rational thoughts. Besides, in the neurobiological realm, they promote, through limbic discharges, the interhemispheric synchronization.

Leaving behind a little the psychedelic part, there is still an expression that needs to be revised: altered states of consciousness. The word altered brings a connotation of something negative, incorrect, not normal. This is connected, of course, with the productivity ideals of the post modern rationalist capitalistic society, where if something is not connected to profit, production, material consumerism and tangible results possible of being transmitted and proved, then it is not valid or valued. I suggest the use of the expression alternative states of consciousness instead, because this brings an idea of equally valid alternatives and options of experiencing the world, each with it´s own unique characteristics, advantages and disadvantages, strong points and weaknesses.

We see, therefore, that when addressing the subject of psychoactive substances, it is important that we try to obtain a semantic enrichment and etymological accuracy, with adequate non-biased definitions to what we talk about, so we can deal in proper ways with each situation and case, avoiding prejudice and mistaken conclusion. To change the world we must first change ourselves and how we express ourselves, looking for ways to achieve a more encompassing understanding between all.


Edited by Endlessness (06/14/08 05:53 PM)


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OfflineEndlessness
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Re: Semantic considerations on drug-related discussions [Re: Endlessness]
    #8524829 - 06/14/08 08:28 PM (15 years, 8 months ago)

fixed a cpl of mistakes


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OfflineMushr00m_Man
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Re: Semantic considerations on drug-related discussions [Re: Endlessness]
    #8524927 - 06/14/08 09:00 PM (15 years, 8 months ago)

thats a ton of writting like a drug dictionary


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Offlineitsthedank
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Re: Semantic considerations on drug-related discussions [Re: Mushr00m_Man]
    #8525160 - 06/14/08 10:21 PM (15 years, 8 months ago)

Great read...i had no idea about these Psychointegrators


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Offlinehetfield
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Re: Semantic considerations on drug-related discussions [Re: itsthedank]
    #8526158 - 06/15/08 08:21 AM (15 years, 8 months ago)

thanks for the cool read man, I think you might really be right about the lack of positive/neutral drugrelated expressions


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OfflineEndlessness
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Re: Semantic considerations on drug-related discussions [Re: itsthedank]
    #8526179 - 06/15/08 08:37 AM (15 years, 8 months ago)

thanks :smile:

indeed I feel we must find better ways, it´s all just too manipulative and biased

as for the ´psychointegrators´ yeah this concept was brought by Michael Winkelman, a doctor which recently wrote a book called Psychedelic Medicine, which talks about all the recent researches about the possible therapeutic uses of these substances... The book seems really great but it costs 200 dollars! Too bad, thats way out of my league hehe..


Edited by Endlessness (06/15/08 08:39 AM)


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OfflineQuotation
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Re: Semantic considerations on drug-related discussions [Re: Endlessness]
    #8526398 - 06/15/08 10:47 AM (15 years, 8 months ago)

Wow. Great read. I've always held a little belief in Whorf's thoughts on language. I'm not sure what else to say other than awesome job and thank you for taking the time to write this!


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Most people don't know how they're gonna feel from one moment to the next. But a dope fiend has a pretty good idea. All you gotta do is look at the labels on the bottles.-DrugstoreCowboy

The world is like a ride at an amusement park- thrills and chills and it's very brightly colored and it's loud and fun, for a while. Some people have been on the ride for a long time, and they begin to question: Is this real, or is this just a ride? And other people have remembered, and they come back to us, they say, "Don't worry or be afraid, ever, because, this is just a ride" But we always kill those good guys who try and tell us that, you ever notice that? But it doesn't matter: It's just a ride. And we can change it anytime we want.-BillHicks.


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OfflineJustice_Fish
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Re: Semantic considerations on drug-related discussions [Re: Quotation]
    #8526447 - 06/15/08 11:06 AM (15 years, 8 months ago)

Wow. Really good text.


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InvisibleApollyphelion Happy Birthday!
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Re: Semantic considerations on drug-related discussions [Re: Justice_Fish]
    #8527140 - 06/15/08 03:06 PM (15 years, 8 months ago)

Very well written and I must admit
giddiness ensured to be immersed in
such a well composed article about psychedelics.
Thank you for the read!

I agree with approaching psychedelics
using terminology to accurately objectify
the experience for further progressions
in the field. If this act of quantifying was
proved to be effective I think psychedelics
would have to be even more mainstream. Would
this mean one would need to be versed in
an "Encyclopedia Psychedelia" in order for
to find definition in a patient who refuses
to define his experience using the reworked semantics?

