Drug Use Abroad

Drug Use Abroad:

Gateways to New Experiences, Uncharted Consequences, and Cultural Exploitation

You’re a student abroad, living new and different experiences, expanding your definition of the world and its people; so when the opportunity presents itself to take part in the drug culture, do you puff or pass? Where can students draw the line between keeping an open mind and risky activity?
The culturally informed traveler should ask him or herself a series of questions:

• ‘What is the cultural norm in this situation?
• What are the possible dangers and consequences of this?
  
• What impact does this particular substance have on the people, culture, worker’s rights, or the economy?
  
• Will this experience bring me closer to the culture or push me away?’

Participating in a tradition or practice involving drugs has the potential to bring one closer to the core of cultural standards, but as an outsider, it can also be seen as exploitative, and moreover, potentially dangerous. Knowing the risks and possible consequences related to any particular substance are important in making an informed decision about drinking or drug use abroad. Every study abroad handbook warns students about drugs abroad, but never really divulge the details for these concerns.
In my experience, the cultural norms and one’s own personal comfort level have much to do with making informed decisions while abroad. That said, and because this article is public forum, my experiences abroad have also taught me that one certainly does not want to find him or herself in a situation where authorities become involved in a drug experience abroad. As a foreigner, travelers give up many of the rights that may be legally guaranteed in the States, like due process and protection from police brutality or bribery. The bottom line is there is a risk factor any time travelers participate in illegal activity.
Students need to learn the cultural norms for both young adults and the overall culture, as these two norms often tend to diverge. For example, I was talking to some of my friends who studied abroad in mainland Europe and also in the British Isles, where they experienced a very relaxed standard for drinking in the streets and city parks, a practice that is not legal in the States. Generally, this is something young adults and students are permitted to do, although it is technically illegal in many European nations. If the drinking is kept relatively tame, the police tend to look the other way. Even though this is a culturally accepted practice, students should be well informed that there is still potential for legal trouble and personal safety concerns.

In addition to personal and legal dangers these decisions may have, there is also another factor to consider: cultural exploitation. I am talking of course about drug tourism. Where can a student draw the line between exploring a culture and exploiting a tradition? As ceremonial drugs are a part of certain cultures in varied regions, having these experiences has the potential to bring one closer to the beliefs and traditions of the society. However, I think more often than not, tourists are focused on the drug and not on exploring the cultural roots of the experience.
For example, in the Amazon region there is a sacred ceremony based on the guided consumption of the hallucinogenic ayahuasca plant. The ayahuasca plant and accompanying ceremony is a very sacred tradition in shamanistic healing, a ceremony that demands much respect and preparation. I talked to one shaman who told me he would not conduct the ceremony unless the recipient lived with him for at least fifteen days, meditating, reflecting, and keeping a special purifying diet in preparation for the ceremony. Clearly, there are still many true shamans who take the practice very seriously.
Unfortunately, walking around the city of Iquitos, it becomes quite apparent that this ceremony is being exploited farther than its intended use. One can find bottled ayahuasca vended in the open air markets and the streets are littered with advertisements for ayahuasca journeys with a shaman. Interestingly enough, these advertisements are generally next to, or a part of, eco-tourism advertisements. The problem is that this very potent drug is not meant to be taken recreationally; it can be very dangerous if not administered by a true master of the holistic spiritual and healing arts.
When I was in Iquitos, there were reports in the newspaper of female tourists being violated while under the influence of the drug. Other consequences include simply becoming violently ill for six to twenty-four hours after ingestion. In this particular case, there is not much risk of being arrested or getting in trouble with the law, but there are personal safety concerns to consider in addition to the exploitation of a religious tradition. On the other hand, this specific aspect of the culture may be worth exploring for the more adventurous and more prepared traveler. It can reveal an aspect of the religion and culture of the Amazon region not available in readings or tours. If treated with respect and caution, there are some traditions that may be learning experiences for travelers.
With all the personal growth and expanding experiences abroad, many students abroad have a more relaxed view on drinking and drug use, but there is a very fine and somewhat blurry line between expanding ones mind and poor decision making. Even in this mind frame, students still have to consider the consequences of being ‘caught in the act.’ Ask yourself, ‘what rights do I have as a foreigner in this country?’
Observing local culture and simply discussing theses issues before hand will be helpful to making an informed decision. Understanding the cultural norms, the potential risks, as well as the laws and legal system of the host country will surely inspire informed decision making while abroad.