In spite of our Constitutional guarantee of freedom from religion, drug taking is still treated as a sin, and drug rehabilitation is, in many instances, simply a form of penance. In every instance drug taking is viewed as abnormal. However, within the past two decades there is a growing understanding that all animals seek out experiences that will alter their consciousness. Many of these experiences are drug experiences. Humans seek out drugs, as we know, but so too do many other animals.
Birds gorge themselves on inebriating berries, then fly with reckless abandon.
Cows browse special range weed then twitch, shake, shudder, and stumble back for more. Elephants purposely get drunk on fermented fruits. Drug guilt Understanding and accepting that drug taking is a basic motivational drive will free one from the guilt about taking drugs. Euphoric drug taking gives one a sense of personal control. Such controlled drug taking is a form of empowerment and can lead to experiences of self-actualization.