I could use video game terminology to
describe accurately to a millennium baby, and dream terminology to accurately convey to grandma
correlatives to the psychedelic experience.
Either way I think I could get the message
across to a layman such as my grandma.

There are lot of points to address in this piece
and poses interesting and provocative discussion
and I shall think on this some more


--------------------

"I'm looking at you looking at it"

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Offlineusefulidiot13
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Re: Semantic considerations on drug-related discussions [Re: Endlessness]
    #8527178 - 06/15/08 03:21 PM (15 years, 8 months ago)

dude awesome i enjoyed reading that.

you put my thoughts into text pretty damn well.


im definitely going to let a few people i know read this:thumbup:


--------------------
What Would Dexter Do?


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Offlinejetpackjake
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Re: Semantic considerations on drug-related discussions [Re: usefulidiot13]
    #8527297 - 06/15/08 03:59 PM (15 years, 8 months ago)

great work :smile:  its a complicated issue in our society. and in my opinion, we are likely to lose if we look to the already biased to make it easier for us. we must order and inform ourselves. knowledge spreads. look at how street misinformation spreads. this paper could be a website in itself. i would love to work on this with you or anyone with this idea. i think the net is the beginning on this one. it's already reconnected the "psychedelic, entheogenic" world. like this forum and many others. we are here. now we must inform and unify the many different kinds of users in a way that does not conform the individuals intent. we must unify our diversity. papers like this explain this. i too think there needs to be a new terminology. one that encompasses all the intents and dimensions of the experiences, and perhaps then other terms under the tree. individual based, not lab coat definition based.

really inspiring to see stuff like this. level headed, informed, responsible movement with deep personal integration and motives makes my heart flutter.


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OfflineEndlessness
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Re: Semantic considerations on drug-related discussions [Re: jetpackjake]
    #8527824 - 06/15/08 07:19 PM (15 years, 8 months ago)

thanks people :smile: 

There are so many of these subjects that im sure all of us psychonauts have in our heads and feel should be discussed, but that rarely get written and expressed in more coherent and complete ways...  and it is important if we want to gain any legitimacy in society that we have good arguments and proper information to back up what we think.

Many times I had ideas about texts like this one just before I sleep or in the moment I wake up, but I usually ended up letting them pass.. So I decided to start writing, putting a form to the ideas.. Whenever I have something more developed, I will share with people, to get feedback, improve on the low points and so on..  and I think all of you people who feel they can write or paint or make music or contribute to the ´scene´ (whatever this means) in any way should do so

Another key point is obviously to not just ´talk´ about things, but to truly live our transformative ideas.. It´s no use talking about consciousness expanding and taking these substances, and then next day cutting people off in traffic, being wasteful or fighting with everyone in the family..  Nobody is perfect but we can try to get better in all sorts of ways..

jetpackjake, I definitely agree we need unify knowledge and all of that..  I would also be happy to work with you or anyone that has productive ideas :smile:

(is it the ´group hug´ moment already? hahaha)


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OfflineMaryjaneBrain
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Re: Semantic considerations on drug-related discussions [Re: Endlessness]
    #8528133 - 06/15/08 08:52 PM (15 years, 8 months ago)

So if thought really was spurred by language then that would mean that animals cannot think. Also what happens if someone is bilingual?


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Offlineusefulidiot13
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Re: Semantic considerations on drug-related discussions [Re: Endlessness]
    #8528492 - 06/15/08 11:19 PM (15 years, 8 months ago)

i know exactly what you mean about ideas for writing at certain times.  i have definitely let some slip by, too.

i love writing, and have always thought that just getting those ideas down and then going back to them to re-write and revise while in different moods or states of mind helps them develop tremendously. 

you are right.  i will definitely start writing more often and sharing with the community. 

it is funny you mention traffic and fighting with family.  i have been doing SOO well with these two things since i kicked an opiate problem.  i started reading castaneda and it really inspired me to try and forget self importance and really live every day as impeccably as i can.  i admit i still have a lot of trouble doing it, but i know that it must take years of practice to create an impeccable warrior anyways.  just keep doing your best and truly learn from mistakes.

:lol: thanks man...i am in a really great mood:sun:

:gethigh:


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What Would Dexter Do?


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