Alcohol and/or Drug Consumption Impact On Spirituality

[Deeje]

Whilst abuse of anything can be detrimental (even water) the controlled use of medicinal herbs can be extremely advantageous.

CASE IN POINT:

Look what happens to this German man with Tourette's Syndrome when he smokes a joint of marijuana. This is not a drug addict...this is a man who can show us how effective medicinal herbs can be in cases where the orthodox medical approach is useless. Yet this "drug" is still demonized in so many places. Thankfully the internet is getting the word out about how amazing this plant is as a medicine.

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=490682811304863

In his case, clear thinking ability and control of his symptoms would be beneficial for his spiritual development if he decided to pursue it. But no amount of drugs or lack of them, can make an unspiritual person into a spiritual one. Spiritual people are born...not made IMO.

Believing anything about herbal medicine from drug manufacturers or their supporters can lead to a load of misinformation. There is way too much money at stake for them to tell the truth about any of it.

Video: How Does Smoking Marijuana Hurt Your Brain?
https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/video/marijuana-brain-effects
Everything this MD says can be said about prescription drugs as well, supposedly tested and approved.
Cannabis is not addictive and can actually help addicts to get off harmful drugs. (including those who abuse prescription drugs)

Alcohol can dull the senses and remove inhibitions if it is over-consumed (which it too often is) There is a direct prohibition on drunkenness in the Bible. And recreational use of herbs that alter conduct or cause inhibitions to vanish is not something that the Creator would approve of either. We are to be in possession of our faculties in order to make wise decisions in life.

There is a big difference between taking medicine to get well, and wanting to smoke dope to get high.

 

[Vinayaka]

I think we have to keep the physical benefit and effects separate from the spiritual effects, in this debate. I'd take cannabis for pain relief, arthritis, glaucoma, or any other physical ailment that it proved beneficial for. But for spirituality, the clearer the mind the better ... by far.

 

[Vee]

Does consumption of alcoholic beverages or use of recreational drugs impact spiritual development? If so, how? If not, why not?

I suppose it depends on the amount you consume what what it does to your body.

Personally I don't take drugs. Don't want to pollute my body unnecessarily. Medicine only if it can't be avoided.
I do love a drink, specially wine and since I work in the industry wine tasting is a big part of my life. I don't drink to the point of intoxication because it would affect my capacities: physical and mental. That would inevitably affect me spiritually as well. If my brain doesn't work properly because of toxins that I deliberately consume, I can't be spiritually strong.