Can the creative writing process be assisted by drug use?

[The Backward OX]

For some years I’ve attempted creative writing, but it has always been a struggle. By nature I’m an uptight person. Uptightness and creativity don’t go together. I don’t drink. I wondered whether unwinding with the use of pot might help my creativity.

Thoughts?

[Cochonette]

A former roommate of mine, who is brilliant and very creative, told me she used to use a small amount of pot to stimulate her creative writing. That said, I wouldn't call it a guarantee, especially if it's been a real struggle for you. If you're not writing in a disciplined way, i.e. every day, it would probably be better to work on that first. That roommate of mine was and is one of the most self-disciplined people I've known.

[VinceG]

Generally, things produced on drugs are only going to be interesting to other people who use that drug. Drugs change the patterns of your mind, and since relatability is so important to creativity, it's not a great idea to create stuff on them. Others won't be able to relate.

[AndrewJen]

Yes and no. The short answer is to follow your heart on this matter.

There are BRILLIANT people who do not use drugs.
There are BRILLIANT people who do use drugs.

Being creative has nothing to do with using drugs, it has to do with expressing an idea or feeling.

You say you've attempted creative writing for years, but you're still uncomfortable doing it? Drugs aren't going to fix that, especially a little pot, in my opinion. I don't think linking drug use to lifestyle choices is a good idea, I think drugs, if taken, should be taken for the experience of taking them. Don't use it as a crutch to loosen up your creative flow.

Try...

-different writing environments? (cafes, outside somewhere nice, kitchen table, garage, in the shower, sitting on the toilet, who knows what area may become sacred to you :P)
-different states of mind? (try writing in different moods, or when your with friends, or when you're resting and a small idea starts to develop)
-different times of day/night? (sacrificing sleep for the creative hour is worthy)
-traveling? (you can literally travel somewhere new, or just go for a walk with the intention of being inspired to write)
-poetry, short stories, create a character and develop who they are, etc

Some advice that might help you is to realize you have a million crappy ideas in you no matter how great you think you are. Its the creative process, illustrators and writers "puke" out many ideas sketches and thumbnails that go unseen or are trashed immediately, but through practice you start finding your gems.

Also write about what matters to you, you should enjoy it and not feel unfulfilled. Commit to writing SOMETHING, and revise it later.

[elucidate]

I disagree with what Vince says, in regards to creativity being purely about relating with others. You can paint just for you and you don't have to show anyone else, if that is your wish.

Pot and LSD have been renowned drugs to use in the creative process, and it might help you...it might not? You won't know until you try for yourself really.

Jimi Hendrix was constantly on LSD while he was performing, and most of his fans seemed to relate quite well with him...although they were probably also on LSD. Most famous singers in the twentieth century were either alcoholics or drug users, and it didn't seem to hurt their creativity too much...though it usually killed them.

I think if you try it and feel like it helps you relax, as it does for many people, then you will naturally be able to slip into a prime state for being creative. If it doesn't, maybe try yoga or meditation. This is probably a better option to try before resorting to drugs infact...but it's up to you.

I'm an artist, and pot doesn't really help me create, but other artists swear by it.

[Supertramp]

George Carlin, the greatest Comedian and Thinker told once in an interview that after taking drugs or drinks, his creativity simply soared!! and his wacky thoughts during his early days were all a result of the drugs. But in the same interview he said about the drug's detrimental effects, something that goes like this - "Initially the pleasure part is so much and there is no pain part, but in the later stages the pain is more and the pleasure is fleeting. Finally, there is no pleasure but only pain. At that time you realize, 'This doesn't work!!!!!'".
So it's best to take the advice of the Wise-old wacky Sage!!

[Andrew Gubb]

I guess experiment, but if you find something healthier that works for you then go for that.

My personal approach would be to dissect my mind and try to find, through introspection, the root of my uptightness. Then I'd clear it. Also, EFT and other things can be useful in clearing blocks.

[AndrewJen]

Originally Posted by Andrew Gubb

I guess experiment, but if you find something healthier that works for you then go for that.

My personal approach would be to dissect my mind and try to find, through introspection, the root of my uptightness. Then I'd clear it. Also, EFT and other things can be useful in clearing blocks.

Yeah, I second introspection/meditation. I have a couple friends who are uptight and easily stressed, I know the roots of some of their problems but hope they find it for themselves. (they're in a bit of a spiritual crisis, trying to uphold a belief system that their experience is chipping away at)

[sorter]

Creativity, maybe. More perspective, definitely.
But you can't fool mother nature.
What goes up must come down.
The next day you'll likely not be able to write anything.
People react to pot differently. I can't do anything on pot.

I find continuous writing very helpful for creativity and blockage.
Write or type continuously for at least 30 minutes.
Don't censor anything. If you get stuck typing the same word over and over, stick with it. It will change.
Then distill some of the ideas if needed.
Sometimes I don't need to correct much and can use it as is.

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[journaljunkie]

As a writer who also struggles with creativity, I can only say skip the drugs and give yourself permission to write drafts.

There's no such thing as good writing, only great re-writing. I'm in the publishing biz, too, and worked with a lot of bestselling authors in my country. I guarantee that 99% of what they create never sees the light of day. Going through the bad stuff helps you get to the good stuff.

Trust yourself. Trust the process. You don't need the drugs.

[JHL]

Originally Posted by journaljunkie

Trust yourself. Trust the process. You don't need the drugs.

I second that.

Everyone has something unique to contribute specifically because of their unique idiosyncrasies and foibles. Taking drugs to sweep yours aside would be to do yourself and your audience a major disservice.

[sorter]

Would the music of the 60s and 70s be as good without drugs?
Would Sgt. Pepper's exist?

They're rhetorical questions but my guess is, no.

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