Got a question for Dr. S., or interested in a confidential consultation? Email steve_schwartzberg@yahoo.com.
Dr. S. is a clinical-psychologist, former Harvard Medical School academic, serious Buddhist meditator, and Body Electric instructor. Address your questions for Dr. S. to info@ fagrag.com with “ShrinkRap” in the subject line.
Q:
Dear Dr. S., Am I the last person on earth who hasn’t tried ayahuasca or psilocybin? I’m guessing that most of my friends have done psychedelics at least once. I want to, but the snag is that I’m in recovery. I’ve been sober for six years and absolutely don’t want to fuck that up. My program sponsor thinks I’m insane for even considering it, but I feel like I’m missing out. Can I still be sober and make an exception for ayahuasca? – Sober but curious.
A:
Dear Sober But Curious, Great question. I’m delighted that sobriety has been beneficial in you life, and fully support you not wanting to jeopardize that. the key question is whether experimenting with psychedelics will jeopardize that. you will find no shortage of people with strong opinions about this. In many ways, twelve step programs are amazing. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), and similar programs may well be the most effective grassroots healing organizations every devised. Deep bows if you have used a twelve step program to get and keep your life on track. At the same time, the 12-step model is not perfect, and it’s not for everyone. For one thing, it does not recognize non-binary thinking: either you’re an addicr or you’re not. If you’re not an addict, there’s not a problem – it assumes you can engage with moderation. But if you’re an addict, from this perspective all substances could trigger an addictive pull and are to be avoided. Anything non-prescribed is off-limits, regardless of your intent for use or specifics about the substance in question. Let’s try a different lens. To offer a gross distinction, all substance use can be considered recreational vs. nonrecreational. This includes psychedelics. Recreational use involves partying, getting high, zoning out, seeking thrills, escaping challenges.
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