Likes2Read wrote:I can honestly say that the thing that dampens my receptivity most is when depression runs out of control. Anti-depressants keep that in check for me, so I can function on ALL levels, not just the meta level.
Physical illness takes my extra senses largely offline, too. When I'm feeling better, everything shifts back to its normal state.
I can't honestly say I have had negative psychic effects from any medication I have legitimately needed. Sickness and injury have been problematic, but not the meds I've used to combat them.
^This has been my experience as well.
I think it's also important to remember that when a substance is used as an
entheogen rather than as a medical treatment for a problem you have it opens you up and makes you vulnerable in some way. For example, getting good and schnockered or even just lightly drunk can enhance an ecstatic experience but it also lowers your defenses. Therefore, if this is something you decide to do (or end up doing in the course of a really delicious ritual XD ,) you may want to ask for assistance in your own protection. Help from a protection team or from the spirits or entities you were already interacting with (if it is in your interests to trust them/Them--everyone's got their own agenda,) would not be a bad idea.