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Yes, this is an interesting and valuable theory IMO. We see all across the world that cultures practiced using entheogens and substances to induce altered states of consciousness. To the Native Americans, Tobacco was used spiritually but to Western civilization Tobacco became more of a recreational drug. Using a drug just for fun or habit seems to defeat any benefits both psychologically and spiritually.
In my mind, chemicals can be valuable to consciousness, if not for "spirit pursuits" but for psychological ones as well. An example would be a trauma or an inability to socialize due to anxiety, taking a drug which creates a setting of peace- such as pot or a sedative, can actually greatly improve a psychological association. But do drugs themselves change the quantum reality? Well I have no idea. But, I think it's all a matter of our perceptions at the brain level.
On a side note: I do know there have been reports of induced psychic phenomena through drugs. That just boggles my mind. Can a drug really put you outside yourself? It brings a lot to the table, such as the idea that our brains are capable of more than we are yet aware of.
I also think that you can altar your perception without drugs. I've been reading a book The Power of the Actor. In the book, there's a section that describes ways of tricking your mind to feel like you are drunk or high. It's kind of fun, and you'll start to feel the effects. Granted, not as intensely as the real thing for acting. But I imagine with some work you could trick your brain into thinking you were on a drug without actually taking it. That would be a kind of placebo effect.
One of the famous psychonauts, Aleister Crowley, did extensive work with achieving altered states in order to communicate to his interpretation of the divine. Psychodrama can help achieve these states, and gnosis. The problem with getting into those states is that you need a really tranquil open mind...to be in a child-like meditative state- or at least that's how it seems to work for me.
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