10/29/2026
Holistic Reflections on Psychoactive Substances - Tap Images to read
*Text Version*
Disclaimer: This post is for educational purposes and do not constitute medical advice. Reading or engaging with this post does not constitute the start of a patient-doctor relationship.
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Coffee, Tea, Alcohol and Drugs
Generally, these items combat boredom; clearing out creative energy the individual didn’t find another way to spend.
Occasionally, these substances may bring create insight into consciousness, guiding the user as to how better to live their life.
This feeling of authentic guidance - when seen as accessible through other means, too - e.g. through quiet time meditating in nature, bathing, showering, or being still - Can help an individual to grow.
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However, when this feeling is linked to the belief that it’s ‘only available through the substance, it’s easy for a pattern of abuse to form.
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In these cases, the individual only feels connected to their self
when partaking in or under the influence of the substance.
Over time, it fills their mind and their life, taking the space of other
important things - creative impulses, hobbies,
emotional availability in relationship.
Because it’s become a daily rhythm,
the individual may not recognize the
extent to which it’s taken freedom
from these other aspects of life -
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At least until they take a long enough break;
or infuse enough nutrition, movement and meaning into life
to feel the reality of their heart.
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In the writings referenced below, the author tackles the complex topic of coffee, which has principles pertaining to any dependence-producing substance.
In short - Any drug’s effects depend on the individual, the dosage, and the delivery (ie espresso, coffee, fresh, old, instant, etc.).
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Individual factors include fitness, tolerance to the substance, genetics, and other substances in the system (ie hormonal birth control). Drugs, herbal or plant medicines
can provide short-term assistance to an individual out-of-balance.
E.g. coffee may function as a laxative, or a decongestant.
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However, used regularly over a long period of time - more and more is required to achieve the same affect - and they tend to weaken other parts of the system.
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Individuals may use substances for any number of reasons:
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emotional stability or contentment, escape from reality, addicted and
trying to maintain normalcy, curiosity and transformation, recreation/
boredom, getting into flow, social acceptance.
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For energy, insight, or transformation - Few things are more reliable, and nourishing-to-health than proper nutrition and movement in nature.
These practices connect the individual to the same “Nature Spirit/ Teacher”
That comes in when using Spirit-Medicine
(ie Psychoactive Substances)
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The power of a substance is that it can provide access to this “Nature-Teacher”
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More quickly and with less effort
(than the practices mentioned).
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The dark side is that such experiences can tax the organ systems, Leaving the individual weaker, and making it more challenging to embody the insight gained.
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For this reason, psychonauts - the term used for those who researched and experimented with the benefits of psyche-delic (meaning “mind-changing”) substances - recommended waiting a minimum of 6 months between psychedelic experiences (Fadiman, 2011).
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Personally, the author has found that a regular nature practice -
the sort described in this manual - brings him the clarity he used to seek through psychedelics.
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Since the nature practice also nourishes the body - building strength and bone density - They make it easier to follow through on a dream.
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Unlike psychedelics -
The author can also fit this practice into his work day!
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He recommends anyone who feels called to psychedelics or psychoactive materials to first nourish their bodies,
and go on a long hike.
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If that doesn’t satisfy the curiosity, go on one more long hike,
using the method in this manual. If the curiosity still persists,
then the plant teacher may have something to share.
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Research as much as possible about the substance,
Including safe and effective use.
Develop a plan for optimal experience,
and for integrating afterwards.
If the experience continues to call,
follow it,
with safety in each step,
and with open heart.
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To read more about navigating a healthful relationship with caffeine,
and other substances -
even if abstaining, visit the link in the comments!
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To work with a practitioner on creating a lifestyle that is abundant with fulfilling alternatives to stagnating use, call us at (509)-281-5175 to discuss your situation and to see if it's a good fit!
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References
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1. Fadiman, J. (2011). The Psychedelic Explorers Guide: Safe, Therapeutic, and Sacred Journeys. Park Street Press.
2. Weil, Andrew. (2004). The Natural Mind: A revolutionary approach to the drug problem. Harvest: New York, New York, USA.
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Disclaimer: This post is for educational purposes and do not constitute medical advice. Reading or engaging with this post does not constitute the start of a patient-doctor relationship.
Stopping regular use of alcohol or other psychoactive substances may lead to withdrawals requiring close medical attention. Please consult the appropriate licensed health professionals, prior to making any major health changes.
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Concluding
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In general, coffee, tea, alcohol, and other drugs may strongly affect the practitioner.
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Reading about the pros and cons of using a particular substance, & observing how it’s use interacts with life’s priorities -
makes it easier to understand the overall effects of use,
and to make healthful choices regarding it.
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If a practitioner is using a substance every day -
without having taken a break,
It’s challenging to understand completely
how a substance is affecting
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their health, emotions, and life.
e.g. For those practitioners who want to, or feel they need to explore life
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without one of their regular plant friends -
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whether alcohol, cannabis,
caffeine (or something else),
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Experts recommend a 20 to 90-day break. This amount of time (the longer, the more profound, though the more daunting to begin) (20 can be an easy starting goal)
is usually long enough to discover
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What need or want the substance meets,
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and how to achieve that same need or want
an other Way
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Even if the practitioner returns to their regular pattern of use, they do so with renewed awareness and appreciation
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1. For their capacity to live happily without the substance
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2. For what that substance represents to them, and why they choose to include it in their life.
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They may gain a deeper sense of the pros and cons of the substance.
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They may find they no longer want or need it,
or that they enjoy it differently.
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They may find they want to give it up,
but that it serves an important purpose for now;
and that they will let go of it again,
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once they feel resourced enough
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to make it happen for good.
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“The chief advantage of drugs is that they are quick and effective,
producing desired results without requiring effort.
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Their chief disadvantage is that they fail us over time;
used regularly and frequently,
they do not maintain the experiences sought,
and instead, limit our options and freedom.”
- Andrew Weil (1971, 2004)
The Natural Mind, pg. XIV, Preface
