Please remember, this column is designed to help the consumer seeking behavioral-health information, and not intended to be any form of psychotherapy or a replacement for professional, individualized services. Opinions expressed in the column are those of the columnist and do not represent the position of other SelfhelpMagazine.com staff.

Question

I recently came across some internet sites selling "Legal Highs." Are these drugs really harmless?

Answer

Just because a drug comes from a natural source, it doesn't mean that it's safe. Opium comes from the opium poppy. Is it a safe drug because it's all natural? I don't think so. In a similar vein, it may be helpful to keep in mind that just because a drug has not yet been examined and found to be illegal, doesn't mean that it's safe. And usually the folks who are touting such a drug's safety are also trying to get you to buy it.

Creative minds are always trying to figure out ways for people to alter their state of consciousness while at the same time drain your wallet. So the bottom line is to be very careful what you put in your body in your quest to alter your state of consciousness and remember that the most powerful ways to alter your consciousness come from within.

11/18/98

Reid K. Hester, Ph.D.
Director, Research Division
Behavior Therapy Associates
3810 Osuna Rd NE Suite 1
Albuquerque, NM 87109
505.345.6100 ph
505.342.2454 fax
Behavioral Self-control Program for Windows