Altered states are key to healing and bliss .
The quest for the altered state can also bring torment to the searcher. The altered state of hypersexuality occasioned by the use of crack is a case in point. I've personally had several sweat lodge experiences and recommend the process but must confess I finally found the Native American ritual not to my taste. I'm resistant to group gropes and collective worship in general and have difficulty in signing up to dogma and ritual. The experience can be taken out of the Native American context without significant loss though I suspect that most people would enjoy, if not prefer, the charm of the authentic Native American rituals.