Understanding the human brain concerns more than just
neurologists; even the general public has expressed interest in the subject.
One of the ways the general public aims to comprehend our own consciousness is
through the use of recreational drugs.
When Albert Hoffman synthesized LSD for
the first time in 1938, he was trying to find a drug to help with respiratory
and circulatory problems (Bellis). Little did he know that he had accidentally
created a drug that would define a massive counterculture movement in America
(Rothstein).
Apart from the mass consumption of LSD and the culture that arose
around it, the use of LSD and mind-altering drugs also inspired Aldous Huxley’s
novels, The Doors of Perception and Brave New World, two novels that center
on drug use and quality of life (Vesna). This strange combination of science
and art can be linked back man’s innate desire to understand oneself. Whether
recreational drugs can give us more insight into our brains or not, it does
bring up ethical concerns. A commonly asked question is if we are treating too
many minor problems with unnecessary drugs. I say its up to the consumer. If the
help of a drug drastically increases their quality of life then it is worth it.
In a similar way, artists often use drugs to enhance their creativity when
producing art (Frazzetto 819). I think we can all say that we’ve experienced
some form of art that we were convinced was created under the influence. Regardless,
artists and scientists will always be inspired by the other’s work and in the
words of Jonah Lehrer, “‘science needs art to frame the mystery, but art needs
science so that not everything is a mystery,’” (Frazzetto 820).
REFERENCES
Bellis, Mary. "Albert Hofmann and the Invention of LSD." About.com Inventors. About.com, n.d. Web. 15 May 2015.
Carey, Benedict. "A Psychedelic ‘Problem Child’ Comes Full Circle." The New York Times. The New York Times, 03 May 2008. Web. 15 May 2015.
Frazzetto, Giovanni, and Suzanne Anker. "Neuroculture." Perspectives (2009): 815-21. Nature Reviews. Web. 14 May 2015.
Jung, Carl. "The Spiritual Problem of Modern Man." Collected Works of C.G. Jung, Volume 10: Civilization in Transition (2014): n. pag. Web.
Kakanos, Sotiris. Drugs. Digital image. Rabbit Science. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 May 2015.
Manson, Mark. Bad Acid Trip. Digital image. Mark Manson. N.p., 21 Jan. 2013. Web. 14 May 2015.
Pharmacopoeia. Cradle to Grave. Digital image. The British Museum. The British Museum, 2003. Web. 14 May 2015.
Rothstein, Edward. "A Mind-Altering Drug Altered a Culture as Well." The New York Times. The New York Times, 04 May 2008. Web. 15 May 2015.
Vesna, Victoria. "Unit 7." DESMA 9. United States, Los Angeles. 14 May 2015. Lecture
Hello Madison - I found your post very interesting to read! However, I do disagree with your statement about the consumer being the one to say if we are over prescribing drugs for minor problems or not. The consumer may not have the education and background information about the drug to make such a decision. Also, even if the drug increases their quality of life, in some cases this may be temporary and could have negative long-term side affects. I think these are things that need to be taken in to consideration in regards to this issue.
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