Is There A Relationship Between Drugs And Creativity?
The use and abuse of drugs and psychoactive substances has traditionally been related to the ability to create and innovate, to the point that a large number of celebrities from the world of art, music and even science have linked their achievements and creations with drug consumption.
However, the scientific evidence surrounding this association is not so clear, and the question of If drugs really make us more creative
Drugs and narcotics are a series of substances consumed with the intention of altering mood, experiencing alternative sensations and in some cases trying to enhance physical and mental performance. Nevertheless Its side effects on the body can be extremely harmful and dangerous.
It is necessary to specify that this article is not intended to encourage or support drug use. Instead, we will try to shed a little light on the myths and beliefs related to drug use and the development of creativity.
To do this, it is necessary to know what direct effects drugs have on our brain functioning and thus be able to discern whether they really facilitate creative processes or, on the contrary, inhibit and hinder them.
On a general level, narcotics or drugs, both legal and illegal, cause a series of changes in the body. Its action on the biochemical reactions of the brain stimulates or inhibits neuronal functioning, which has numerous effects both physically and psychologically
In the case of cannabis, it tends to act on the metabolic processes that regulate mood and pain, among many others. On the other hand, cocaine is known to significantly increase dopamine levels in the body, generating large amounts of energy but also being highly addictive.
As for heroin, it causes a feeling and experience of ecstasy in the person. highly associated with feelings of extreme happiness but its effects on respiratory function can be lethal.
Enhance creativity with substances? Let’s clarify
In short, regardless of the type of substance of abuse that is consumed, it will change the way our brain works. Now, science must establish If these changes occur directly on the brain processes related to creativity or if it is a secondary or collateral effect of the pleasurable and ecstatic sensations that they cause.
Whatever the conclusion, the side effects of these can be so disastrous, and even deadly, that it is necessary to stop and think about whether it is really worth the risk.
What do the studies say?
Contrary to what is stated in some artistic contexts, according to which the consumption of drugs and narcotics considerably increases people’s creativity, a study carried out at the Eötvös Loránd University in Budapest by the expert in addiction psychology Zsolt Demetrovics , this association is not so simple, considering that there are still nuances. The objective of this research was to demonstrate If the claim that drugs promote creativity was just a myth or if, on the contrary, there is empirical evidence that supports it.
Demetrovics and his collaborators carried out a systematic review of the articles related to this issue, as a result of which they discovered that there were only 14 empirical studies and 5 case studies in which an attempt was made to answer the relationship between drugs and creativity. Which constitutes a very small number in relation to the importance of the topic.
Another added problem is that the majority of empirical research reviewed presented methodological problems such as too small samples of participants, standardized assessment instruments, and self-reported data. After conducting an exhaustive review of these articles, it was found that there was a very general association between creativity and substance use. But none of them failed to provide any kind of substantial evidence that drug use directly increased creativity. Therefore, the conclusion Demetrovics came to was that there really is no direct link between these two factors.
On the other hand, it was perceived a trend that associated people with high creativity with drug use , and high creative capacity may be a risk factor for drug consumption, and not the other way around. In addition, it was also evidenced that drugs had the ability to substantially alter a person’s artistic approach, but not increase their creative production.
Finally, Demetrovics participated in a qualitative study with a sample of 72 people who were professionally dedicated to the art world. The majority of these participants revealed that the consumption of substances such as alcohol and cannabis helped them balance the intense emotional states typical of the creative process, thus facilitating the emergence of new ideas and creativity.
However, despite the testimonies of the participants, a direct causal relationship between drug consumption and the increase in creative abilities could not be specified or established, leaving the answer still up in the air.
Science, art and drug use
There are many cases and stories that link great celebrities from the world of art, music, literature and even science with drug consumption, reaching the point that the artists themselves have publicly declared that these facilitated and enhanced the use of drugs. creative process.
It is well known that a large number of artists and composers turn to drug use to find inspiration , as well as to increase their performance on stage. Although there are dozens of cases, Jim Morrison’s is one of the best known, both for his talent and for his unfortunate end.
The vocalist of The Doors went through numerous depressive and traumatic episodes that he tried to overcome through his musical creations and drug consumption. Surely, Jim Morrison’s immense talent was independent of drug use, but he clung to them as an engine of inspiration and as a means to regain strength.
However, drug addiction increasingly wore down his creative capacity, as well as his physical condition, causing his death at only 27 years old.
2. Aldous Huxley and inspiration through LSD
The prolific writer, author of great works such as Brave New World (1932) or The Island (1962), who tried his luck with painting and even parapsychology; He even attributed the potential of his creativity to the consumption of LSD However, he himself warned of the dangers of their consumption, as well as the dependency that they can cause.
3. Science, technology and drugs
There are many other stories about the drug-taking tendencies of a host of famous inventors, scientists, and technological geniuses. One of them is the famous inventor Thomas Alva Edison known for consuming a substance known as “cocaine elixir” which contained this substance combined with wine.
Another example is that of the well-known computer magnate Steve Jobs, who acknowledged having consumed LSD on some occasions with the aim of enhancing his creativity and expanding the limits of his mind.
