My girlfriend and I have found that snorting some cocaine and methamphetamine together provides the most intense experience. The meth really lets you get into the holiness of the action, while the coke adds a hedonistic element. I've tried smoking cocaine (crack) but found that it's terrible for davening (as well as for anything else)..the experience isn't heightened all, but rather dulled. And acid was too weird..made everything seem unholy, mechanical, and just plain ridiculous, but maybe I took too much. Anyone else have any favorite drugs for davening, studying Torah? I haven't tried alcohol, heroin, pot, or ecstasy ...what are those like?
before anyone starts moralizing...
RECREATIONAL DRUG USE DISCLAIMER: All drugs, including alcohol, should be used in moderation and infrequently. Only an idiot uses drugs so frequently that he gets hooked. Don't be an idiot. Even a single drug use is followed by an unpleasant withdrawal period. Sit through this period and don't use again until quite a while after your chemistry and state of mind is back to normal. Otherwise, addiction may begin. Recreational drugs, including alcohol, should only be used by those with exceptional self-discipline and a firm grip on reality. Never inject drugs. Do not take stimulants if not in good physical and aerobic condition with a healthy heart. Some drugs, including alcohol,
may cause unnacceptable damage to the body or brain, so research thoroughly first. Don't drive under the influence of drugs. Don't underestimate the danger of alcohol even though it's legal. Resarch drug interactions (including with alcohol) before experimenting with combinations on yourself. Some combinations can be extremely hazardous or fatal. Be aware that potencies may vary considerably due to the unregulated nature of the black market, so exercise caution. Avoid law enforcement officers. Some nations, such as the United States of America, have highly draconian drug laws. If you are arrested by police for purchasing, possessing, or using illegal drugs, it can result in
lengthy jail sentences and property confiscations, thereby resulting in lost wages, mental anguish, and broken families. If you have children or other dependents, consider what would be the effect on them if you became incarcerated for a long period of time. Always consider the risk/reward ratio in all aspects before buying or using drugs. Because drug prohibition by governments enables a black market, be aware that some of the money you use to pay for illegal drugs may ultimately be used to fund violent criminals including terrorists. Never allow children to use drugs. Don't give drugs to someone who you know does not have the intelligence and discipline to understand and follow the above recommendations.
Some rabbis take exception when you show up to their shul stoned out of your mind and start singing and dancing with the rebbetzin.
Amalek writes: Seriously - you have taken your share of (legal) mood-altering drugs in your day. What effect do they have on the religious experience, particularly when davening? Is there some sort of synergistic effect? More fundamentally, have you ever had a religious experience while davening? I know I have not.
Luke says: They make me more calm and enhance my ability to concentrate. I have a religious experience while davening about 10% of the time, and 90% of the time, even though I feel nothing while davening, I walk away feeling better.
