Addiction is such a prevalent condition among the counter culture within our society that it merits serious consideration. During my high school years, I quickly became a part of the outsiders' clique. We were the rebels of the school and even the teachers respected us. We didn't stand for rebellion out of pure disdain for authority but instead out of our belief that it was our time to declare our own sense of self authority. No doubt, there was a good deal of contempt for those who were trying to belittle this budding sense of autonomy. However, our goal was not to rise above those people but instead to be seen as equal and intellectual counterparts who deserved respect and admiration for our individual growth processes.

Along with this mentality of autonomy often came the desire to expand our perception. I remember how we would have philosophizing parties when all of us got together to discuss new ideas and ways of thinking about reality. At the time, it all seemed passive, like we were just having a good time. Yet there was always excitement in the air and as I look back, I notice that each time, something profound was happening. How amazing is it to have a group of friends that are so open to debating and shifting into new perspectives! The possibilities in life felt endless.

Although with time, I grew apart from these people because their possibilities and openness have all but diminished. It appears as though many of them fell into some pattern of addiction that prevents any new opportunities from availing themselves. What was once curiosity and openness to perception expansion has now created their greatest obstacle. That is to say, when they began to believe that the best way to expand their consciousness of perspective was through the use to psychoactive drugs, they immediately created a limit for themselves. I found that although their intent appeared humble and innocent on the surface, this was a facade more often than not. Their agenda about consciousness-expansion quickly became a cover-up for their escape from reality. Consciousness-expansion ceases to be expanding when dependence sets in. During the four years of being with these friends, I watched their experimentation with an objective perspective, because I myself was too afraid of losing my mind in a drug experience.

My friends' sense of curiosity planted the seed for a lifestyle that became very limited. Now, when I see them, I notice that they have no desire for fun if it doesn't involve being in an altered state of mind. Even sadder is that they are aware of their addiction but since their lives continue to function in a relatively healthy manner, they don't consider how liberation from the addiction might open new opportunities and possibilities in their life. They have become comfortable with their addiction and beliefs. Their relationship with drugs defines their personal identity, their social group, and their personal growth - every aspect of their lives is dependant on their drug use. With this in mind, it is crucial that a distinctive line is drawn between consciousness-expansion and escapism. When embarking on a drug experience, if this is truly a person's desire, honesty with oneself makes all the difference. If the intent is clear, and addiction is truly not present, then it might be arguable that the drug experience could produce a benefit. Still, it is often the case that people lie to themselves and others about their intent in using drugs. Expanding one's consciousness appears to be a good cause for desiring a drug experience. Unfortunately, this good intent often serves to hide a more complicated addiction.