Drugged

In some indigenous cultures drugs were used for spiritual or sacred ceremonies or rituals to bind he members of the group together. Participants moved out of themselves to a higher plane of consciousness or experience. The drugged person is not his normal self, not attuned to normal daily responsibilities. The drugged person is guided and protected by the shaman.

In contemporary America this is surely not the case. The drugged person is not guided, but manipulated by others. The protection only comes after the fact and at great cost to the individual, the family and society. The range of drugs is extensive: opioids, heroin, cocaine, alcohol, mindless entertainment, shopping and more.

All of these drugs offer escape from society, personal ecstasy of some kind. The use of drugs in indigenous societies brings the individual into a deeper connection with his society. Contemporary use of drugs take the individual out of society and his responsibilities to it.